Xinjiang Silk Road Cultural & Natural Expedition
From Gubeikou to Mutianyu: Tracing the Unrestored Majesty
Day 1: Beijing - Gubeikou - Jinshanling
Ancient Paths and Village Bypasses
Route: Trekking from Gubeikou Great Wall to Jinshanling Great Wall
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Courtyard Hotel at the Bottom of the Wall
Hiking Details: 5 hours/10 km total
Your Great Wall adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your Beijing hotel. Journey to the historic Gubeikou section, where your 10km hike commences. The route presents an authentic challenge as you'll bypass a restricted military area through a traditional village, offering unique cultural insights before rejoining the Wall at Jinshanling. This strategic detour reveals the Wall's integration with local life while maintaining the historical continuity of your trek. Overnight at a charming courtyard hotel nestled beneath the ancient battlements.
Day 2: Jinshanling - Wohushan - Jiankou
Twin Peaks and Untamed Architecture
Route: Morning exploration of Jinshanling, afternoon hike at Wohushan to Jiankou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse at Jiankou base
Hiking Details: 4 hours/8 km total
Following breakfast, embark on an eastward trek along Jinshanling's magnificent ramparts toward Simatai. The panoramic views from Wuyan Tower provide an unparalleled vista of the Simatai section. After descending for lunch, transfer to the dramatic Wohushan (Crouching Tiger Mountain) section, named for its distinctive twin peaks resembling two tigers in motion. This afternoon's 2-hour hike showcases some of the Wall's most precipitous geography and finest examples of unrestored Ming Dynasty architecture, offering raw insight into original construction techniques and the passage of time.
Day 3: Jiankou - Mutianyu - Beijing
Wild Beauty to Restored Grandeur
Route: Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall hike, return to Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking Details: 4-5 hours/10 km total
Your final day begins at Jiankou, the photographer's paradise renowned for its "wild" character. The forest-enshrouded, unrenovated walls provide a powerful historical narrative and immersive experience. The trek culminates at the beautifully restored Mutianyu section, creating a striking contrast between preserved and maintained heritage. Celebrate your journey's completion with a late lunch featuring local specialty fish before returning to Beijing, having experienced the Great Wall's diverse personalities from rugged wilderness to architectural masterpiece.