As hiking enthusiasts, we’d dreamed of exploring the Great Wall beyond the crowded tourist spots—and this 3-day tour from Shanghai turned that dream into reality. The company’s communication was seamless from booking: they sent detailed hiking gear recommendations, confirmed the difficulty level (moderate, perfect for our experience), and adjusted the pickup time to align with our high-speed train arrival in Beijing.

Our guide, Liam, was a hiking and history expert—fluent in English, with intimate knowledge of the less-visited Jiankou to Mutianyu section we trekked. He shared vivid stories of the wall’s construction (like how local villagers helped build the watchtowers) and pointed out faded inscriptions on stone bricks that most hikers miss. During steep climbs, he kept our group motivated with fun facts about ancient soldiers’ daily lives, and he always stayed at the back to ensure no one fell behind. Liam’s photography skills were also top-notch—he knelt, climbed, and adjusted angles to capture our best moments against the wall’s dramatic mountain backdrop.

The driver and vehicle were reliable and comfortable: the minivan was clean, spacious for our hiking bags, and the driver navigated the winding mountain roads smoothly. He always arrived on time for pickups at our mountain guesthouses and stocked the car with cold water and energy bars for the drives.

The itinerary was perfectly paced for hiking: Day 1 focused on the rugged Jiankou section (with sweeping views of the wall’s “wild” stone paths); Day 2 continued to Mutianyu (blending untamed terrain with well-preserved brick towers); Day 3 included a leisurely walk along a quiet stretch before heading back to Shanghai. We stayed in cozy local guesthouses, where Liam even joined us for dinner and shared more tales of the wall’s local legends.

This tour wasn’t just about hiking—it was about connecting with the Great Wall’s raw, unfiltered beauty. Thanks to Liam and the whole team, we left with stories, photos, and memories that will last a lifetime. Highly recommend for fellow adventure seekers!

Reviewed to: From Skylines to Stone Wall: 3 Days Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour From Shanghai