Overview
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 read more 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.
Itinerary
Today is free to allow for arrival on various different flights. We meet for a welcome dinner allowing us to sample one of the city's most famous dishes: Beijing duck. Vegetarians, do not fear – there will be an array of different dishes on a lazy Susan to choose from. Free arrival transfers are available for all customers arriving into either Beijing's Capital airport (PEK) or Daxing airport (PKX). Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts. Stay: Dong Fang Hotel (or similar) (D).
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. Stay: Fengfuyuan Guesthouse, Huanghuacheng (or similar) (B/L/D).
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. After Mutianyu section, we transfer to Jiankou village to enjoy the hospitality of a local guesthouse. Stay: Mr Zhao Guesthouse at Jiankou (or similar) (B/L/D).
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 in the morning, returning to the guesthouse for lunch, then walking about another 4. 5 km in the afternoon. We have the option of seeing sunset from the wall. Stay: Mr Zhao Guesthouse at Jiankou (or similar) (B/L/D).
Today we walk the length of the Jinshanling Great Wall section (from Erchi Tower to Zhuandoukou Tower), which is renowned for being one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall and dates from the Ming Dysnasty (1368-1644). This section reaches seven metres high 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. Stay: Xiaocui Guesthouse at Jinshanling (or similar) (B/L/D).
Today we hike from Zhuanduokou Tower along the Gubeikou section of the wall to Panlongshan. 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 (three level tower). Stay: Yeshufang Guesthouse at Gubeikou (or similar) (B/L/D).
We will walk from Panlongshan north gate to the main entrance.
Following our walk along this part of the wall we'll drive for about three hours back to Beijing. Stay: Dong Fang (or similar) (B/L).
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 Tian'anmen 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. Note Following the Covid-19 pandemic, maximum numbers of daily visitors to the Forbidden City have been significantly reduced, impacting availability of tickets. Our local team aim to secure tickets for the Forbidden City, but if unable to do so, we'll visit the Ancestral Temple (used during the Ming and Qing Dynasties to offer sacrifices to ancestors, and architecturally quite similar to the Forbidden City) and the Temple of Heaven. You will be advised at the start of the trip if this change needs to be made. Stay: Dong Fang (or similar) (B).
Our trips ends today in Beijing after breakfast. Free departure transfers are available for all customers departing from either Beijing's Capital airport (PEK) or Daxing airport (PKX). Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts (B).
Trip Inclusions
- 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
- 3 Classic nights (hotel), 5 Simple nights (guesthouse)
- Six days point-to-point walking with full porterage
- Travel by private minibus
- All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners included
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Hit the trails with Exodus - from challenging peaks to leisurely coastal and countryside walks. Read more
Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more
Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more
Dates & Pricing
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
