Trip Overview
Trip length: 1 day
Hiking route: Jinshanling East – Gubeikou
Pick-up time & location: 07:00 at your Beijing hotel
Return time: 20:00 – 21:00 at your hotel (depending on traffic)
Hiking duration: 7 – 7.5 hours
Hiking distance: approx. 14 km
Best seasons: April, May, September, October (June–August can reach 30–35°C)
Physical rating: ★★★★★ Strenuous
Departure: Daily, March–November, from and back to Beijing
Tour Price
Adults (13+): USD 108
Children (6–12): USD 88
Children under 6: Not permitted
Highlights
Trek across two of the most scenic Great Wall sections: wild Gubeikou and partially restored Jinshanling
Experience authentic watchtowers, beacon towers, and ancient defense structures
Stunning panoramic photo opportunities along the Yanshan Mountain range
Countryside-style lunch at a local farmer’s restaurant
One of the toughest yet most rewarding 1-day Great Wall hikes near Beijing
Itinerary
07:00 – Pick-up from your hotel in Beijing
Meet your guide and driver, then enjoy a 2.5-hour drive to the Jinshanling East Gate (also known as Simatai West).
Morning – Jinshanling Great Wall
A 40-minute climb takes you to the East Five-Eye Tower. From here, the views stretch across Simatai, Jinshanling, and Gubeikou on clear days. Jinshanling is famous for its well-preserved watchtowers and dramatic ridgelines. The constant ups and downs, along with brick steps of varying sizes, make this section both challenging and rewarding for hikers and photographers alike.
Midday – Lunch break
After trekking through Shalingkou and Zhuanduokou, you’ll exit the Wall at Taochunkou. A short walk through rural fields brings you to Jinshanling West, where you’ll enjoy a simple countryside lunch at a farmer’s restaurant.
Afternoon – Gubeikou Great Wall
After lunch, continue to the 24-Eye Tower at Gubeikou. On clear days, you’ll have spectacular views of Crouching Tiger Hill in the distance. The final 1.5 hours along Dragon Hill are gentler and less steep, offering a good cool-down to finish your hike.
Evening – Return to Beijing
Meet your driver at the end of the trail and transfer back to Beijing. Expect to arrive at your hotel around 20:00–21:00.
About Jinshanling & Gubeikou
Jinshanling Great Wall
Located in the Yanshan Mountains, Jinshanling dates back to the Northern Qi Dynasty (6th century) but was extensively rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty. It is renowned for its dense watchtowers, defensive walls, and inscriptions left by General Qi Jiguang. The panoramic views and historical relics make it a favorite among photographers.
Gubeikou Great Wall
Gubeikou is one of the most historically significant sections of the Wall, witnessing more battles than almost any other pass. It played a crucial role during the Ming Dynasty and was also a battleground during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Today, remnants of fortifications and a nearby soldiers’ cemetery remain as a testament to its history.
Pricing (per person in USD)
| Group size | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 145 | 155 | 160 | 165 | 175 | 190 | 210 | 350 |
Groups of 9 or more: please email us for the best rates
Children under 12: 50% discount
Children under 5: Free (accompanied by adults)
Inclusions
Private air-conditioned vehicle & experienced driver
Professional English-speaking Great Wall hiking guide
Entrance tickets for Jinshanling & Gubeikou
Unlimited bottled water, snacks, and countryside lunch
Certificate of completion for hiking the Great Wall
Exclusions
Cable car or other optional facilities
Personal expenses
Tips for guide and driver (recommended separately, ratio 2:1)
What to Bring
Comfortable hiking boots
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, lip balm
Small day pack
First-aid essentials
Extra snacks if preferred
Notes
Toilets are only available at the entrances of Jinshanling East and Gubeikou. None are along the Wall itself.
Please avoid making evening plans after this tour, as the return may be late.
Trekking poles are available upon request.
Summer months are hot and humid; be prepared with plenty of water and sun protection.
As responsible travelers: take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.
✨ This 1-day Jinshanling & Gubeikou challenge hike is the ultimate Great Wall adventure for travelers who want a physically demanding, historically rich, and visually unforgettable experience.