Overview
Trek one of the seven wonders of the world
Stepping out across the peaceful semi-ruin of a section of the Great Wall is
like walking in the footsteps of the past. Far from the tourist crowds we are
able to get a great sense of the scale and majesty of this remarkable piece
of engineering without rushing through in a big group. We trek along various
contrasting sections of the wall, both dilapidated and rebuilt stretches. The
old portions have a romantic feel, but the new ones may look odd to people
who are used to seeing their ancient monuments in a poor state, though since
the wall was constructed over a 2000 year period, the new sections are just a
continuation of that process. We will get closer to day-to-day life in rural
China before returning to Beijing, a city steeped in history yet plunging
headlong into modernity.
Highlights
* Trek alongside mountains on lesser-visited parts of the wall
* Experience rural life first hand in little villages
* Guided tour or Beijing’s ‘hutongs’, Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City
* Possibility to add Terracotta Warrior extension
Itinerary
Day 2
Arrive Beijing; free afternoon and Beijing duck dinner
After arriving into Beijing, the afternoon is free to relax after the
overnight flight. There is a welcome dinner organised for the group allowing
us to sample one of the cities most famous dishes: Beijing duck. Vegetarians,
do not fear – there will be an array of different dishes on a lazy Susan to
choose from.
*Dong Fang Hotel or similar*
Day 3
Drive to Huanghuacheng Great Wall section; afternoon begin trekking.
This morning we leave the capital and head into the countryside to the Great
Wall, a 2-2.5 hour journey to the north west of the city. We reach the
lesser-visited section at Huanghuacheng, which has an incredibly picturesque
location by a lake. The name Huanhuacheng translates as ‘Yellow Flower City’,
as during the summer the surrounding mountains are swathed in yellow as the
local wild flowers come into bloom. The walk today is relatively challenging
and with uneven topography, but the views are worth every effort! We will
spend the night in a guesthouse close to this section of the wall.
*Huanghuacheng Guesthouse or similar*
Day 4
Morning trek from Mutianyu to Jiankou, passing many watchtowers.
Today we take a short drive (1-1.5 hours) to Mutianyu. At this lesser-visited
section, the Wall is an impressive sight indeed, snaking off across mountains
and valleys into the distance. As one of the best-preserved parts of the
Great Wall, the Mutianyu section used to serve as the northern barrier
defending the capital and the imperial tombs. There are 22 watchtowers (20 of
which are open to the public) on this 2,250-metre-long section. We trek to
Jiankou and then transfer a short distance to enjoy the hospitality of a
local guesthouse.
*Hai Yan Guesthouse or similar*
Day 5
A challenging but beautiful morning trek at Jiankous wild wall;
transfer to Gubeikou and explore this section.
The Jiankou wild wall section was built along a mountain edge and remains
completely wild, with towers clinging impossibly to the steepest of ridges.
Highlights of the day include “Spiderman Wall”, or “Sanshibadeng” in Chinese;
an optional short vertical climb to the top of the wall for a panoramic view
(those who are not a fan of climbing/heights can walk around and regroup at
the viewpoint).This area is the most photographed section of the Great Wall
due to the unique construction style combined with stunning scenery. We walk
along this portion for approx. 4 km before transferring to Gubeikou where we
walk or about another 4 km.
*Mr Liu’s Guesthouse or similar*
Day 6
Hike the Great Wall Jinshanling section; transfer back to Gubeikou.
Today we walk the length of the Jinshanling Great Wall section (from
Zhuandoukou Tower to Eastern Five Window Tower), which is renowned for being
the best-preserved part of the Great Wallanddates from the Ming Dysnasty
(1368-1644). This section reaches seven metreshigh and six metres wide and
incorporates five main passes, sixty-seven watchtowers and two beacon towers
as it zig-zags its way through the Big and Small Jinshan Mountains (the Big
and Small Jinshan Watchtowers are the highlight). The construction is of huge
bricks, each weighing around 12 kilograms (26 pounds) and this section
features various structures which were used for an array of functions ranging
from weapon stores to soldiers bedrooms.
At the end of the day, we descend to a village and transfer by road to
Gubeikou for the night.
*Mr Liu’s Guesthouse or similar*
Day 7
The most challenging walk today along the Panlongshan section; return to
Gubeikou for the night.
Today we hike along Gubeikou’s Panlongshan Section. This portion keeps the
original essence of the wall and will transport us back to the time of the
Han Dynasty. We will pass many watchtowers until we reach the unique 24
Window Tower (3 level tower). Once here, we will have a late picnic lunch on
the watchtower, and then double back on ourselves for about half the way,
following the stone steps past a communal playground to meet our driver who
will transfer us back to the guesthouse.
*Mr Liu’s Guesthouse or similar*
Day 8
Majiagou Hill walk with views of Crouching Tiger Great Wall; drive to Beijing
via Niangniang Temple.
Today you will discover the part of Gubeikou’s Great Wall known as, Majiagou
Hill. Gubeikou’s GW was first built in the 6th century and has not been
reconstructed since 1644. It is somewhat dilapidated but it still retains its
original beauty. Your steep ascent will start from the northern gate and once
you reach the top watchtower you will enjoy some great views of Crouching
Tiger Great Walll. We retrace our steps back to today’s starting point and
drive to Niangniang Daoist Temple for a visit before continuing to
Beijing(approx. 3 hours).
*Dong Fang Hotel or similar*
Day 9
Beijing city tour visiting hutongs, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden
City.
We take a morning walking tour of the city’s hutongs (narrow alleys) to see
what is left of old Beijing and its traditions. We also visit Tiananmen
Square; the largest in the world and able to hold over a million people.
Later in the day, we visit the Forbidden City with its innumerable courtyards
and temples.
This evening, recommended optional activities include the amazing Beijing
opera or a Kung Fu show, or you may prefer to opt for a foot reflexology
treatment to sooth your weary feet! The leader will also arrange a farewell
dinner (optional).
Beijing is a fantastic place to explore at your own pace; if you wish to add
on any additional time please speak to your sales consultant at the time of
booking.
*Dong Fang Hotel or similar*
Day 10
Fly to London.
Fly to London.
