Overview
First developed over two thousand years ago under the rule of a tyrant, the Great Wall remains one of the world's most captivating sights. The wall extends from the Sea of Japan all the way to the Taklamakan desert, and Trek China presents four days of trekking along some of its most spectacular stretches.
Our trek will follow the course of the wall as it snakes its way from ruined, remote outcrops, to restored, picture-perfect sections, always with the rugged wilds of the Mongolian hinterlands as a backdrop. The footing ranges from flat and even, to crumbly and steep, but is achievable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, a head for heights and the will to finish.
Interactions with the locals who inhabit this magical part of the Middle Kingdom will further add to the experience, and knowing that the trek will serve to support our China charity village will help on the hills. Accommodation will be a mix of camping and simple lodgings by the wall, with a bit more comfort in Beijing.
Highlights
Climb up to the daunting Heaven’s Ladder section of original wall for some epic views.
Hike along the wall through farmland to Lake Xishuiyu before enjoying a barbecue by the picturesque lake.
Overnight in a homestay with views of the imposing Jiankou wall.
Walk through narrow streets as you go to visit Bejing’s Forbidden City.
Day to Day
Today you'll arrive in Shanghai Pudong International Airport and then connect on to a Beijing flight. Grasshopper representatives will meet you at Beijing Capital Airport for the 2-hour drive to Huangyaguan, one of the least visited sections of the wall, and famous as the site of the annual Great Wall Marathon. We'll have some time to enjoy the hotel's location in an ancient fort which protects the pass before an introduction to the week ahead and dinner.
This morning we'll rise early to get our first taste of wall hiking. The first couple of hours are on well-constructed wall, albeit with some steep sections, and then we'll proceed up the daunting Heaven's Ladder to reach crumbly sections of the original wall. We'll have a picnic along the way and then at journey's end we'll transfer to the pretty village of Gubeikou set beneath the wild wall where we'll overnight.
Our second wall day begins with a hike from the doorstep up to the wild wall, and then along this stunning open section until we descend down through the dense undergrowth and farmland of the valleys to emerge at Jinshanling, one of the most famous and beautiful sections of Beijing wall. We'll have lunch here before transferring to our campsite in an orchard on the edge of Lake Xishuiyu, where the wall plunges into the water. In the evening we'll have a lakeside barbecue.
Today it's a steep but beautiful hike along the largely unrestored wall until it plunges down to the valley at Huanghuacheng. We'll have lunch here and then move on to Jiankou where we'll spend the night in a homestay in a small village looking up to the wonderfully wild and rugged wall at Jiankou, which has become a favorite for photographers.
Our final day's trek is a cracker and begins with a solidly steep hour's climb through woodland up to the wall. From the top spectacular views abound and we'll work our way towards the restored wall at Mutianyu which snakes its way towards journey's end. From Mutianyu, we'll drive to Beijing and then head out for a celebratory Beijing Duck dinner.
This morning we'll walk through hutongs to the Forbidden City and will have a couple of hours to explore this magnificent monument. In the afternoon you'll board the overnight train to Shanghai.
Grasshopper services end on arrival in Shanghai. The train will arrive in time to make the Virgin flight back to London, or you could opt to extend your stay in Shanghai.
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
This tour is the most epic way to visit the Great Wall of China, as you trek through some of its most scenic and ancient sections. Spend time walking on the wall itself, then hike through the surrounding forests and farmland as you explore this beautiful region on an active adventure. Along the way, stay in a homestay, camp out under the stars and immerse yourself in Chinese culture.
