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Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 3 Involves a high level of physical activity over an extended period, in terrain that may often be uneven, slippery and steep. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Not suitable if you have limited mobility.
Destination: Walking the Great Wall of China
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Flight information: Please arrange your flights to arrive into Beijing Airport [PEK] on Day 1 and depart on Day 6
Pickup location: Beijing Airport [PEK]

Overview

23 - 28 Oct, 2026

Enjoy the dramatic scenery as we hike sections of The Great Wall of China - one of the seven wonders of the medieval world.

The Great Wall of China stretches some 6,000km across the country, from the Gobi Desert in the West to the crashing waves and rocks of Shanhaiguan in the East. One of the seven wonders of the medieval world, it is one of the most iconic sites known and can even be spotted from space!

Whilst some sections have been remodled, rebuilt and improved over the years, there are many that are wild and natural as the wall snakes its way through the countryside, up and down the hills and through the villages. Climbing through the different vegetation zones and reaching the peak of this natural phenomenon, will leave you with a sense of achievement quite like no other.

Starting in Beijing visiting the sights of the city, we then head out of the hustle and bustle to the quiet villages and countryside for our walks on the Great Wall. Over our 6 day trip, we’ll be exploring different sections of the wall in Beijing, Gubeikou and Jinshanling. Pack your hiking shoes for a once in a lifetime experience along the Great Wall of China!

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Welcome to China
DAY 2 - The Great Wall of China
DAY 3 - Huangyaguan to Gubeikou
DAY 4 - Gubeikou to Jinshanling
DAY 5 - Jinshanling and Relax
DAY 6 - Goodbye to China and Home
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Welcome to China

You will be met on arrival at the airport in Beijing and transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is spent at leisure

This evening, we join together to enjoy a Welcome Dinner to meet your fellow tour members and your Big Journey Company Tour Director and learn about your adventure ahead.

Included meals: Welcome Dinner 
Accommodation: Park Plaza Hotel, Beijing (or similar) 

DAY 2 - The Great Wall of China

We check out after breakfast as we make our way to start our hikes along one of the world's most famous sites - the Great Wall of China.

The Great Wall is a series of defensive fortifications made of stone or brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials. It generally runs east-west across the historical northern borders of China. It protected the Empire against northern raids and invasions and the oldest sections date back to the 7th century BC!

Since then, the Great Wall has been repeatedly repaired, rebuilt, maintained, and enhanced. The majority of the existing wall dates from the time of the Ming Dynasty. An investigation in 2009 concluded the length of the Great Wall constructed in Ming Dynasty was 8,851.8km.

We begin our hike today on the Great Wall of China, walking from Taiping Zhai to Huangyaguan. The excursions and hiking today will take us around 6 hours with elevation gain over 1000m.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Chuidiao Yuan Guest House (or similar) 

DAY 3 - Huangyaguan to Gubeikou

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Gubeikou and continue our hike on the Great Wall.

The Gubeikou section of the Great Wall, located in Hebei Province North Beijing,was first built in the 6th century during the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589), and was then rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644AD).

This section of the wall remains original in style - some parts are steep and exposed, and you have to be careful whilst we are hiking this imposing section.

Tonight we have an opportunity to interact with the local people and experience a slice of the real China. We will overnight in a local inn of East River Village, an inn run by a local village family.

Hiking distance: approx. 4 km, 3 hours

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Yeshufang Guest House (or similar) 

DAY 4 - Gubeikou to Jinshanling

This morning, we rise early as before breakfast, we have the opportunity to take part in a traditional Tai chi class, which will inevitably get you fired up for today's adventure!

Today is a full day hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling. The Wall from Gubeikou to Jinshanling is approximately 10km, nestled on the top of green mountains like a dragon ascending and descending the endless blue sky. At some points the path is narrow and steep to cross over.

Hiking distance: approx. 10 km, 6 hours.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Jinshanling Hotel (or similar) 

DAY 5 - Jinshanling and Relax

This morning’s hike is from Jinshanling to the Simatai entrance. This section of the Great Wall has been restored, making it an easier hike.

Some beacon towers along the stretch have been rebuilt to enable visitors to climb up and enjoy the mountain views. On the Kylin Beacon Tower, you'll find bricks inscribed by the soldiers of the past, recording their names and corps.

After lunch we will return to Jinshanling to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure before we gather in the evening for our farewell dinner. 

Hiking distance: approx. 5 km, 3 hours.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner 

DAY 6 - Goodbye to China and Home

We enjoy a last breakfast together before heading home to tell everyone about our Adventures on the Great Wall of China.

You will be transferred to the airport to catch your flights home.

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: None 

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Meet & Greet at Beijing Airport [PEK] on arrival
  • Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
  • Transport in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
  • Meals as detailed in the itinerary
  • All activities, visits and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Transport of 1 main large bag from one hotel to the next
  • Safety communication equipment
  • Water during hikes
  • Tour Director from The Big Journey Company as well as the local tour guide (subject to minimum group size being reached.)

What's not included

  • ATOL Protection
  • Economy flights into Beijing Airport [PEK] on Day 1 and departing on Day 6 - flight quotations available on request, please contact us for further details
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • All entrance fees to non-stipulated attractions
  • Visas, travel insurance
  • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above
  • Any meals not mentioned in itinerary
  • Any optional activities offered
  • Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements

Important information

• Flights: International flights to/from your chosen destination are not included in this package. The Big Journey Company will be happy to provide a quotation for your flights—please contact us for further details.
• Vaccinations & Health: Vaccinations may be recommended depending on your destination. Please consult your doctor or travel clinic for the most up-to-date medical advice.
• Visas & Entry Requirements: Entry requirements vary by destination, and a visa may be required. Please refer to the travel tips section for full details. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary travel documentation prior to departure.
• Medical Needs: Please inform The Big Journey Company prior to travel of any medical conditions or medications you take that we should be aware of to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Accommodation Check-in/Out: Unless otherwise stated in your itinerary, check-in is after 2–3pm and check-out is before 10am. Please note that hotels may be subject to change to the same or similar standard due to availability.
• Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made within 90 days of departure are subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Deposits are non-refundable, and balance payments are due 14 weeks prior to departure. It is your responsibility to ensure adequate travel insurance is in place to protect against the need to cancel your holiday.
• Minimum Numbers: The Big Journey Company host will accompany the tour should minimum guest numbers be met. We will confirm this closer to the departure date.
• Terms & Conditions: Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation. This does not affect your statutory rights. All offers are subject to availability and space is limited.

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The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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