3Am Great Wall Trek links Jinshanling, Gubeikou, Mutianyu. The program balances walking, transfers, meals and overnight arrangements across a longer section of the Wall.
Summary
3Am Great Wall Trek links Jinshanling, Gubeikou, Mutianyu. The program balances walking, transfers, meals and overnight arrangements across a longer section of the Wall.
Route map
Schematic route · not to scale
Route stop
Brief itinerary
Day 1 · Beijing-Gubeikou-Jinshanling
Day 2 · Simatai West
Day 3 · Mutianyu
Detailed itinerary
Day-by-day route details from our original tour program. Confirm the departure time, walking distance, meals, lodging and permitted campsite in your booking proposal; these may change with access and weather.
Day 1 · Beijing-Gubeikou-Jinshanling
Hiking Distance: 10km/6miles
Hours to Take: 4.5
Accommodation: Camping in a watchtower
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Water: Unlimited bottles
9:30 am: We will pick you up from your hotel and drive directly to the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall, where we will begin our two-day hike on the Wall. It is 2.5 hours of driving.
Today we will hike for around 10km/6 miles. Gubeikou is covered with over 140 watchtowers, all differing in size and design. You will witness how the wall twists and winds along with the steep mountain range from the Wall here. It is as dramatic a view on the Great Wall as you'll find.
The Jinshanling Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while 1/4 of it is restored, allows you to have a more intimate experience with the Wall. This afternoon, you'll watch the sunset while walking along the Wall.
Then we'll take you to have a gorgeous Chinese countryside style dinner served by a local housewife. Before it gets dark, we'll go up to the mountain and sleep overnight in a watchtower. We'll prepare the necessary camping facilities, including tents and sleeping bags, so you don't have to bring anything but yourself. Here it is the sound sleeper's paradise - let the mountain valley and the Great Wall echo your snoring sound!
Day 2 · Simatai West
Hiking Distance: 6km/4miles
Hours to Take: 3
Accommodation: Great Wall Farmotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Water: Unlimited bottles
The first thing we'll do today is to watch the magnificent sunrise early in the morning. After a quick breakfast, we will resume our hike on Jinshanling's right-wing, where we will hike until we reach Simatai West, called Second Valley. As we head west, the wall will gradually deteriorate, making the hike progressively more challenging and exciting to observe and compare.
The Jinshanling Great Wall has now not been repaired considering that 1570. It is a far-flung and incredibly isolated part of the Great Wall. If you search for breathtaking views with a pretty peaceful walk, then the Second Valley of Jinshanling cannot be better, so we hope that you remembered to convey your camera!
Simatai West, called the Second Valley, is the left-wing of Simatai. It is also in a severe ruins country and is thereby the best example of the authentic Great Wall, while too extraordinarily beautiful and rustic. The wall is 7.8 m high and 5 - 6 m thick at the bottom. In addition to the first-rate scenery on your hike, you will also get to see how the wall was designed for practical purposes, that being the defense against outer enemies, and how the Great Wall was once supposed to preserve them out. There are 'obstacle-walls' built perpendicular to the parapets, a feature unique to Jinshanling Great Wall's Second Valley section.
Tonight, we'll overnight in a farmotel at the foot of the mountain in Jiankou to prepare for the next day's hike there. The chefs working in this hostel used to work in Beijing to cook with better skills than those who are home cooks in the countryside. Suppose you are a vegetarian, no problem. He'll cater to you with delicious Chinese vegetables and beans, etc.
Day 3 · Mutianyu
Hiking Distance: 9km/6miles
Hours to Take: 3.5
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Water: Unlimited bottles
Today’s hike will cover approximately 10 km / 6 miles, offering a rewarding blend of scenic walking and iconic Great Wall views.
You’ll spend the day exploring Mutianyu, one of the most famous and beautifully restored sections of the Great Wall. Known for its solid walkways, elegant watchtowers, and sweeping mountain scenery, Mutianyu delivers a classic Great Wall experience without the overwhelming crowds often found at Badaling.
As you walk along the wall, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and ridgelines. Look carefully to the right side of the mountainside to spot the large engraved slogan encouraging people to “Cherish Chairman Mao,” a historical reminder of the Wall’s more recent political significance. Mutianyu has also hosted visits from numerous foreign leaders, underscoring its importance on the world stage.
After completing the hike, you may walk down to the parking area or opt for the toboggan ride (highly recommended and great fun; additional cost) to meet your driver. A local lunch follows before the comfortable drive back to Beijing, with drop-off at your hotel.
Back home, the only thing left to do is upload and relive the incredible photos from your Great Wall adventure!
What we confirm
Meeting point and departure window
Admissions, tickets and local transport
Guide language, meals and accommodation
Walking level, luggage and weather plan
Return point or onward connection
Before you proceed
Share the relevant dates, group size and priorities. We will provide the current details in writing and identify anything that must be booked separately or may change with access, schedules or local conditions.
Original Great Wall stonework and watchtowers — from the Great Wall Adventure Club source site.
What makes this experience different
More than a viewpoint
Walk tower to tower and understand how the Wall follows the natural defense line.
A route for your pace
We distinguish gentler restored paths from demanding unrestored ridges before you choose.
Local route knowledge
Entrances, exits, seasonal conditions and transfer logistics are checked for your date.
TerrainStone steps, ridges and uneven historic paths
Best seasonsSpring and autumn; summer and winter need extra planning
BringGrippy footwear, water, layers and sun protection
Designed around real travelers
Every departure is matched to the group’s dates, ages, interests, walking experience and preferred comfort level. Tell us what matters most—quiet trails, photography, history, a physical challenge, family time or a broader China itinerary—and we will explain the most practical options without hiding the tradeoffs.
Questions worth asking before booking
How much time is spent walking, driving and stopping?
Which parts of the route are restored, unrestored, steep or exposed?
What is included, and what should we carry or arrange ourselves?
What changes if weather, access rules or transport schedules affect the plan?
Keep exploring
Compare more multi-day treks or talk to us about a custom route.
