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Trekking The Great Wall of China - Great Wall Hike, China
Trekking The Great Wall of China
Trekking The Great Wall of China - Great Wall Hike, China
Trekking The Great Wall of China
Time to descend the massive Great Wall - Great Wall Hike, China
Time to descend the massive Great Wall  | Victoria Earl
The iconic Forbidden City, Beijing - Great Wall Hike, China
The iconic Forbidden City, Beijing
Peking Duck, Beijing - Great Wall Hike, China
Peking Duck, Beijing
Updated

Great Wall Hike

A unique insight into the Great Wall, one the world's most famous landmarks

China
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 10 reviews

8 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: GWE
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 8 Days
Activities
  • 5 day hike
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotel
  • 4 nights guesthouses
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

51kg of CO2-e PP per day

(356kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Hike quieter and lesser-visited sections of the Great Wall beyond the main tourist routes
  • Experience both restored and unrestored sections with panoramic ridgeline walking and dramatic mountain scenery
  • Stay in locally run guesthouses and experience regional cuisine, village hospitality and traditional dumpling making with local families
  • Travel with experienced local guides, vehicle support and carefully designed logistics throughout
  • Discover the history of Imperial China with visits to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in vibrant Beijing
  • Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck farewell dinner with your fellow travelling companions and guide

Overview

Hike along remote sections of the Great Wall in Hebei Province, where quieter, less-visited stretches reveal a more authentic side of this iconic landmark. Walking between rural villages, the route follows a combination of restored and unrestored sections, crossing farmland, ridgelines and open valleys with expansive views across the surrounding countryside. Accommodation is in locally run guesthouses, offering simple comfort with twin-share rooms and hot showers. Staying within village communities provides a closer connection to daily life in rural China and adds depth to the overall experience. The journey begins and ends in Beijing, where visits to major historic sites such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square provide cultural context, alongside opportunities to experience the city’s renowned food scene.

Itinerary

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On arrival in Beijing you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. The afternoon is free time for sightseeing in the central city district. Perhaps barter for a bargain in the colorful silk markets or do as the locals do and hire a bike for a spin through the bustling back roads of this vibrant city. This evening we will meet in the hotel lobby at approximately 18:30 (please check with reception to confirm this time) for a group meeting before we head out to enjoy our first meal together. Accommodation: Dong Fang Hotel or similar

Meals: D

Travel from Beijing to the foothill of the Great Wall at Jiankou near the border of Hebei Province to begin our hike. Jiankou Great Wall, located 73 km north of Beijing in Huairou District, is a picturesque section built in 1368 (Ming Dynasty) atop steep, rugged cliffs. Translating to "arrow nock," the name derives from the ridge’s W-shape, resembling a, bow-and-arrow notch. The Great Wall extends more than 5000km across China, from the Bohai Gulf to Gansu Province. After lunch, we transfer to Gubeikou. Accommodation: Yeshufang Guest House or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, climb to a spectacular section of the Inner Great Wall above the Gubeikou Valley. This section formed a second line of defence behind the main wall and remains unrestored, with some areas overgrown by vegetation. The route offers wide views across the rugged surrounding landscape before reaching the junction of the Ming Dynasty wall. Descend by a small trail back to the village visting a nuber of small temples on the way. Accommodation: Yeshufang Guest House or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Return to the main outer Great Wall and walk remote, unrestored sections through mountain scenery. This quieter route stays well away from the main visitor areas. A short detour through a village is required near a military restricted zone, offering insight into rural village life. The route later returns to the Wall as it approaches Jinshanling, a carefully restored section that reflects the Wall’s original design. Accommodation: Jianxia Guesthouse or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a more relaxed day on the Great Wall. The morning begins with an introduction to Tai Chi, offering insight into this traditional Chinese practice before continuing the walk from Jinshanling toward Erchu. This section of the Wall is known for its rugged and less-visited character, often described as a highlight for hikers and photographers. The route includes a mix of steep, unrestored and partially restored sections, with expansive views across the surrounding landscape. Along the way, pass a dense concentration of watchtowers, over 67 structures built between 1368 and 1644, eflecting the strategic importance of this section. In the afternoon, we spend time with the Zou family, learning how to make traditional dumplings before sharing them for dinner, providing insight into daily life in rural China. Accommodation: Jianxia Guesthouse or similar

Meals: B,L,D

An early start leads to a hike toward Wang Jing Tower, also known as Beijing Tower, located at the summit of the Simatai section of the Great Wall. The ascent is challenging, following a rugged and steep section of the Wall, but is rewarded with expansive views across the surrounding landscape. On clear days, it is said that Beijing can be seen in the distance. Historically, this section played an important defensive role. Beacon towers were used to send signals using smoke, often referred to as “wolf smoke”, to warn of approaching Mongol forces, with messages able to be relayed across vast distances in a short time. After the hike, return by road to Beijing. Accommodation: Dong Fang Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today is spent exploring Beijing’s major historic sites, beginning with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties and was closed to the public for more than 500 years. Later, visit the Bell Tower and Hou Hai district in northern Beijing for a traditional lunch in a courtyard setting. In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Peking Duck. Please note: Should the Forbidden City be closed for an official visit (which happens often and suddenly) your tour leader will adjust your daily itinerary accordingly to try to ensure a visitation without losing any listed activities. Accommodation: Dong Fang Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast our trip concludes in Beijing.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

6 scheduled departures between 19 Oct 2026 and 18 Oct 2027.

  • Departs 19 Oct 2026 – ends 26 Oct 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 5 Apr 2027 – ends 12 Apr 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 10 May 2027 – ends 17 May 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 7 Jun 2027 – ends 14 Jun 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 6 Sep 2027 – ends 13 Sep 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 18 Oct 2027 – ends 25 Oct 2027 (8 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Twin-share hotels and guesthouses
  • Private air conditioned vehicles
  • Support vehicle during hikking
  • Entry fees and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Expert bilingual guide and mountain guide
  • Medical kit

Not included

  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Visa costs
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Emergency transport costs
  • Meals and drinks not listed
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items not listed as included
China By Bike & Great Wall Trek Webinar | World Expeditions

Reviews (10)

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Absolutely loved it. We did the trip in May with our 14-year-old daughter. It gave us a wonderful cross-section of different parts of the Wall, as well as a quick look at some of the sights of Beijing. The wall itself was challenging in parts (high level of fitness recommended!), but absolutely worth it. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly and made the experience even better. It was our first visit to China and we can't wait to go back.

Belinda|Queensland, Australia
24 Sep 2026
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Very unique itinerary with plenty of time spent on the Great Wall. Also great meals and a lovely guide.

Koen|VIC, Netherlands
26 May 2026
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An amazing adventure. Great organisation

Julie-Anne|QLD, Australia
15 Apr 2026
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The highlight of this tour was walking along unrestored rural sections of The Great Wall. Beautiful scenery, challenging but achievable walking and great local guides. A fantastic experience of both rural and urban China.

H. Petrie|Sydney South, Australia
1 Jun 2018
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Just back from a WONDERFUL travel experience on The Great Wall Of China - walked the remote unrestored areas totally free of tourists, the partially restored sections & the fully restored Wall with a great small group of like minded people with an expert knowledgeable guide. Visited the cultural & historical highlights & Beijing & Shanghai - & the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. I would highly recommend this trip.

S. Dunn|Sydney South, Australia
1 Jun 2018
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This is iconic - hard to believe we experienced no other groups trekking - it was just us and The Wall. This should be on any keen walker's list of must do's - incredibly special and unique.

J. Waddington|NSW, Australia
31 May 2018
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We highly recommend World Expeditions.  We don't use guide services as a general rule...we prefer to get wherever we're going and then figure it out for ourselves. That's not so easy in a country you've never before visited, where English is barely spoken, and where the culture can be so very different from your own.  We reluctantly hired a guide service ‐ and now we are so glad we did.  World Expeditions was fantastic.  Allie who arranged the reservation for us, was informative, easy to work with, and personable. Their local tour association in China was wonderful.  Our personal guide, Jimmy, could not have been better.  He was truly perfect.  He made everything go smoothly, he got us the top meals, seats, spaces, etc. for everything,  Not only was he a top‐ notch guide, but he was friendly, intelligent, and fun to talk with.  We trusted him completely with everything, and we had a wonderful experience.  I am so glad we went through World Expeditions.

A. Herr|USA
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The Great Wall trek is a celebration of historical experience, breathtaking country, sensational food, caring and professional guides and cultural engagement. The whole experience from the food to the great guides, the team in Beijing & Heike in Melbourne, and then there was the Great Wall - amazing.

A. Crane|Warburton, VIC Australia
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Small trekking groups, a great guide and support crew, amazing food and stunning scenery..great to go in Autumn to see the hillsides covered in colour. Great experience! Everyday on the Great Wall was great..especially the unrestored sections, and our guide Stoney!

K. Hodson|Tunbridge Wells, UK

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?FAQsWhy Book With Us
Dong Fang Hotel Beijing TWN

Dong Fang Hotel Beijing

The Dong Fang Hotel Beijing combines classic Chinese architecture with Western influences and provides travellers with a comfortable stay in the heart of Beijing. Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City are just 25mins away and Beijing’s main rail station is a mere 3.5km. The air-conditioned rooms feature a desk, tea/coffee making facilities, a TV with cable channels and en suite bathroom with hairdryer. The hotel has two restaurants, one which serves an international buffet and a second serving Chinese cuisine. Manicured gardens surround the property and free WiFi is accessible throughout.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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Moderate but with some steep ascents, descents and uneven, unrestored sections.

Hotels in Beijing and locally run guesthouses with twin-share rooms and hot showers.

No. The itinerary focuses on quieter, less-visited parts of the Great Wall.

A mix of restored stone paths and rugged, uneven Great Wall sections.

Most meals are included, featuring local cuisine and a Peking duck dinner in Beijing.

Yes, with guides and a support vehicle to carry your luggage.

  • Expert local guides with dedicated mountain guide support
  • Access to quieter, less-visited Great Wall sections
  • Fully supported hike with vehicle backup to transport luggage
  • Comfortable hotels in Beijing and guesthouses on trek
  • All logistics, meals and entry fees included
  • Strong balance of hiking, culture and history

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