Wild Great Wall in Beijing

Wild Great Wall is a collective name for those sections retaining their original appearance with either slight or none renovation. Usually, these areas are rarely visited by people and overgrown with weeds, and the Great Wall has suffered from the erosion of wind and rain and human damage, leaving it in a dilapidated state. However, it is precisely this “wildness” that gives tourists the most authentic experience of the most original Great Wall. Boasting perilous terrains, breathtaking scenery, and distinctive architectural features, these wild Great Wall sections attract countless hiking enthusiasts.

In Beijing, where the Great Wall stretches over 500 kilometers (300 miles), more than 90% of it remains in its wild state. Among these, the Jiankou Great Wall and the Gubeikou Great Wall are the most renowned. 
 

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One Way Travel Time from Beijing: 3.5 hours by city bus; 2 hours by car rental One way travel time from Beijing

Hiking Time: 2 days, including an overnight stay in nearby village
 

The Jiankou Great Wall stands as the most celebrated and emblematic wild section of the Great Wall in Beijing, famed for its precarious terrain and stunning vistas. Its steepness can daunt even the most seasoned hikers, yet it simultaneously ignites the adventurous spirit within. Standing atop the “Nine-Eyed Tower”, the highest point, and overlooking Beijing; conquering the “Sky Stair”, which boasts an incline of over 80 degrees; and pausing at the “Beijing Knot”, where three sections of the Great Wall converge, every moment along the Jiankou Great Wall hike will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Further Reading: Jiankou Great Wall Hiking
 

Gubeikou Great Wall

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One Way Travel Time from Beijing: 3 hours by train; 4 hours by city bus; 2 hours by car rental

Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours
 

The Gubeikou Great Wall has never been renovated, preserving its original appearance to the greatest extent. Some sections of the wall from two different dynasties stand side by side, forming a unique “Double-Line Great Wall”. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and steep mountains, it is deeply loved by hikers. Unlike the Jiankou Great Wall, which demands a high level of hiking experience, the Gubeikou Great Wall offers a more moderate challenge, making it accessible to a broader range of hikers. Additionally, being adjacent to the renovated Jinshanling Great Wall, tourists can incorporate both sections into a single hiking itinerary, thus experiencing the Great Wall from diverse perspectives. 
 

Further Reading: Gubeikou to Jinshanling Hiking
 

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One Way Travel Time from Beijing: 3 hours by city bus; 2 hours by car rental

Hiking Time: 4 - 6 hours
 

Lupiguan Great Wall

The Lupiguan Great Wall has earned rave reviews among hikers for its breathtaking scenery. From its highest vantage point, one can behold the Baihe River, often referred to as the “Little Yarlung Tsangpo”, meandering at the foot of the mountain. The river makes a U-turn here, and the lake water appears light blue, creating a sharp contrast with the original Great Wall landscape, as if it were a collision between history and nature. 
 

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One Way Travel Time from Beijing: 3 hours by city bus; 2 hours by car rental

Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours
 

Sizuolou Great Wall

The Sizuolou Great Wall is named for the four towers along its length. Among them, a square watchtower and a round beacon tower are unique and the only ones of their kind in the Great Wall of Beijing. Flanked by the Miyun Reservoir to the east and Yunmeng Mountain to the west, this section seamlessly integrates mountains, forests, lakes, waterfalls, and the Great Wall itself, making it a paradise for hiking.
 

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One Way Travel Time from Beijing: 4 hours by city bus; 2 hours by car rental

Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours
 

Qiangzilu Great Wall

The Qiangzilu Great Wall is characterized by its distinctive architecture. Comprising three large “V”-shaped sections that connect to form an “M”, each “V” with an angle approaching 90 degrees, this configuration is a rarity among the Great Wall sections in Beijing. Another notable feature is the presence of short walls built at regular intervals along the main wall, creating a crossfire effect that significantly enhanced its defensive capabilities. These unique attributes have drawn numerous Great Wall aficionados to explore its wonders.