Walking the Great Wall

Overview:

The Great Wall is not only the treasure of Chinese civilization but also the masterpiece made by the ancient Chinese people, symbolizing the wisdom and bravery. Despite the vicissitudes, it still appears tough and glorious after centuries. Every year it attracts many tourists form all over the world. Go hiking along the Great Wall is like enjoying a time travel, which tell us the bygone days of ancient China and feast our eyes with beautiful landscapes of mountains and rivers.

Highlights:

· Go hiking and find the wild beauty in less-crowded sections of the Great Wall

· Explore and experience the local lifestyle of Beijing

· Visit the majestic Forbidden City and enjoy tasty local food

Itinerary:

·  Day 1 Beijing Arrival

You guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. If you arrive early, you can enjoy the relaxing afternoon at your leisure. For dinner, you will be in for a treat of Beijing Roast Duck.

Accommodation: Dong Fang Hotel (or similar)

· Day 2 Great Wall Huanghuacheng Section

This morning we will drive about two and a half hours to the lesser-visited section at Huanghuacheng. The highlight is the meandering Great Wall surrounded by lakes and swathed in verdant woods and yellow flowers. The hiking today is about 6 kilometers and it is relatively challenging. As a reward, the scenery along the way will be awe-inspiring. Tonight, we will live in a guesthouse near the destination.

Accommodation: Fengfuyuan Guesthouse, Huanghuacheng (or similar)

· Day 3 Mutianyu-Jiankou

In the morning, we will drive one and a half hour to Mutianyu, which used to be the northern barrier defending the capital city and the imperial mausoleum. Today’s hiking is about 13 kilometers from Mutianyu to Jiankou. Do not fear being bored--the gorgeous scenery along the way will feast your eyes. Tonight, we will also share a relaxing and cozy night in a local guesthouse.

Accommodation: Mr Zhao Guesthouse at Jiankou (or similar)

· Day 4 Jiankou’s Wild Wall

Today we will head to Jiankou Section, one of the steepest and the most perilous section of the Great Wall. Jiankou is renowned for the wild beauty taken on by the dilapidated walls.Till now, the wild wall section remains its original appearance. Today we will go trekking for 8 kilometers in total. It is a tough journey but will bring you an impressive memory.

Accommodation: Mr Zhao Guesthouse at Jiankou (or similar)

· Day 5 Great Wall Jinshanling Section

Today we will go trekking in the Jinshanling Section. Jinshanling Great Wall is the best-preserved section with the widest field of vision. It stretches 15 kilometers from Wangjing Building to Longyukou and is deeply loved by photographers. The hiking today is about 9 kilometers from Zhuandoukou Tower to Eastern Five Window Tower.   

Accommodation: Xiaocui Guesthouse at Jinshanling (or similar)

In the late afternoon, we drive to Gubeikou and enjoy a night there.

· Day 6 Great Wall Panlongshan Section

Today we walk the length of the Bubeikou’s Panlongshan Section and it is about 8 kilometers. En route, we will go pass many beautiful window towers, each of which can provide you with a new landscape. After a picnic lunch, let’s go back to the guesthouse and enjoy the splendid sunset along the way.

Accommodation: Yeshufang Guesthouse at Gubeikou (or similar)

· Day 7 Great Wall Crouching Tiger Section

Today we will explore Gubeikou Section which is somewhat dilapidated, therefore the original appearance is retained. We will go trekking from the northern gate to the top watch tower where we can enjoy a great view of Crouching Tiger Great Wall. The distance is about 3 kilometers and takes about three and a half hours. After sightseeing we go back to the starting point and meet the driver. Then we will drive back to Bejing for the night.

Accommodation: Dong Fang (or similar)

· Day 8 Beijing City Tour

Let’s discover the cityscape of Beijing together. In the morning, we’’ meander our way through the hutongs and visit the Palace Museum, namely the Forbidden City. The buildings are all covered with yellow glazed tile roofs with red columns and high walls beneath, symbolizing the noble status of the royal family. In addition to its magnificent appearance, the Palace Museum also houses numerous cultural relics and treasures. Visiting to the Palace Museum can help you travel for time and space and appreciate the time-honored Chinese culture.

In the evening, let’s watch a captivating Beijing opera and enjoy a substantial farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Dong Fang (or similar)

· Day 9 Departure

It’s time to say goodbye. Our trips ends today after breakfast and we will see you off in the airport. If you want to extend your stay in China, we are willing to make customized tour plans for you.

Meals included: Breakfast

Key Information:

Time             9 days

Transport    

Price             1300 U.S. dollars

Theme          hiking along the Great Wall

Included      Hotel pick-up and drop-off

                     Private air-conditioned car

                     English speaking local tour guide

                     All required taxes, fees and entrance tickets

                     Accommodations  

Excluded     Gratuity

                     Optional activities