Embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the Great Wall of China. This hiking tour from Jiankou to Mutianyu combines the rugged beauty of the unrestored Jiankou section with the well-preserved Mutianyu. Challenge yourself on a 4-hour hike, then discover stunning vistas and ancient watchtowers. Choose your descent option, from a leisurely walk to an exhilarating toboggan ride. An experienced guide ensures you learn the history behind this iconic landmark. This tour offers an adventure you won’t soon forget.

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Key Points

This tour offers a guided hiking experience along the Jiankou and Mutianyu sections of the Great Wall, lasting approximately 9 hours.
The Jiankou section provides an authentic Great Wall experience with unrestored, steep, and winding paths, while Mutianyu features well-preserved structures.
Descent options at Mutianyu include walking, cable car, or toboggan, each offering a unique perspective of the Great Wall.
The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, admission tickets, a professional guide, lunch, and bottled water.
This tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues, fear of heights, or children under 10 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This hiking tour of the Great Wall offers visitors the opportunity to explore two distinct sections – the unrestored, wild Jiankou section and the longest fully-restored Mutianyu section.

Over 9 hours, you’ll hike along these iconic landmarks, guided by a professional who’ll share the wall’s history. The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, admission, lunch, and transportation, with options to descend Mutianyu by cable car or toboggan at an additional cost.

Spend 9 hours hiking iconic Great Wall sections, guided by a professional sharing its history, with transportation and lunch included.

While suitable for most, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues, fear of heights, or for children under 10.

Prepare with comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water.

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Jiankou Great Wall Hike

The Jiankou Great Wall hike begins with a guided tour through this unrestored, wild section of the iconic structure.

Visitors will marvel at Jiankou’s original grandeur and natural imperfections. The challenging 4-hour hike along the steep, winding path offers unparalleled views.

Hikers must navigate crumbling watchtowers and weathered bricks, an authentic Great Wall experience. Along the way, the guide shares insights into the wall’s history and construction.

Though strenuous, the Jiankou hike rewards adventurous travelers with a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the Great Wall’s untamed splendor.

Mutianyu Great Wall Exploration

After exploring the rugged and untamed splendor of the Jiankou Great Wall, the tour continues to the Mutianyu section.

This fully-restored stretch offers stunning vistas and well-preserved structures. Guided by an expert, visitors learn the history of this iconic landmark.

The two-hour hike along Mutianyu allows ample time to soak in the scenery. Descending options include walking, cable car, or toboggan, each providing a unique perspective.

Lunch at a local restaurant caps off the day’s adventures before the return to Beijing.

Mutianyu’s scenic beauty and accessibility make it a rewarding Great Wall experience.

Descending Options at Mutianyu

When reaching the end of the Mutianyu section, hikers can choose from several options to descend the Great Wall.

They can walk down the steep steps, taking their time to enjoy the views. For a quicker descent, the cable car offers a panoramic ride down the mountain.

Alternatively, the toboggan provides an exhilarating slide down the hillside. While the cable car and toboggan have an additional cost, they offer a more thrilling way to conclude the hike.

Whichever option visitors select, they’re sure to leave the Mutianyu Great Wall with a memorable experience.

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History and Insights From the Guide

As hikers descend the Mutianyu Great Wall, they’ll have the chance to learn fascinating insights about its history from the knowledgeable guide.

The guide will explain how this 1,400-year-old fortification was built to protect ancient Chinese dynasties from northern invaders.

Hikers will discover the architectural ingenuity that went into constructing the wall, from its watchtowers to the defensive measures employed.

The guide’s commentary will bring the wall’s storied past to life, giving travelers a deeper appreciation for this wonder of the world and the cultures that shaped it over the centuries.

Scenic Views and Preserved Structures

Sweeping vistas greet hikers as they explore the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This well-preserved part of the ancient fortification offers stunning mountain views and impressively restored watchtowers.

Sweeping vistas greet hikers as they explore the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, offering stunning mountain views and restored watchtowers.

Visitors can wander along the sturdy stone platforms, marveling at the skill of the original builders. The scenery is consistently beautiful, with the Wall snaking across ridges and valleys.

In contrast, the Jiankou section showcases the wall’s natural, rugged state. Its unrestored, crumbling towers and uneven terrain provide a more adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Both sections highlight the Great Wall’s grandeur and enduring legacy in unique ways.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Recommendations

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, admission tickets, a professional guide, lunch, private transportation, and bottled water.

However, the tour excludes cable car or toboggan tickets, which are at the traveler’s own cost. Plus, gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, such as:

Children under 10
Pregnant women
Those with mobility impairments
Those afraid of heights or over 70 years old

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water.

The Jiankou section offers a more adventurous hike, while Mutianyu is known for its beautiful scenery.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

How do customers rate this hiking tour of the Great Wall?

Judging from the available feedback, it seems customers are highly satisfied with the experience. The tour boasts a perfect 5/5 rating based on 1 review.

Positive feedback has come from various traveler types, including couples and solo adventurers. Customers highlight the tour’s ability to showcase the Great Wall’s original state at Jiankou as well as the scenic beauty of the restored Mutianyu section.

With convenient inclusions, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking views, this hiking excursion appears to deliver a memorable Great Wall experience for those able to undertake the physical demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The minimum age requirement for this tour is 10 years old. The tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, those afraid of heights, and people over 70.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Hike?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour operator states the tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, those with mobility issues, those afraid of heights, or people over 70. Bringing a pet would not be permitted.

Is There an Option to Take a Shorter Version of the Hike?

No, there’s no option for a shorter hike. The tour covers both the Jiankou and Mutianyu sections, which together take around 6 hours. It’s not possible to do just one section on this particular tour.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks or Meals During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes lunch at a local restaurant, but travelers can purchase additional snacks or meals at their own expense during the hike or at the lunch stop.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Taking Photos at Each Location?

The tour allows ample time for taking photos at both Jiankou and Mutianyu sections of the Great Wall. Approximately 30-45 minutes is provided at each location for sightseeing and capturing scenic shots.

The Sum Up

Embarking on the Great Wall hiking tour from Jiankou to Mutianyu offers a unique blend of adventure, history, and scenery. The challenging Jiankou section showcases the Wall’s rugged beauty, while the restored Mutianyu provides stunning vistas and insights. With various descent options, from a leisurely walk to an exhilarating toboggan ride, this tour caters to diverse interests, making it an unforgettable experience for hikers and history enthusiasts alike.