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

Summary

Day 1 Shanghai-Beijing: Shanghai to Beijing by Flight, Jiankou Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall
Day 2 Beijing: Panlongshan Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall
Day 3 Beijing-Shanghai: Great Wall Adventure, Beijing to Shanghai by Flight

Day 1 Shanghai-Beijing

Overview of today's itinerary

Jiankou Hiking: Starting from Team 2 of Xizhazi Village, we venture into the wild, unrestored Jiankou Great Wall section.  The hike leads us through rugged paths and magnificent views, including Zhengbeilou Tower for a bird's-eye perspective.
The Journey to Mutianyu: Continuing eastward, we traverse the wild and partially destroyed towers at Jiankou, ultimately reaching the fully restored Mutianyu section.
The Views: Throughout this approximately 3-hour hike, you'll pass through 17 towers and experience the unique contrast between the natural, untouched beauty and the well-preserved portions of the Great Wall.
Descend Options: At Mutianyu, you have three options to descend: cable car, walking, or the thrilling toboggan ride.
Hiking Level: 4 out of 5.
Hiking Time: Approximately 4 hours.
Hiking Distance: Approximately 10 km (6.2 miles).

In the morning, your private driver will meet you promptly in your Shanghai hotel lobby to assist with luggage and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, your knowledgeable Beijing guide will greet you at the airport holding a clear “Your Way Holiday” sign, assist with your luggage, and escort you to a private vehicle. As you travel to the iconic Great Wall, your guide will share fascinating stories about its history and significance, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience exploring this ancient wonder with breathtaking views and rich cultural insights, marking a perfect start to your Beijing adventure.

Your Great Wall experience begins with one of the most scenic and rewarding hikes in China—a continuous trail from the wild Jiankou section to the restored beauty of Mutianyu. Starting at Team 2 of Xizhazi Village, we step onto ancient stonework untouched by modern hands. This section is known for its dramatic ridgelines, steep ascents, and raw, crumbling towers—perfect for adventurous hikers looking to see the Wall in its most authentic form.  As we follow the Wall along forested ridges and exposed cliffs, we reach the Zhengbeilou Tower, one of the highest points on Jiankou, offering breathtaking 360° views over endless mountains. Your expert guide will share stories of how these towers once served as lookout points and signal stations during the Ming Dynasty, deepening your connection to the landscape around you.

Continuing eastward, you’ll feel the transformation beneath your feet as wild stone turns to carefully restored paths—the Mutianyu Great Wall emerges with strong masonry, restored battlements, and smooth walkways. This section was once a critical military stronghold guarding Beijing, and today, it offers a more accessible yet no less awe-inspiring experience. Along the way, we pass through 17 Watchtowers—each offering a different angle, elevation, and perspective of the terrain below. What makes this route so unique is the stark contrast between Jiankou’s raw majesty and Mutianyu’s stately elegance—a living timeline that unfolds as you hike. Whether you're capturing dramatic photos, listening to your guide’s vivid tales, or simply soaking in the shifting landscapes, this is a trail that stays with you. After approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) of hiking over 4 hours, you’ll reach the end point of Mutianyu.  From here, choose your descent: Glide down on a cable car for sweeping views, walk the stone steps for a more grounded farewell, or let loose on a thrilling toboggan ride—a favorite for families and fun-loving travelers.

After concluding today’s rewarding hike, we’ll transfer you comfortably to a cozy, family-run inn in the quiet Village of Gubeikou. Nestled among rolling hills and within sight of the Great Wall itself, the inn offers a peaceful escape from the city. Your guide will assist with your luggage, help you check in, and make sure you're fully settled in for the night. In the evening, enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal featuring local specialties—think braised village chicken, farm-fresh vegetables, and handmade dumplings—served in the warm dining room or outdoor courtyard under the open sky. Surrounded by calm, rustic charm and the lingering sense of history, it’s the perfect place to rest and recharge for the next day's adventure along the Wall.

Day 2 Beijing

Overview of today's itinerary

Panlongshan Hiking: We commence the hike from the Panlongshan section, journeying through 11 towers to reach the 24-Window Tower in about 1.5 hours.
Transition to Jinshanling: Given certain military areas along the Gubeikou Great Wall, we'll descend from the 24-Window Tower and navigate through bushes, farmland, and hilly paths.
Jinshanling Exploration: Upon reaching Jinshanling, we'll explore its captivating features, including Taochunkou Pass, West Five-Window Tower, Zhuanduokou Pass, and more.
Hiking in Jinshanling: We'll hike for approximately 1 hour, passing through about 7 towers.
Hiking Level: 4 out of 5.
Hiking Time: Approximately 4 hours.
Hiking Distance: Approximately 10 km (6.2 miles).

After a hearty countryside breakfast, we begin the day’s adventure on one of the Great Wall’s most immersive hiking routes—a cross-terrain trek from the wild Panlongshan Section to the scenic Jinshanling Stretch. The morning starts with a gradual but exhilarating climb along Panlongshan, a lesser-visited segment named after its dragon-like coils that hug the rugged ridgelines. As we hike through 11 Weathered Watchtowers, you’ll notice how the Wall rises and falls dramatically with the terrain—sometimes crumbling and overgrown, other times clinging defiantly to knife-edge cliffs. The path here is raw and atmospheric, offering sweeping views and a genuine sense of discovery. At the iconic 24-Window Tower, once used for multi-directional signal fires, we pause to absorb the silence and scale before descending through remote bush trails, farmland paths, and rolling countryside, giving the hike a rare, off-the-map charm.

By early afternoon, we reach Jinshanling, where the Wall takes on a different personality—refined, symmetrical, and breathtakingly photogenic. Here, the hike continues for about an hour as we pass through 7 well-preserved watchtowers, each distinct in design. Highlights include the arched Taochunkou Pass, the elegant West Five-Window Tower, and the commanding Zhuanduokou Pass, all showcasing classic Ming architecture with multi-level platforms, narrow windows, and intricate stonework. Jinshanling is known for its seamless blend of structure and scenery—it’s where the Great Wall seems to float along the mountain skyline, a favorite stretch for photographers and hikers alike.

Over the course of the day, you’ll cover around 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of varied, rewarding terrain in about 4 hours, experiencing both the untamed character of the Wall and its most graceful lines. After the hike, a local lunch awaits—flavorful countryside fare served with mountain air and good company. We’ll be comfortably transferred to a cozy local hotel in Gubeikou village for your overnight stay. This charming inn offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where you can relax and unwind surrounded by the peaceful countryside. Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring local flavors, and rest well to recharge for the adventures ahead.  Your guide will ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and restful evening.

Day 3 Beijing-Shanghai

Overview of today's itinerary

Climbing the Great Wall: You have the option to either climb up to the Great Wall or take a cable car up. Climbing is recommended as this section is relatively easy.
Hiking: Starting from Zhuanduokou Pass, we'll pass through notable landmarks such as General Tower, Shalingkou Pass, Small Jins

On the final morning of your Great Wall Adventure, you'll set out from Zhuanduokou Pass for one last, breathtaking hike along the Jinshanling section—a stretch celebrated for its dramatic ridgelines, well-preserved towers, and panoramic mountain scenery. You may choose to ascend by cable car or take the gentle, scenic climb on foot—highly recommended for a fuller, more immersive experience. The trail unfolds across 4 to 5 kilometers and leads through over 15 iconic watchtowers in 2 to 3 hours, offering a perfect balance of historical depth and natural grandeur. Key landmarks include the General Tower, once a vital military lookout; the mountain-crossing Shalingkou Pass; and the Small and Big Jinshan Towers, which offered long-range surveillance and defense during the Ming Dynasty. As you walk, the path alternates between open, crumbling stone steps and restored battlements, revealing stunning contrasts between raw history and refined architecture.  Your guide will enrich the journey with fascinating stories of the Wall’s construction, function, and symbolism, transforming each tower into a living memory of China's resilience.   For a lighter option, a shorter 4 km route ending at Houchuankou Pass is also available. 

After completing your final hike along the Great Wall, you'll enjoy a well-earned traditional Beijing-style lunch at a local restaurant—think tender braised eggplant in garlic sauce, crisp spring onion pancakes, or a comforting bowl of zhajiangmian (noodles with savory soybean paste)—the kind of flavors that hit just right after a morning on the trail. With full hearts and full bellies, your guide and driver will then escort you comfortably back to Beijing Airport for your return flight to Shanghai. Upon landing, a friendly local driver will be waiting to greet you and transfer you smoothly to your hotel. Throughout the journey, your professional guide has ensured everything ran seamlessly—from trail safety to historical insights—making your Great Wall experience not only effortless, but truly meaningful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help you travel deeper.

Important Notes for Your Great Wall Hiking Adventure:

Trail Conditions: Expect varied terrain—steep and uneven stone steps, rugged mountain paths, and remote sections.  A moderate level of fitness and steady mobility is required.
Participant Suitability: Not recommended for travelers with serious mobility issues, young children, or those with a fear of heights.
Accommodation: You’ll stay in simple local inns—clean and comfortable, but may lack some modern amenities.
Meals: Enjoy traditional, home-style Chinese meals. Simple, hearty, and authentic—different from what you'd find in the city.
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), Layered clothing for changing weather, Refillable water bottle, Small backpack for daily essentials.
Who This Tour Is For: Best for adventurous souls seeking an off-the-beaten-path Great Wall experience, rich in nature, culture, and a bit of challenge.
Connectivity: Mobile signal can be limited in remote sections—consider downloading offline maps or letting loved ones know in advance.

Price Per Person in US Dollars