Great Wall Camping
Jiankou Great Wall Camping
Get off the beaten path and Hike 9km on Jiankou Great Wall, passing numerous watchtowers overgrown by flowers and trees. We pitch our tents on the Great Wall or in a watchtower and stargaze around the campfire.
- Key Info
- Discounts & Inclusions
- Hiking Distance: 9km
- Hiking Duration: 1.5 days
- Hike Level : 3
- Departure time: 9:30 am
- Back in Beijing: 1 PM (next day)
- Price: 1100¥/185$
Meeting/drop-off point: Lama temple subway exit B (How to get there?)
Discounts:
Kids younger than 18 receive 10% discount.
Kids younger than 7 receive 50% discount.
Included in the price:
English speaking guide and transport,
Back pack with tent mats and sleeping bag
Meals as described in the Itinerary
Entrance tickets, hiking sticks, water
A delightful camping trip with China Hiking to an unfamiliar (to me) section of the Great Wall. Heidi and Fred have dedicated years to researching scores of hidden pathways leading from the villages and lonely sections of small rural roads to sections of the wall that can then be followed for a stretch before eventually descending again, sweaty but enriched.
great wall trekking
great wall trekking
After a delicious buffet lunch at a local eatery, everyone can go at their own pace. The triathlon-level athletes can go ahead, reach the top first and explore the watch towers and summit sections before the others arrive. Photographers, would-be athletes, lapsed athletes and complete non-athletes, children can go at their own pace. China Hiking has a team of guides on every trip to help those who need it and make sure everybody gets to the top in the end.
But don’t underestimate the power and stamina of children. Our two eleven year olds stormed ahead at times carrying their day packs and fluffy mascot animals that would later serve as pillows, leaving us in a cloud of dust!
Can a selfie stick also serve as a walking stick? That’s for you to find out….
The photographs you take home are of the wild wall. No smooth surfaces. Clumps of bushes, even trees growing out of the stonework. It’s amazing how much of this structure survives relatively intact after hundreds of years of neglect.
Charman Mao said “You’re not a hero until you have climbed the Great Wall”. Later he also encouraged the locals to harvest the stones for local building projects. But the Wall has always been way too mighty to yield to such actions. It’s simply colossal and magnificent. It follows an incongruous and irregular, often complex path across the landscape. It is still capable of keeping people from the north out! But Fred and Heidi have located hundreds of access points. Once you are on the wall you can admire the views and appreciated the refreshing breezes. Then off into the sunset to find a camping spot. In our case, this meant camping either on the wall itself or inside and on the roof of a watch tower. We feel privileged to be able to do this as sit around a blazing camp fire and exchange stories and banter. There is nobody else around for miles. The mule that carried our dinner has long returned to the valley. Below, the twinkling of village lights. Above the twinkling of the stars. The alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks you have diligently carried up here will taste marvelous in the open air. And if you’re lucky, somebody will have brought some marshmallows to roast on the embers.
great wall camping
great wall camping
great wall camping
great wall camping
great wall camping
Back at my workplace, I can look back on a superb trip. We had excellent weather conditions, dry enough to allow us to camp without the outer layer on the tent and gaze at the moon until we fell asleep.
I will be back for another trip with Fred and Heidi as soon as I can.
We did the Jiankou great wall 2 day hike.
We could not recomend this hike or this company more. Everything was well organised, and our guide Jamie was great. Doing this hike and sleeping on the great wall was definately one of the highlights of our trip.
We did the Jiankou great wall 2 day hike.
We could not recomend this hike or this company more. Everything was well organised, and our guide Jamie was great. Doing this hike and sleeping on the great wall was definately one of the highlights of our trip.
The 2-dass overnight Camping trip on the great wall is a fantastic Adventure !
The 2-dass overnight Camping trip on the great wall is a fantastic Adventure !
We met some lovely people, had stunning views, delicious meals, a great hike, a beautiful sunset, a lovely moon rise, beautiful stars, nice conversations around the bonfire and a beautiful sunrise in the morning!
It has all been really well organised and we can definetly recommend...
We met some lovely people, had stunning views, delicious meals, a great hike, a beautiful sunset, a lovely moon rise, beautiful stars, nice conversations around the bonfire and a beautiful sunrise in the morning!
It has all been really well organised and we can definetly recommend this tour!
Thank You Chinahiking - Thank You John, Fred and Heidi for the amazing experience :)
The guides on the trip were very friendly and did an excellent job, and it was very cool to meet our fellow hikers who were from varying parts of the world.
I was also very happy with the service provided by Fred and Heidi. The communication we had with them was always quick and clear, and I truly felt they went above and beyond to make this experience a good one. For example, we had to cut out one of the portions of the wall we were originally going to hike in addition to the one we ended up going on, and Fred gave us a refund of the portion of the trip we couldn't go on unprompted.
Overall China Hiking provided above and beyond service and gave us a once in a lifetime experience. Highly recommend!
The views were wonderful, it was so amazing that there was absolutely nobody there, especially when coming from the crowd...
The views were wonderful, it was so amazing that there was absolutely nobody there, especially when coming from the crowded Beijing. After the hike, the food tasted so good!
And best of all; after this trip you can say: "I ate marshmallows around a campfire on the Great Wall of China"!
I would totally recommend anyone to book you trip with Fred & Heidi from ChinaHiking!
I would totally recommend anyone to book you trip with Fred & Heidi from ChinaHiking!
Our group was very small and we had two guides, Heidi and John. They were so friendly, relaxed, interested and full of good stories (but not too much talking;-)). Both of them spoke good English and they created a perfect atmosphere. We were able to hike as fast as we wanted and stop whenever we wanted. We hiked for about a good two hours to get up to the camping spot (and some more on our own, while Heidi and John stayed with our stuff).
The hike was tough (quite steep) at times, but no way too difficult. One of us has a weak knee and we are not doing any sports at home, but we were fine at the top. Just a little tired and very sweaty. The views are worth every drop of sweat though.
In the evening, someone came up to bring us a warm meal and kind of cold beers. Both tasted very good. After that we roasted marshmallows on a fire and went to bed. Even though we were hiking in June and it was nearly 30 degrees during the day, the night turned out to be very cold. We did have a sweater and the sleeping bag was fine, but an extra longsleeve or something else to keep you warm is wise to bring.
Sunset and sunrise were a little cloudy, but still beautiful. It is just amazing to be up there on this majestic wall, all alone, surrounded by mountains and forests.
Thank you China Hiking for an unforgettable experience!
Visited September 2016
Wow.... These people at China Hiking are truly passionate about their work. They know the history of the wall, every section ( they all looked the same to me). Eventually when we arrived at the camping site(one of the old towers), we were greeted by cold beers, hot teas and local snacks... 5 stars treatment!
Lastly, the stars, the stars.... I lived in BJ for more than a decade and I have never seen such a beautiful sky on China.... Heidi and the crew had made it happened! They know their stuff and knows how to create a wonderful memory for hikers!
Thank you China Hiking!
M
Visited August 2016
Everything was perfectly organised and we got lots of information about the wall and the history of China from local guides along the way.
I am so glad we chose to visit the wall this way. Wouldn't change a thing.
Thank you Fred, Heidi, John and Jamie!
Visited September 2016
I went with them on a hiking/ camping trip on the Great Wall... they ensure that you do a part of the wall which is away from other tourists and you really can enjoy the nature... I highly suggest doing more than a one-day tour since a night in the tent under the stars on a watchtower is just unforgettable! Moreover, you drive like 2 hours one way and you start with having lunch (which is good but takes time) - so for the people who did only one day, the time on the wall is rather short. Our tour (Jiankou) was not very challenging (only like an hour uphill at the beginning) and another 2 hours on the wall itself but totally worth it and also doable for kids and families! Make sure you read the description on their website so that you know what to expect and if you cannot find your dream-trip just contact them - i am sure they will assist you!
So, let me try to summarize the strong points of ChinaHiking:
- Team
- Group Size (relatively small groups)
- Non-tourist part of the wall
- Price
- Camping on the Wall
- Taking care (They provide camping equipment, coffee, dinner and COLD beer)
- They are really into hiking/ nature (they do not only offer these tours because of the money)
I will be back for a longer and more adventures trip! ;)
Visited August 2016
Visited October 2016
I just wanted to thank you again for all your help, good company and guidance on our camp. You truly gave me a once in a lifetime, incredible experience that I will never forget for as long as I live. I had a fantastic time and cannot thank you enough for helping me see and experience a part of your beautiful country...
I just wanted to thank you again for all your help, good company and guidance on our camp. You truly gave me a once in a lifetime, incredible experience that I will never forget for as long as I live. I had a fantastic time and cannot thank you enough for helping me see and experience a part of your beautiful country.
Wishing you all the best in the future. I really hope I can come back and see the Great Wall in winter one day.
Thank you again. I will never forget it.
Athena
Visited August 2015
We did the Jiankou walk and it was super because you actually get to camp on the wall and it's wonderful because waking up on the wall and seeing it in its morning. Glory is pretty spectacular.
Fred and Heidi as always were w...
We did the Jiankou walk and it was super because you actually get to camp on the wall and it's wonderful because waking up on the wall and seeing it in its morning. Glory is pretty spectacular.
Fred and Heidi as always were wonderful they catered to our needs and food wise it was delicious!
Visited April 2016
Visited October 2015
Visited October 2015
Visited October 2015
Visited April 2015
Visited April 2015
Visited April 2015
Fred our guide was great, creating the perfect relaxed and fun atmosphere for the group.
The part of the wall we went to we had all to ourselves and we literally couldn't believe the isolation and amazing views we were seeing. I got up at dawn for ...
Fred our guide was great, creating the perfect relaxed and fun atmosphere for the group.
The part of the wall we went to we had all to ourselves and we literally couldn't believe the isolation and amazing views we were seeing. I got up at dawn for a truly memorable view of the sun coming up over the wall stretching in to the distance.
If you want to see the wall properly do this hike!
One final thing the food the cook made was delicious.
Visited October 2014
We'll definitely be looking to join you on future tours. Thanks for the memor...
We'll definitely be looking to join you on future tours. Thanks for the memories.
Visited September 2014 source: TripAdvisor
The one night trip consisted of a couple of hours of trekking through the woods ...
The one night trip consisted of a couple of hours of trekking through the woods and up the unrestored wall (beautiful), which was an interesting, if untouched route, although nothing overly strenuous, setting up camp and a fire in time to watch the sunset. A simple and well planned meal made with the fire and some wine (BYOB, I forgot this!) completed a pretty perfect night.
Highly recommended! 2014 Aug
however for the benefit of people wishing to take a trip, I have broken down my
review into sections that u might want to know:
THE HIK...
however for the benefit of people wishing to take a trip, I have broken down my
review into sections that u might want to know:
THE HIKE ITSELF: Strenuous, yet not Arduous. In North Wales, a ' strenuous ' hike is regularly done by a 67 year old friend of my mother, so it's bracing without being taxing. The organizers Fred and Heidi are very conscientious and furnish each hiker with copious amounts of water and welcome breaks to take you up the hill to the Wall.
VALUE FOR MONEY : for an overnight camping stay with a good lunch and dining in the evening in the company of new compadres over a campfire, transport there and back from a convenient CBD pickup (Jianguomen) subway, it was well worth the price.
ORGANISATION: Again, excellent, people were coming from all over the city of Beijing and every understanding was made to accommodate their needs and logistics. Also, for girls, there is a nice very local hotel bathroom to visit before u take the short (2 hour) journey.
EQUIPMENT :you get a tent which takes all of minutes to assemble and comes with idiot proof instructions. A rucksack is given to you and all the water you can drink - very handy when you are sweating your happy way up the trail!
OVERALL EXPERIENCE ; Just a lovely, memorable and sure to be lasting experience with two people (Fred and Heidi) who seem to genuinely love what they do. What was especially cool was meeting people from diverse backgrounds and countries! I myself am from Wales and I very much enjoyed my trip with German students, a Kiwi female rugby team manager, an Irish girl from Greece with wanderlust and a young American father, sharing our night on the Wall together. An unexpectedly warm and humorous experience and a chance to escape the city!
Special mention to the views you wake up to - massive 360 degree panoramas with semi ruined Great Wall towers in your immediate vision and beautiful valleys as far as the eye can see.
As far as Beijing hikes go, this is the one folks, I would definitely go again :)
August 24, 2014
Visited August 2013
source tripadvisor
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Private tours are great way to travel if you have a group of friends, family or colleagues ready to explore nature. Also for school trips or company team building activities a private tour is the way to go. We have experience guiding trips with up to 60 people from international schools and companies. Price of private tours will vary depending on the number of people, the chosen transport and accommodation. Let us know your desires and we will customize a trip for you. Open tour
Are you planning far ahead but your favorite trip is not on our schedule at the time you’re coming to China? Are you an indepentdant traveler that wants to keep the costs as low as possible? Just let us know your favorite trip and starting date at least 6 weeks in advance and we will add your trip to our hiking agenda. As soon as we have 6 people joining the trip we are good to go!
Private tour prices for Jiankou Great Wall Camping (2 Days)
Prices are per person and include:
- Pick up and drop off by private bus at your hotel (Please let us know the pick up address)
- English speaking guide, entrance tickets, hiking sticks
- All meals as described in the itinerary and water for during the hike
- All camping gear (tents, mats, sleeping bags, backpacks)
Group Size | Price pp in CNY | Price pp in USD | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Adults | Kids <18 | Adults | Kids <18 | |
2 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
3 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
4 | 1700¥ | 1530¥ | 257$ | 231$ |
5 | 1600¥ | 1440¥ | 242$ | 218$ |
6 | 1500¥ | 1350¥ | 227$ | 204$ |
7 | 1400¥ | 1260¥ | 212$ | 191$ |
8 | 1300¥ | 1170¥ | 197$ | 177$ |
9 | 1200¥ | 1080¥ | 182$ | 164$ |
10 | 1100¥ | 990 ¥ | 167$ | 150$ |
15+ | please contact us for larger group prices |
Day 1: Jiankou Great Wall
Hiking distance: 7km / 4h
Camp on the Wall
Incl. meals: lunch, dinner
Day 2: Jiankou Great Wall
Hiking distance: 2km / 1h
Incl. meals: breakfast
Highlights
Wild Great Wall
Authentic farmhouse meals
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Detailed Itinerary
Jiankou Great Wall hike is stunning from the first step and the higher we get the better the views over the surrounding mountains gets.
We follow an uphill trail through the bush for about 1 hour until we reach the Great Wall at the second beacon tower. During this first part of this hike, we will ascend about 500 meters. Once we arrive on the Great Wall, our uphill hiking is mostly done.
Jiankou Great Wall camping in fall
Jiankou Great Wall camping . Our first steps on the Jiankou Great Wall
As the hike continues at the top of the Great Wall, we enjoy fantastic views of famous Great Wall sections known as “The Wall Bow”, “Arrow Nock” and the “Beijing Knot”. We pass 7 beacon towers on this section of the wall. The best-preserved ones are called the 5-eye watchtower and the Jade tower.
Jiankou Great Wall camping
We pitch our tents in front of the 6th tower and enjoy a buffet style home cooked dinner. At night, a small campfire will keep us warm while we watch the stars.
Great Wall Camping
Next day we pack our tents and leave this beautiful place without a trace. We hike down the mountain on an easy trail for about 1 hour and go for a strong farmhouse breakfast espanolfarm.com. Our driver will drop us at Lama Temple meeting point by 12 o’clock.
Level 2: Medium-Strong
We rate this trip as medium strong as there is strong uphill hike on the first day and we have to carry our backpacks with the camping gear. On a very hot day it can be a hard hike but we take plenty of breaks and never rush. Once we are on top of the Great Wall the hike is fairly. The trail is safe but we do hike some crumbled staircases so make sure to wear sturdy shoes.
Planning a trip ahead or want a private tour?
Private tour prices for Jiankou Great Wall Camping (2 Days)
Prices are per person and include:
- Pick up and drop off by private bus at your hotel (Please let us know the pick up address)
- English speaking guide, entrance tickets, hiking sticks
- All meals as described in the itinerary and water for during the hike
- All camping gear (tents, mats, sleeping bags, backpacks)
Group Size | Price pp in CNY | Price pp in USD | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Adults | Kids <18 | Adults | Kids <18 | |
2 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
3 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
4 | 1700¥ | 1530¥ | 257$ | 231$ |
5 | 1600¥ | 1440¥ | 242$ | 218$ |
6 | 1500¥ | 1350¥ | 227$ | 204$ |
7 | 1400¥ | 1260¥ | 212$ | 191$ |
8 | 1300¥ | 1170¥ | 197$ | 177$ |
9 | 1200¥ | 1080¥ | 182$ | 164$ |
10 | 1100¥ | 990 ¥ | 167$ | 150$ |
15+ | please contact us for larger group prices |
Please fill out the details in the form below to submit your request for a private or open tour.