Live updates on China travel restrictions for 2022. Learn more

China Great Wall Hiking Tours 2022/2023

There is no better way to explore China's Great Wall than by hiking or walking along with it. Tread the centuries-old bricks and walk through watchtower ruins. Take your time and feel the history come to life.

We understand that you want a top-notch hiking experience and we will present you with the best hiking tours and tips here to help you have an enjoyable Great Wall hike. The history will come alive for you with an expert guide. In short, if you love a hiking trip with no hassle, no disappointments, and pleasant surprises, you will love our tours and tips.

The Best Great Wall Hiking Routes

There are about nine sections of Great Wall around Beijing.  Here we have recommended these two best routes for you to consider due to their scenery, the hiking experience needed, and the accessibility.

Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking

Route 1: Jinshanling to Simatai West

This route is also called Jinshanling Great Wall hiking. It is definitely the best hiking route if you want to see the original Great Wall including some ruined sections as well as some fabulous scenery that includes the wall snaking along the mountain ridges into the distance.

Route 2: Jiankou to Mutianyu (Wild Hike)

Mutianyu Great Wall Mutianyu Great Wall

This is a totally wild hiking trip. You will trek on the Great Wall ruins along the mountain ridges.

It is challenging — on the way, you need to climb wooden ladders, step over piles of stone blocks, weave around trees growing on the wall, and descend a 50-degree slope on the wall.

The experience will be extraordinary. When you reach the mountain ridges, you'll have a panoramic view of the wall snaking along the sheer peaks.

What's more, there are no crowds around you — it's just you, the mountains, the ruined wall, your guide, and the history behind these ancient wall ruins.

Map of the above two best Great Wall hiking routes:

Our Best Great Wall Hiking Tours

Our Great Wall hiking tours are private. There are no strangers with you. You can travel at your own pace, giving you plenty of time to take great photos or just to feel the majesty of the wall at certain places. Our hiking itineraries can be customized, which means your travel advisor can help you make the tours unique to suit you.

1-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour
  • See both wild and repaired Great Wall
  • Enjoy walking on the most photogenic Wall
1-Day Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour
  • Conquer the wild Great Wall at Jiankou
  • Enjoy the restored glory of the Great Wall at Mutianyu
3-Day Jiankou to Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour
  • Discover the 3 most popular hiking sections
  • Stay overnight in beautiful Gubei Water Town

Great Wall Camping Tours

The following itineraries are designed for people who want to have a unique Great Wall camping experience — enjoy a sleepover on the Wall with a BBQ meal and great views including sunset and sunrise... They are flexible and can be customized to suit your budget and interests.

2-Day Jiankou Wild Great Wall Camping Tour
  • Enjoy a BBQ dinner on rugged Great Wall
  • Sleep under the stars on aged ramparts
  • Hike the best-restored section of the Great Wall
5-Day Huangyaguan to Huanghuacheng Great Wall Hiking and Camping Tour
  • Discover the Great Wall in depth
  • Enjoy amazing sunsets and sunrises from the Wall
 
No Suitable Tour? Need Advice?

Great Wall Hiking Tips (FAQs)

Expand All

1. Can anyone do the Great Wall hikes?

Customers from 5 years old to senior couples in their 70s have hiked on the Great Wall with us. So the key factors are how fit you are and what the weather conditions are like.

Some rugged and steep sections are challenging but your private guide is patient — if you need more time then so be it! Free trekking poles are also available.

2. What are the trail conditions like?
3. Which wall sections are best to see a sunrise and sunset from?
4. Will your guide hike with me?
5. At which section can I see both ruined and repaired walls?
6. When is the best time to hike the Great Wall?
7. Is it possible to take a Great Wall hiking tour from Beijing airport?
8. How to make Great Wall trips more interesting?
9. Is it possible to hike the entire Great Wall of China?

More Great Wall Travel Articles

Read more articles from our local travel experts to help you plan your Great Wall trips:

About China Highlights

Since 1998 we've guided everyone ranging from US presidents, Australian Geographic and retired backpackers. Our goal is to create unique trips that take you off-the-beaten path, helping you discover China in a more authentic way. Our motto: "Discovery Your Way!"

No Suitable Tour? Need Advice?
China Highlights' wechat
Contact us via WeChat
We are here to help you...
start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on