Overview
Trek the wild, unrestored Great Wall at Jiankou and cross to restored Mutianyu — the adventurous Great Wall hike international trekkers love most.
About This Tour
This is the Great Wall as adventurers dream of it: not a tidy tourist platform but the raw, crumbling, dragon-backed ramparts of Jiankou, snaking along knife-edge ridges in the mountains north of Beijing. This two-day private trek crosses the famously photogenic "wild" (unrestored) section of Jiankou and links it to the beautifully restored battlements of Mutianyu — combining genuine off-the-beaten-path adventure with a comfortable, safe finish. You scramble over broken watchtowers, push through scrub reclaiming the stones, and walk sections where the original Ming-dynasty brickwork has stood untouched for over four hundred years. The reward is solitude, sweeping mountain views and some of the most dramatic Great Wall scenery anywhere — landmarks like the "Eagle Flies Facing Upward" and the Beijing Knot. Close to central Beijing, it is the single most popular Great Wall hiking route among foreign trekkers. It suits adventurous, sure-footed travelers comfortable with steep, uneven and exposed ground; this is hands-on hiking, not a stroll. Best in spring and autumn for cool air and clear views. Private tour, priced per person. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and border-area regulations. Good to know: • Best season: April–May and September–October for cool, clear weather; midsummer is hot and humid • Fitness level: moderate to demanding — steep, loose and exposed scrambling on unrestored ramparts; sure footing required • Altitude: low (ridgeline around 700–1,000 m); no altitude concern • Wear sturdy boots with good grip and gloves for hand-over-hand sections; the wild wall has no railings • Jiankou is an unrestored, protected heritage section — your guide keeps you on the safe, permitted line • Private tour, priced per person; guesthouse accommodation is simple but comfortable village lodging
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Beijing to Jiankou｜The wild Great Wall
Depart central Beijing in the morning, driving about 2 to 2.5 hours north into the Huairou mountains to Xizhazi village below the Jiankou Great Wall. After a safety briefing you begin a steep climb of roughly 1–1.5 hours up a forest path to reach the ramparts. Once on the wall, you hike about 5–6 km over 4–5 hours along the wild, unrestored crest, scrambling over collapsed sections and broken watchtowers with no railings and few other people. Highlights include the dramatic "Eagle Flies Facing Upward" tower and ridge-top views of the wall snaking to the horizon. This is genuine adventure terrain — your guide chooses the safe, permitted line throughout. Descend to a countryside guesthouse for a hot home-style dinner. Lunch (packed) and Dinner included; overnight in village guesthouse near the wall.
2
Day 2: Jiankou to Mutianyu｜Crossing to the restored wall
After breakfast, return to the ridge and continue the signature traverse, walking roughly 6–8 km over 4–5 hours from the wild Jiankou section toward the restored battlements of Mutianyu. The route passes the famous Beijing Knot, where three lines of wall converge, then transitions from rough, plant-covered stone to the solid, rebuilt ramparts and watchtowers of Mutianyu — a vivid contrast that tells the wall's story of decay and restoration. Enjoy the broad, photogenic battlements and panoramic views over forested hills. At the end, ride the cable car (or the fun toboggan) down to the base, where your private vehicle waits to transfer you back to central Beijing, arriving late afternoon. The tour concludes on arrival in the city. Breakfast and Lunch included; no overnight (tour ends today).
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking professional guide Private vehicle and transfers from central Beijing One night countryside guesthouse near the wall Listed Great Wall entrance tickets (Jiankou access and Mutianyu) Mutianyu cable car or toboggan down (as per itinerary) Meals as specified (B/L/D) First-aid kit and trekking support
✕ Not included
International and domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Personal trekking gear (sturdy boots, gloves, poles) Tips and gratuities Meals not specified Personal expenses Single supplement
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.6★★★★★Based on 162 reviews
Mia Q.🇺🇸 USA★★★★★2024-12
The part around Mutianyu was unhurried, which mattered more to me than squeezing in one more stop. The Great Wall was a good counterpoint.
Oscar P.🇩🇪 Germany★★★★☆2026-03
What helped was simple: transport to the trailhead was the piece I would not have wanted to arrange myself. Once there, the day felt simple. I would rather keep the pause at the trail than add another stop.
James Q.🇮🇪 Ireland★★★★★2026-02
Looking back, my legs noticed the climbs the next morning. I would still do the same route, just with lighter shoes and fewer things in my daypack. For 2 days around Beijing, the pace felt about right.
Stefan V.🇸🇬 Singapore★★★★★2025-05
Looking back, I had a long list of things I thought I needed to see. After Mutianyu, I was happier slowing down and noticing fewer things properly.
Ana W.🇨🇦 Canada★★★★☆2025-08
Worth doing for the Great Wall; worth remembering for the small stops in between.