This guide covers everything you need to know for a self-guided hike on the Great Wall of China, specifically from Gubeikou to Jinshanling. Learn about travel options, local stays, hiking tips, and the time you’ll need to make the most of this unforgettable experience.
For us, the Great Wall of China is arguably the most iconic of the New Seven Wonders. So, when we booked our flights to Beijing, we knew we wanted this trip to be something truly memorable. We took the time to research the different sections, exploring the best scenery, understanding the logistics, and hopefully finding that rare chance to enjoy a quiet moment on this world-famous landmark. This guide brings together everything we discovered along the way to help you experience the Great Wall at its best.
Choosing the right section of the Great Wall of China
If you’ve been planning a similar journey, you’ve likely come across the same three main sections often recommended for visiting the Great Wall of China from Beijing:
- Badaling: The most famous and heavily visited section, Badaling is what many picture when they think of the Great Wall. Located about 1.5 hours from Beijing, it’s easily accessible by train and offers numerous amenities like restaurants, shops, and hotels. Its well-preserved condition and convenience make it ideal for visitors with limited time in Beijing. However, due to its popularity, Badaling is often crowded, which may detract from the experience for those seeking a more peaceful visit.
- Mutianyu: Known for its scenic views and beautifully restored sections, Mutianyu is less crowded than Badaling, despite also being located 1.5 hours from Beijing. This may be due to its lack of direct train access, making it slightly less convenient without a private car or tour. Mutianyu offers excellent views of the Great Wall, with a cable car for easy access, a toboggan ride down, and mostly flat paths. This makes it ideal for families with children and visitors seeking a more relaxed, picturesque experience.
- Jinshanling: We read somewhere that this section is known as the “photographer’s section,” and after visiting it ourselves, we can see why. Jinshanling is renowned for its panoramic mountain views, steep inclines, and a quieter, more dramatic landscape. Located about 150 km from Beijing, it’s a bit more challenging to reach, but it rewards visitors with a unique mix of both restored and rugged, authentic sections. Jinshanling is perfect for those seeking breathtaking scenery and a more immersive Great Wall experience away from the crowds. For all these reasons, it became our chosen destination.
But the Great Wall’s allure extends far beyond its well-trodden paths. Finding solitude at any world wonder might seem improbable, but with its staggering 21,196 km length, the Great Wall offers many hidden corners to explore. Beyond the popular sections, there are lesser-known stretches near Beijing—such as Jiankou, Huanghuacheng, and Gubeikou. With a bit of planning and research, you can hike remote stretches and potentially go hours without encountering another soul.
Why hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling
We stumbled across Gubeikou while researching Jinshanling. This wild, unrestored stretch lies to the west of Jinshanling, separated by a military zone but connected via a scenic valley. The idea of experiencing the Wall in its natural, untouched state immediately captivated us and discovering the possibility to camp on the Wall?! Never before had something been added to our bucket list so quickly!
The hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling can be completed in a single long day or across two days. Starting with the “wild” wall of Gubeikou, with its crumbling stones and overgrown paths, the route gradually transitions into the more preserved Jinshanling section, offering a unique experience of both untouched and restored fortifications. It turned out to be the ultimate adventure, and we practically had it all to ourselves! On our first day hiking in Gubeikou, for instance, we crossed paths only two other people – both local shepherds.
Important details for hiking Gubeikou to Jinshanling
- Start Point: Gubeikou, about 120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing.
- End Point: Jinshanling Great Wall, about 150km (93 miles) northeast of Beijing
- Hiking Distance: Roughly 12 kilometers (8 miles).
- Hiking Time: Approximately 6-7 hours total walking. Or 7-8 hours if you’re like us and couldn’t put down the camera.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (expect loose footings in Gubeikou, and steep inclines Jinshanling)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) for more comfortable weather. We visited in September and found it ideal.
How to get to Gubeikou
If you’re traveling from Beijing, here are the main options to reach Gubeikou:
Private Car
- The most convenient, but priciest, option. This was our choice since we were a small group, and we arranged it through our accommodation—most hotels would be happy to assist with this. The journey took around 2.5 hours.
Shuttle Bus & Taxi
- Take the Gubei Watertown Shuttle from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station to Gubei Watertown, followed by a taxi to Gubeikou. The shuttle bus takes 1.5–2 hours, and the taxi ride adds about 30 minutes. You can pre-book the shuttle bus via WeChat.
Train
- The HuaiMi Express from Beijing North Station to Gubeikou takes about 2.5 hours and runs twice daily (departing at 6:55 am and 2:20 pm, accurate as of this writing).
Public Bus
- Take bus 980 from Dongzhimen Transport Hub to Miyun, then transfer to bus H36 or H36 Express to Gubeikou. Both buses typically run every 30 minutes, with the journey taking 2.5 hours in total.
Where to stay in Gubeikou
Given Gubeikou’s distance from Beijing, staying locally is advisable to make the most of your trip.
- The Great Wall Box House: This is where we stayed, a super cozy guesthouse offering private rooms, dorms, a wonderful host and three of the sweetest cats we’ve encountered on our travels. It’s conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from the base of the Gubeikou Great Wall.
- Vangen Hotel Gubeikou: We didn’t stay here, but we stopped by before joining the trail to enjoy tea and some local snacks. The place was modern, comfortable, and earned bonus points for having a litter of adorable cats. Just a stone’s throw from the trailhead, this hotel makes an ideal starting point.
- Gubei Watertown: Accommodation in Gubeikou is limited, but Gubei Watertown—just 30 minutes away—has a wide range of options. This tourist destination features hotels and guesthouses to suit most budgets, along with dining options and hot springs, it’s a convenient base or stopover before or after your hike. Gubei Watertown also provides direct access to the Simatai section of the Wall, one of the only parts lit up at night for evening walks.
Planning an overnight hike
If you’re considering camping overnight, here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Legal Considerations: Camping on the Great Wall of China 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, some companies even offer group camping tours. If you do decide to camp, only choose a wild section such as Gubeikou and be mindful of the risks. Check with locals the latest regulations before you set off.
- Best Camping Spot: The 24-Eye Watchtower was recommended to us by locals. With its incredible views for both sunset and sunrise, it’s ideal for an overnight stay. You can find out everything you need to know about camping on the Great Wall of China in this guide.
- Camping Gear: Bring lightweight camping equipment, including a 2/3 person tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You can bring your own gear if you have it, or hire locally (your accommodation may be able to assist with hire). Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks to keep you fueled for the hike. Read on for a camping gear packing list.
- Don’t Leave It Too Late: Set off early to give yourself plenty of time to reach your camping spot before dark. Carrying camping gear can slow you down, and it may take longer than expected to navigate the rugged terrain. The last thing you want is to find yourself walking or setting up camp in the dark.
- 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.
Our route: Gubeikou to Jinshanling
Starting The Hike
We’ll be completely honest, we’re not entirely sure if we started at the “official” trailhead, as it wasn’t where our maps suggested. Had we not been directed this way, we would have thought we’d taken a wrong turn – it felt like we needed to pass through someone’s back garden. However, just beyond their home, a small path emerged, leading up the mountain. For reference, the coordinates for this spot are 40.68664° N, 117.16931° E.
Once you reach the top, follow the paths that lead up toward the ridge to the northeast. We used AllTrails to stay on track, which helped us navigate this less-marked section. At first, you’ll be walking on an ancient unrestored section which you may struggle to distinguish from a regular mountain trail. But as you continue forward, structures slowly take on the familiar form of the Great Wall. The terrain is marked by ruins of wall, steep paths and overgrown greenery reminding you just how much history lies beneath your feet. More substantial watchtowers and fortifications gradually emerge, each tower offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. It truly is one of those “it just keeps getting better and better” hikes.
The 24-Eye Watchtower
The Gubeikou section ends at the “24-Eye Watchtower”, the largest structure on this section. You’ll know you’ve arrived, as the next tower is blocked off by the military-restricted zone. It took us 3-4 hours to reach here, but we did stop quite frequently for photos.
As the highest point on the hike, the views are far and wide, offering incredible photo opportunities. The 24-eye is the perfect spot to set up camp for the night and happens to be what was recommended to us by locals. Having set off just after midday, we arrived just in time for a spectacular sunset over one of the great wonders of the world in complete peace.
Detouring Through Spider Valley
The next morning, take the path below the 24-Eye Watchtower to detour around the military area. This well-trodden route leads down into the aptly named “Spider Valley.” The trail zigzags for about an hour through lush forest, passing abandoned houses and old water wells before meeting a road near the Jinshanling West Gate. Here, you’ll find a small shop — a blessing, as we had run out of snacks.
Entering Jinshanling
After refueling, continue to the Jinshanling West Gate (open from 9 am to 5 pm). The walk to Taochunkou Tower is gradual and picturesque, and as you look back, you’ll catch a distant view of the 24-Eye Watchtower where you camped the previous night. At first, Jinshanling appears only slightly more preserved than Gubeikou, but as you continue, the brickwork becomes sturdier, and the watchtowers more intact. The wall undulates across the mountains, creating dramatic curves that offer sweeping views in every direction—it’s easy to see why Jinshanling is known as the “photographer’s section.”
Final Stretch and Descent
You can finish your hike at various points along the Jinshanling section, with numerous opportunities to take a trail down to the main gate. We decided to continue to the Big Jinshan Tower which took us around 3 hours from the West Gate, we enjoyed a celebratory cold beer purchased in the final watchtower, and then took the cable car down from just below the Little Jinshan Tower to conclude our hike.
At the base, you’ll find a few amenities, including restaurants and gift shops—perfect for a well-deserved meal. Shuttle buses run to Gubei Watertown, and taxis are available to take you to your local accommodation.
What to bring for the Great Wall of China hike
- Food and Water: There are limited resources on the trail, so bring at least 2 liters of water and some high-energy snacks. There are no shops at all on the Gubeikou section. However Jinshanling has a few locals selling light refreshments in a few watchtowers.
- Extra Layers: Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, especially on exposed sections of the wall. Pack lightweight, breathable layers to stay warm as the sun sets and conditions cool down. A windproof or waterproof jacket is also useful if the weather changes suddenly.
- Footwear: Wear hiking shoes that provide good grip and support to handle the uneven terrain comfortably and safely.
- Sun Protection: Even in cooler seasons, the sun can be strong. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Map: This trail isn’t always well-marked especially when trying to locate the wall. Consider downloading a map in advance. We used AllTrails which accurately marks the entire trail. Don’t forget a battery pack if you’re reliant on your phone.
- Cash: Some locals may sell water or snacks along the way in Jinshanling. They may accept AliPay, but cash is always handy just in case!
- Basic First Aid Kit: For minor injuries, blisters, or insect bites, having a small kit is always wise.
- Camera: How could you forget it? Make sure you have plenty of spare batteries!
- Camping gear:
- 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)
Safety tips for hiking the Great Wall of China
- Take It Slow: The wall is steep, and loose stones can make footing tricky. Avoid rushing.
- Check the Weather: Sudden changes in weather can happen. If rain is forecast, the route may be slippy and potentially dangerous.
- Stay on the Trail: Some areas of the wall are very fragile, so keep to the marked paths to preserve its condition and ensure your safety.
- Leave No Trace: Help protect the wall’s natural beauty by packing out all your rubbish.
Hiking the Great Wall of China: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling?
- Answer: The hike generally takes 6-7 hours, depending on your pace and photo stops. For a more relaxed experience, plan for up to 7–8 hours.
Is there an entrance fee?
- Answer: Yes, at the time of writing, Gubeikou’s fee is around 25 yuan, and Jinshanling’s is 55–80 yuan, depending on the season. The Jinshanling cable car costs an extra 40 yuan for a one-way journey., or 60 yuan for a round trip.
When is the best time to hike this route?
- Answer: Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) are ideal, offering mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be very hot and humid, with the potential for heavy thunderstorms.
Are there bathrooms along the trail?
- Answer: No, there are no bathrooms on Gubeikou’s “wild wall” so plan accordingly. Jinshanling has bathrooms at the various gates near the more restored sections.
How do I get back to Beijing from Jinshanling?
- Answer: You can take a shuttle bus to Gubei Watertown, then a bus or taxi to Beijing. Pre-arranging a taxi from Jinshanling is also an option.
Is the trail well-marked? Will I need a guide?
- Answer: The trail is not always clearly marked, especially in Gubeikou. Once on the wall, navigation is fairly straightforward, but downloading offline maps or going with a local guide can provide extra confidence in knowing you’re on the right path.
Can I hike the wall solo, or is it better with a group?
- Answer: Solo hiking is possible for experienced hikers, but a group can be safer and more enjoyable, especially for an overnight stay. Solo hikers 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. Jinshanling has a few small shops for snacks and drinks, but don’t rely on them being open.
Are there bins?
- Answer: There are no bins along the Gubeikou section, so be prepared to carry your litter with you. Jinshanling, however, has several bins available, allowing you to responsibly dispose of your waste when you reach the restored section.
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, particularly if camping overnight.
How much does a guided tour cost, and is it worth it?
- Answer: Guided tours are available and range from 400 to 2000 yuan per person (depending on your starting point, with higher costs if departing from Beijing). A guided tour can be valuable for navigation, local insights, and handling logistics, especially for first-time visitors.
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Hi! How long was the walk from the final tower on Gubeikou to the Jinshanlin West Gate? Thanks!
Hi Josh, thanks for your message! The trail from the 24-Eye Watchtower in Gubeikou to the Jinshanlin West Gate is 1.7km and it took us just under 1 hour.
Enjoy the hike!
Thanks for such an informative guide! What is the trail called on AllTrails?
Hi Stacey, thanks for your message. It’s called Gubeikou-Jinshanling Great Wall on All Trails. However, we joined the trail at about 0.9km in. The coordinates for where we joined are: 40.68664° N, 117.16931° E. Enjoy and let us know if you have any more questions.
You are so awesome! Thanks for the response!