Spend four days hiking wild sections of the Great Wall—Gubeikou, Tou Liang, Jinshanling/Laodongpo and Simatai—then sleep in campsite tents under open sky. This guided private tour mixes long ridge walks, historic watchtowers and rustic village lunches.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning air at Gubeikou is thin and cold on the skin, the Wall’s stones underfoot already dusted with lichen. You step onto an unguarded ridge where broken battlements rise and fall like the spine of the land; wind tugs at your jacket and the valley below dares you to look down. Over four days the route threads Gubeikou, Tou Liang, Jinshanling-Laodongpo and Simatai, alternating wild, crumbling sections with restored towers that still watch the horizon.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Should be in good aerobic shape; able to hike 10+ miles with sustained elevation gain across consecutive days.
Wildlife
History
This corridor of the Wall was strengthened during the Ming dynasty to guard against northern incursions; local communities later reused wall bricks for housing in the 20th century.
Conservation
Wild sections are fragile—stick to existing paths, avoid removing stones or graffiti, and pack out all trash to protect the Wall’s fabric and surrounding ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Private Tour: 4-Day Great Wall Hiking and Camping from Beijing today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early each day
Morning light makes navigation on crumbling sections easier and avoids midday heat; aim to be moving within an hour of sunrise.
Bring firm-ankle boots
Loose stones and uneven steps are common; sturdy boots reduce sprain risk and improve traction on scree.
Hydrate and snack often
Long ascents (up to ~1,100 m) demand steady fluids and small, frequent snacks to maintain energy.
Prepare for minimal facilities
Campsites provide tents and toilet tent with hand-wash—bring a lightweight sleeping bag and toiletries for comfort.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and grip on uneven stone, scree and ancient steps.
Sleeping bag (3-season)
Camps provide tents but not sleeping bags—needed for cool nights.
spring|summer|fall
Daypack with 20–30L capacity
Carry water, snacks, layers and first-aid for daily hikes.
Trekking poles
Helps with steep ascents and descents and reduces knee strain.