Gubeikou to Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking

This Gubeikou to Jinshanling Great Wall hiking tour is a classic route for trekkers eager to see the Great Wall at its primitive state, escape the crowds, and embrace a true sense of adventure. At Gubeikou, you will explore wild ruins all the way, and at Jinshanling, see how it really looked centuries ago through some restored parts. The Great Wall normally refers to the entire bulwark that serpentines across half China to block northern invasions, with one end protruding into the sea and another into desert. Its construction can actually date back to 2,500 years ago, but it’s the Ming Empire (1368 - 1644) that took it particularly seriously and had transformed many important parts to a formidable brick-and-stone level. The two parts we’re going to see today are among the crowning achievements from the Ming era. Your passionate guide will ensure you an immersive journey with histories and storied unfold.

Itinerary Brief:
● Hiking Route: Gubeikou Town - Gubeikou Great Wall Entry - General’s Tower - 24-Window Tower - Detour the Military Zone - Jinshanling Great Wall West Entrance - Taochunkou Pass - Zhuanduokou Pass - Jinshanling Great Wall Exit
● Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
● Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hours
● Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
● Scenery: ★★★★☆
● Altitude Rise: 217 – 466 m (712 – 1,529 ft)
● What to prepare: walking stick, sneakers, knee pads, long sports wear, drinking water, food and snacks for lunch
● Best Time to Visit: April to June; September to October

Itinerary Details:
After picking you up from the hotel you booked on your own in downtown Beijing, your guide will accompany you on a 2-hour private transfer directly to the Gubeikou Great Wall.

1. Gubeikou Great Wall: Gubeikou Town - General’s Tower - 24-Window Tower
Before reaching up, we will first cross the Gubeikou Town at the base. The area of Gubeikou, “Old North Gate” in Chinese, remains an important pass that connects the northeast and Beijing, and the town had been witness to the development of the Wall, when it served as a vital military stronghold during the Ming Dynasty. Walk past rural life, maybe get some snacks and water here to prepare for your odyssey ahead, go through farmlands and bushes, and finally be excited to see up close and ascend the Great Wall. Gubeikou consists of two parts, namely Wohushan and Panlongshan, and we will explore the Panlongshan which leads us eastwards to Jinshanling. Abandoned, Gubeikou Great Wall is a stark contrast to the more tourist-friendly Great Wall sections. Meandering along the 5-km-long (3-mi-long) path on the crest lines of mountains, you will enjoy untamed breathtaking views at each step. Here, weeds have grown on both sides of the path and a great part of parapets and towers lost to nature. There are also crumbling stones and steep ascents, but the route in general is not that difficult to walk, and don’t forget your experienced and considerate guide will always guarantee your safety. With a short gentle climb, reach the General’s Tower, a critical commanding post. You can just picture what an advantageous location it is to look over the surroundings. Gubeikou was the site where a fierce patriotic war happened 80 years ago, and this tower was the strategic point being fought for. Today, you can still see the bullet holes all over. After about 1.5-2 hours, we will arrive at the 24-Window Tower. It’s interesting to know that people used to count arrow holes to distinguish watchtowers on the Great Wall. Due to little protection and natural erosion, only three walls are left supported by iron shelves, yet its magnificence remains.

2. Detour the Military Zone - Jinshanling Great Wall West Entrance - Taochunkou Pass
In front of the 24-Window Tower, there is a white board stating “Closed Military Zone. No Thoroughfare”. To bypass the forbidden zone, follow the guide down from the Great Wall and hike along its foot. There is a trail about 3 km (1.9 mi) paralleling the Great Wall, but it may take 2-2.5 hours for your guide to lead you through the bushes. Later, the west entrance to Jinshanling Great Wall will come into view. Keep hiking forward for a while and we will reach Taochunkou Pass, from which we will set foot on the Great Wall again. 3. Jinshanling Great Wall: Taochunkou Pass - Zhuanduokou Pass
We will linger for another 1 hour on Jinshanling Great Wall and continue eastwards. Unlike Panlongshan that is totally wild, this section is at least partly repaired, so it requires less energy to hike on. Jinshanling is also a heaven for photographers - your guide will give you suggestions on the best spots for shots. The Taochun Tower will be our first stop and here you will learn a story about a kind-hearted girl named Taochun who lost life in a fall as she brought water up to the Wall builders. Another highlight is West Five-Window Tower, the highest point of the west line, which we will climb to overlook the surroundings and appreciate a spectacular sunset. Continue to pass through towers and platforms. At Zhuanduokou Pass, get down to the exit.

Finally, the guide will escort you back to your hotel or a place you specify in downtown Beijing. Today’s hike only covers the west section of Jinshanling. If you are a hiking enthusiastic up for a further exploration of its east section, which is longer and more challenging, and enjoying a sunrise over the Great Wall, please contact our travel consultants in advance to extend this trip. ► Insider Tips for Dinner: (at your own expense)
Take the opportunity to let your driver drop off at whatever branch of Tian Xing Ju in central Beijing that is handily located to you. This time-honored brand offers various Beijing snacks and dishes and has garnered many municipal-level awards. Must try their classic Steamed Pork Buns. Another typical local snack is Fried Sausage - actually made of starch, crunchy and tasty after being dipped in garlic sauce. The façade is easy to spot with a wooden Chinese-style decoration. Average cost per person here is CNY 31 / USD 4.