This guide covers everything you need to know to camp on the Great Wall of China whether you are doing it as part of a guided tour or independently. Learn about the options to camp on the wall, equipment to take and where to get it, as well as essential tips and considerations you need to take to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Great Wall of China lives up to its status as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. It’s hard to put into words just how impressive this ancient structure is as it snakes its way through 21,196km of mountains, hills, plains, grasslands, deserts, and rivers. It is one of the most dramatic sights you can see. Whilst seeing the Great Wall is an experience in itself, camping on the Great Wall is like nothing else. It’s a once in a lifetime and unique experience where you can find solitude at one of the world’s most popular and stunning destinations.
If you are planning to hike the Great Wall of China, particularly sections of the wall that are less visited, then you will want to check out our other guide which sets out everything you need to know: How to hike the wild Great Wall of China
Options for camping on the Great Wall of China
There are two options for camping on the Great Wall of China.
Option 1: Guided tour
Companies that offer group camping tours include:
Option 2: Camp on your own
You can choose to camp independently, however, there are some considerations to keep in mind.
The key consideration is that camping on the Great Wall is not officially permitted. Unauthorised camping can result in fines and penalties (200-500 yuan). Despite this, the authorities turn a blind eye to camping activities as long as you don’t do it on the official and busier restored sections. So that means, if you do decide to camp independently, only choose a ‘wild’ section of the wall such as Gubeikou and be mindful of the risks. It’s worth to check with locals the latest regulations before you set off.
The other consideration is to leave no trace: Be respectful of the environment and take out everything you bring in. Leave the area as you found it to ensure the area remains pristine for future visitors.
Where to camp on the Great Wall of China
If you are considering camping independently, you will need to camp on a ‘wild’ section of the wall.
Do not camp on the official and busier restored sections such as Badaling, Mutianyu, or Jinshanling.
The best section of the wall to camp on is Gubeikou. This wild, unrestored stretch lies to the west of Jinshanling, separated by a military zone but connected via a scenic valley. The wild wall of Gubeikou, with its crumbling stones and overgrown paths, offers a unique experience that you will pretty much have all to yourself.
Along this section are a number of Watchtowers, which technically you could camp in any of them, but we were recommended by locals to camp in the 24-Eye Watchtower.
This is a large tower, that sits at one of the higher points of this section of the wall and has incredible views for both sunset and sunrise. The ground is mostly flat concrete, with a few patches of grassy tufts and sharp rubble lying around. The tower could accommodate 3-4 small tents. It’s ideal for an overnight stay.
To get to this section of the wall and the 24-Eye Watchtower, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide here with all the information you need to know.
Be aware that this tower is very close to the militarised zone, so do not stumble too far. It is obvious where the military zone begins as the path is blocked by a large gate and you will notice a number of cameras.
Equipment you will need to camp on the Great Wall of China
Bring lightweight camping equipment, including:
- 2/3 person tent
- Sleeping mat
- Thermarest NeoAir Xlite is an ultra-packable mat while still retaining comfort. It has an R value of 4.5 so it is good for year round conditions.
- Sea to Summit Ether Light Xt Insulated is an excellent option if you want a comfortable nights sleep. It is thicker than a lot of mats on the market so it does back down slightly bigger than for example the Thermarest linked above, but it is still small and lightweight. It being thicker makes it perfect for side sleepers. It comes with an airstream pump bag for easy inflation and is compatible with the pillow locking feature. It also has a 3.5 R value so is suitable for 3 seasons.
- Sleeping bag or quilt
- Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass -1C sleeping bag is perfect for camping in Scotland. This unisex bag has a high performing warmth to weigh ratio and compresses small. A women’s version is also available with a -18C limit.
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
- OEX silk mummy sleeping bag liner is ideal for adding extra insulation, as well as keeping your sleeping bag cleaner. It’s lightweight and packs down very small.
- Pillow – we love the Sea to Summit range
- Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow is by far the best camping pillow we’ve ever used. This inflatable pillow, is soft, comfy, light and packs down small. It is also compatible with Sea to Summit’s lock system, so if you have one of their sleeping pads the pillow will lock to it ensuring that it doesn’t move throughout the night. We’ve also tried it without a Sea to Summit sleeping pad and it stays pretty still no matter how much you toss and turn. The pillow comes in regular, large and deluxe sizes.
- Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow is another excellent choice especially if you are looking to knock a few more grams of weight off. It has also the same comfort and features as the Premium pillow.
- Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow is the ultimate luxury in camping pillows. This pillow is for those who want extra comfort while still being lightweight. Similarly to the others, this pillow also has the lock system feature.
- Stove
- MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove is fantastic. This portable and powerful stove has a flame adjuster for versatile cooking options and will also keep alight in strong wind.
- Fuel canister/gas
- Matches or lighter
- Cookset and cutlery
- GSI Outdoors Halite MicroDualist has everything you need for 2 people in a compact stacking set. A pot with folding handle and in-built strainer, 2 bowls, 2 mugs, 2 sporks. We’ve used it a number of times on camping trips.
- Biodegradable dish soap
- Dr Bronner’s All-in-1 Soap is perfect for bringing on camping trips. It can be used to wash face and hair, but we mainly use it to wash dishes.
- First aid kit
- Headlamp
- Lamp
- Battery back up
- Head torch and/or lamp
- Plenty of water
- Warm layers as it can get cold at night
- Camp shoes after all that walking along the wall, you’ll want to get into something comfy
- Out of all the camp shoes/slippers available on the market today, we have found Crocs to be the best for their versatility (great for hot weather and cold weather with socks, dry off quickly if wet, can be worn on more rugged ground), comfort, and ease to slip on and off.
- A bag you can close for litter, used toilet paper, etc. (do not leave anything on the wall)
Where to get camping equipment
You can bring your own gear if you have it, or hire it locally. The best option for this is to see if your accommodation may be able to assist with hire. Some of the hostels and guest houses near Gubeikou offer camping equipment to guests.
When is the best time to camp on the Great Wall of China?
Like any camping trip, you should be aware of the weather and climate.
- March: Chilly with occasional wind and dust, and large temperature drops between day and night
- April–May: Warmer spring with daytime temperatures averaging 11°C–24°C (52°F–75°F)
Summer:
- June–August: Temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F) or higher, especially in July and August
- High humidity: Can make hiking more strenuous
- Frequent rainfall: Rain gear is recommended
Autumn:
- September–early November: Temperatures are comfortable and rain is less likely
- The mornings and evenings can be cold even if the daytime if warm
Winter:
- November-February: Temperatures are cold and the wall can get snowy and icy.
- Not recommended to camp.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need to pay a fee to camp on the Great Wall of China? Answer: Yes, at the time of writing, to enter the section of wall at Gubeikou, the fee is around 25 yuan.
- Are there bathrooms? Answer: No, there are no bathrooms on Gubeikou’s “wild wall” so plan accordingly.
- Can I camp on the wall solo, or is it better with a group? Answer: Solo camping is possible, but a group can be safer and more enjoyable, especially for an overnight stay. Solo campers should inform someone of their route and return time.
- Are there food and water sources along the trail? Answer: Gubeikou has no food or water sources, so bring your own.
- Are there bins? Answer: There are no bins along the Gubeikou section, so be prepared to carry your litter with you.
- Is there cell phone coverage on the hike?Answer: There is cell coverage along most of the trail, but it can be patchy, especially in Gubeikou.
- What kind of wildlife might I encounter? Answer: You may see small mammals, birds, and local shepherds with goats or sheep. Be mindful of insects, there are some particularly large spiders that make their home on the wall.
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below!
