The route at a glance
9-day Great Wall Trek links Old Dragon’s Head, Jiaoshan, Huangyaguan, Jinshanling, Gubeikou, Jiankou, Mutianyu. The program balances walking, transfers, meals and overnight arrangements across a longer section of the Wall.
Operated by Great Wall Adventure Club. This route is presented as part of China Travel Collection’s specialist Great Wall selection.
Walking level & suitability
A multi-day walking journey. Review the distance, elevation, terrain and overnight arrangements for every day before choosing your route.
Detailed itinerary
Travel east from Beijing to the Bohai coast, where the Old Dragon’s Head marks the Wall’s meeting with the sea. Continue to Shanhaiguan to explore the historic pass and town. The guide will confirm the coast access and the evening transfer before departure.
Follow the Wall uphill at Jiaoshan, the first mountain section beyond Shanhaiguan. Pause at the ridge viewpoints to trace the route back toward the coast, then descend by the planned path and continue to the next overnight base.
Spend the day among the ceremonial avenues, monuments and burial landscape of the East Qing Tombs. This cultural stop breaks up the long east-to-west journey before the trek resumes toward Huangyaguan; admission and transfer times are confirmed for your date.
Explore Huangyaguan’s fortified pass and climb toward the Sky Ladder where conditions and the group’s ability permit. The guide selects the approach and turnaround point, allowing time for the steep steps, rest stops and the onward transfer.
Walk the tower-lined ridges of Jinshanling toward West Simatai. The route alternates between substantial watchtowers and weathered stretches, with time for photographs and water breaks. The exact exit depends on current access and trail conditions.
Explore the older, unrestored Wall around Gubeikou and learn why this pass mattered to the defense of the capital. Follow a guided ridge or local circuit among weathered towers; the walking length and exit are matched to access and the group’s pace.
Approach Jiankou from the selected village trail and reach a suitable part of its dramatic mountain ridge. This is rugged terrain with steep sections, so the guide chooses a safe route and turnaround according to weather and the group’s experience.
Continue from Jiankou toward Mutianyu, moving from unrestored masonry into the restored ramparts. Descend by the agreed exit after the ridge walk and transfer onward; the precise trail and distance are confirmed with local access conditions.
Finish beside the reservoir at Huanghuacheng, where the Wall runs above the lakeside landscape. Walk the accessible ridge and viewpoints at a comfortable pace, then return to Beijing or connect with the confirmed onward arrangement.
Your route, illustrated
Plan the practical details
Confirm the exact walking start and finish, hotel pickup or meeting point, return arrangement and guide language. Road transfers, station connections and access options should be spelled out in the final proposal.
Arrange storage for your main luggage with the route team. Carry a small daypack with water, suitable layers and personal essentials. Confirm whether bags travel by vehicle between overnight stops.
Before confirming your departure
- Review the terrain and walking level for every member of your party.
- Confirm dates, current route access and a weather alternative.
- Request an itemized quote covering guide, transport, admissions, meals and any overnight equipment or accommodation.
- Check the final meeting instructions and emergency contact details.
Route timing, availability and inclusions are confirmed for your booking. No unverified package price is implied by this page.
