Great Wall Tours

Hike on the wildest, most robust and restored section of the Great Wall! Our most popular hiking tours offer amazing photography, fewer tourists and a richer experience. Don't settle for less if you want to experience TRULEY the Great Wall.

•    Wild, well-preserved and original sections

These Great Wall hiking trails include wild, ruined, preserved, original, and reconstructed sections. The Jiankou section is the most difficult, then the Gubeikou section, west of Simatai. It is better to hike according to your physical condition and interests.

•    Interesting photograph

Hiking in the Wild Great Wall allows you to photograph original and authentic walls. The most popular sections to photograph are Jiankou, Jinshanling and Simatai sections. Don't miss the panoramic views and varied gradients.

•    Knowing the history

These recommended routes allow you to discover the different sections that have been built under different dynasties. Some of them were renovated during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). See the different bricks and get to know a little bit about fortifications in ancient China.

The Best Great Wall Hiking Routes

Since the original purpose of the Great Wall was military defence, almost all sections were built on mountain ranges, which mean steep slopes and uneven stairs, even in well-restored sections. If you are visiting a restored section, head to the end of the renovated area to see the unrestored part of the Great Wall.

For most visitors, we recommend Mutianyu and Jinshanling. These sections are safe and of medium difficulty for hiking. For those looking for a sporty hike on wild and unrestored sections of the wall, we suggest the routes from Gubeikou to Jinshanling or from Jiankou to Mutianyu.

These hiking trails include sections of the Great Wall that have been renovated and others that have been left as they are. Please note that hiking on the wild and unrestored parts of the Great Wall includes many steep slopes and loose rocks, and the trail can be very dangerous in some areas.

Camping on the Great Wall is generally prohibited, especially on the renovated parts. If you wish to spend a night on the Great Wall, we can take you to a watchtower on the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall where you can discover the life of an ancient soldier and admire the sunrise / sunset from the wall.

•    2-hour hike Difficulty: Mutianyu Great Wall

It is the most popular attraction in Beijing on Trip Advisor, and is often recommended for foreign travelers, in guidebooks and travel bloggers.

•    3-hour hike Difficulty: West Simatai - Jinshanling Great Wall

Simatai Great Wall is a wilder and more spectacular section with some restorations. The hike lasts about 3-4 hours, and arrives at the restoration part of Jinshanling.

•    5-hour hike Difficulty: Jiankou - Mutianyu Great Wall

A 5-hour hike from the wilder section in Jiankou to the restoration section in Mutianyu allows you to experience magnificent ruins and restorations.

The Best Time to Hike on Great Wall

For all sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, spring (April to June) offers a temperate climate suitable for hiking. From late April to early May, many trees begin to bloom, making it a particularly beautiful time to visit the Great Wall. Autumn is also a pleasant time because the climate is generally comfortable. From October to early November the leaves of the trees turn into autumn's colours.

The months of winter, from December to February, are cold and windy, but also much less frequented. July and August are hot and humid months that are not ideal for long hikes. It is best to avoid walking on the wall when it has rained or snowed, as some parts can be very slippery.

We recommend avoiding popular sections, such as Badaling, Juyongguan and Mutianyu, around public vacations of the National Day (1st to 7th of October) and the Spring Festival (usually in January or February). August is also a busy time for the Badaling and Juyongguan sections, because it is summer vacations of students.
 

FAQ about Great Wall Hike

1. Can anyone hike on the Great Wall?

Travelers between the ages of 5 and 70 have can hike on the Great Wall with us. But you should consider your physical conditions and factor of weather. Some steep sections are difficult, but your private tour guide is patient if you need more time or rest.

2. What is the condition of the hiking trail?

Every section has different conditions for hiking. There are some firm paved sections, and a few sections with loose bricks and dusty areas with small stones, partly repaired or restored to the original and crumbling ones. In general, the condition of trail is suitable for most travelers. It is recommended that you wear walking shoes that provide support and protection against the loose bricks or stones.