Jinshanling Great Wall Hike from Beijing
Overview
Jinshanling is the Great Wall as most people picture it: a line of grey watchtowers running along a green ridge into the distance, with far fewer visitors than the sections closer to Beijing. Part of the wall here has been restored and part is left weathered, so you get both the classic view and a feel of how the wall looks after centuries in the hills.
You're picked up in Beijing in the morning and driven north-east for around two and a half hours. With your guide, you walk along the top of the wall for three to five hours, climbing up and down steps between the towers and stopping often for photos across the mountains. Some tours start at Gubeikou, a wilder section to the west, and walk east into Jinshanling. You're back in Beijing in the early evening.
The walk is moderate to hard: the steps are uneven and some climbs are steep, so you need reasonable fitness and good shoes. Spring and autumn are the best months; in summer start early and carry plenty of water.
Highlights
- Walk three to five hours along the top of the wall
- Watchtowers running along the mountain ridges
- Restored and weathered stretches in one walk
- Far quieter than the sections near Beijing
- Return transport from Beijing with a guide
What's included
- Hotel pick-up and return in Beijing
- Return transport to the Great Wall
- English-speaking guide
- Great Wall entrance ticket
- Lunch, unless stated by the operator
- Cable car, if used
- Tips
Location
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Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
It's moderate to hard. The wall follows the ridge, so there are many steps, some steep and uneven. You need to be reasonably fit and wear shoes with good grip.
Much less than at Badaling or Mutianyu, the sections closest to Beijing. On weekdays outside the national holidays you'll often have long stretches to yourself.
Spring and autumn, when the days are mild and the hills are green or golden. Summer is hot and winter cold and windy on the ridge.
