Hiking from Lengkou to Baiyangyu Great Wall

Located in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, the Lengkou Great Wall and Baiyangyu Great Wall were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Weathered by centuries of wind and sun, their dilapidated yet imposing structures exude a raw, primordial beauty. This hiking route stretches 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Lengkou Great Wall westward through Dalongmiao Village to Baiyangyu Great Wall, typically completed over two days.

Lauded by National Geographic as one of China’s 25 most enchanting hiking trails, it has earned the nickname “a journey across mountain crests.” Its signature highlights are twofold: the 1.5-kilometer (0.9-mile) red marble Great Wall at Baiyangyu, where walls and watchtower bases are exquisitely chiseled from crimson stone, forming a striking contrast with the white mortar at their joints; and the “Wrong City”, a unique formation where two sections of the wall diverge at a common intersection before converging again. It is said that a general made a mistake in the direction of the Great Wall and then repaired it by building a new section, thus creating this unique “Wrong City.”
 For travelers departing from either Beijing or Qinhuangdao, hiring a private car is the best choice for this hiking trip. Public transportation is too time-consuming and requires multiple transfers, which is a big challenge for tourists who are not familiar with China. Therefore, we recommend that you hire a private car directly. It takes about 3 hours from Beijing and about 1.5 hours from Qinhuangdao. The cost of hiring a private car is approximately CNY 1,000 to 1,400 per day.
  From Beijing:
- Driving time: 5 - 6 hours
- Cost: CNY 250 - 300
Take the high-speed train from Beijing Railway Station or Beijing South Railway Station to Qinhuangdao Railway Station, which takes about 2 hours and costs around CNY 150.

After getting off at Qinhuangdao Railway Station, cross the road to Qinhuangdao Long-Distance Bus Station and take a bus to Qian'an. Buses depart at 07:10, 07:40, 09:10, 11:00, 12:10, and 15:30 every day. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs CNY 28.

Then take a taxi to Lengkou Village. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs CNY 80 - 100. 

From Qinhuangdao City:
- Driving time: 3 - 4 hours
- Cost: CNY 100 - 150
Take bus No. 34, 6, 701, 7, 8, or 9 to Qinhuangdao Railway Station, and then follow the above route to Lengkou Village. 

Note: Opting for public transport may extend the hiking itinerary to three days.
 

Lengkou Great Wall

Length: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Difficulty: High difficulty, suitable for experienced hikers.

Upon reaching North Lengkou Village, the Lengkou Great Wall comes into view. It takes about five minutes to walk along the road to reach the starting point of the Great Wall. Venturing westward along the wall, you’ll soon encounter the fork of “Wrong City.” It has a south route and a north route, spanning 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) and 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long respectively. Although the north route is longer, the slope is flat and it is easier to walk. The south route is shorter, but you have to cross a deep and steep ravine, which is extremely dangerous. You can choose to walk the south line or the north line based on your skill level and comfort with exposure. 

After passing through Wrong City, the Great Wall transitions from stone to taller brickwork. Then, after hiking along the Great Wall for about 2 hours, you will find that it is cut off by a road. It is recommended that you descend from the wall there and follow the road to Dalongmiao Village for an overnight stay.
 Dalongmiao Village, an ancient village with a history spanning centuries, greets visitors with solemn temples and traditional residences. There are farmhouses in the village that offer food and accommodation, with a price of about CNY 200 per night. Staying here for one night will regain your energy for the next day's hiking. 
 

Baiyangyu Great Wall

Length: 6 kilometers (3.8 miles)
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate 

After breakfast, return to the Great Wall and continue westward. In about 1.5 hours, you’ll encounter the 1.5-kilometer (0.9-mile) red marble stretch, where meticulous craftsmanship of crimson stone creates a vivid contrast with white mortar, forming a breathtaking visual spectacle.

Another hour’s hike leads to Huang Cheng (Lie City), a fortified plateau roughly half the size of a football field. Perched on the highest point north of the Baiyangyu Pass, this strategic stronghold was designed to mislead enemies as a command center while serving as a storage hub for supplies, horses, and troops - an ingenious element of Baiyangyu’s defensive architecture.

After crossing this vast area, you will soon reach the end of this hiking route. Descend from the Great Wall to Baiyangyu Village. 
 If you come by chartered car, you can ask the driver to pick you up here and go directly back to Qinhuangdao/Beijing.

If you come by public transportation, you need to first take a minibus operated by local people to Qian'an Long-Distance Bus Station and then take a bus back to Qinhuangdao.

From Qinhuangdao Railway Station, take a high-speed train to return to Beijing.
 1. The Lengkou Great Wall is a wild section and free of charge; the ticket for Baiyangyu Great Wall is CNY 40.
2. Check the weather in advance and avoid going on windy or rainy days or other bad weather.
3. This is a very challenging hike and is best done with a professional guide.

More tips:
20 Great Wall Hiking Tips You Should Know
Great Wall Hiking Checklist: 15 Things that Expert Hikers Always Take