Jinshanling Great Wall Overnight Camping and Hiking Tour

Day 1: Beijing tour and Great Wall hike

You will be picked up from your hotel or appointed place, Firstly, the Forbidden City-- the largest surviving palace complex and the former home of the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasty.

After our tour you will walk across the street to China’s political nexus, Tiananmen Square. The largest public square in the world. The south of the square is marked by the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, while the center of the square is dominated by the Monument to the People’s Heroes. To the east is the National Museum of China, and to the west is the Great Hall of the People, home to China’s legislative bodies. The north of the square is dominated by the Gate of Heavenly Peace, known for its iconic portrait of Mao Zedong, and is the national emblem of China.

After you walk to Tiananmen Square you will stop for a Chinese lunch. You will then drive over to the Olympic Green, the center of the event that captivated the world for two weeks in August of 2008, and is where a majority of the Olympic events took place. The highlights that you will see today include the Bird’s Nest (officially known as the Beijing National stadium) and the Water Cube (the Beijing National Aquatics Center).

At about 3:30pm you will begin your drive to the Great Wall at Jinshanling, and then you should arrive at there at about 5pm. From the wall here you will be able to witness how the wall twists and winds along the steep mountain ranges.

At about 7:30 we’ll climb down from the wall to have dinner at a local farmer’s house. Home-made Chinese dishes, dumplings, rice, all will be served. At about 8 pm you will climb back on the Great Wall, where you will get to spend the night inside one of Great Wall's ruined watchtowers or by the Wall. Sleeping bags, tents, and other camping material will be provided. Safe and very peaceful.

Day 2: Great Wall hike from Jinshanling to Gubeikou, and return to Beijing (B, L)

Your day day started bright and early at 5:30 am so you can watch the gorgeous sunrise over the Great Wall. 

From 8 to 11:30, you will continue hiking Jinshanling, and you will pass about 20 watchtowers. As you proceed westward, you will notice that the wall gradually deteriorates into its natural state, which is an interesting contrast from the restored wall you initially experienced. 

There is a section on the wall that is part of a military base, so you will be able to walk and explore a quaint nearby local village.

At noon, you will break for a Chinese lunch, and then your driver will meet you to take you back to city center.