Miao Heartland: Guizhou Sisters’ Meal Festival
Journey Overview: From the Bohai Sea to Beijing's Gates
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day hiking expedition across multiple Great Wall sections, tracing the ancient serpentine fortifications from where they meet the sea at Old Dragon Head to the rugged, unrenovated bastions near Beijing. This journey is not merely a physical challenge but a profound immersion into the living history, breathtaking landscapes, and enduring communities that have grown alongside this world wonder for centuries.
Hiking Expedition Details
Duration: 8 days
Total Hiking Distance: Approximately 60 km
Daily Hiking Time: 4-6 hours on average
Physical Effort: ★★★★☆
Scenic Beauty: ★★★★☆
Historical Richness: ★★★★☆
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in the Imperial Capital
Arrive in Beijing, the dynamic capital where ancient history and modernity converge. Upon landing, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Use this day to acclimatize and rest, preparing your spirit and body for the incredible journey ahead along the Great Wall.
Meals: No meals included today.
Accommodation: Recommended hotel in Beijing.
Focus: Rest and Acclimatization
Day 2: Where the Wall Meets the Sea & The First Pass Under Heaven
Begin your adventure with a morning train ride from Beijing to the coastal city of Qinhuangdao. After lunch, your first encounter with the Wall is at the dramatic Old Dragon Head, the only section that extends into the sea. Feel the sea breeze as you stand on this ingenious military fortification. A gentle 1 to 1.5-hour inaugural hike leads you from here to the legendary Shanhaiguan Pass, the "First Pass Under Heaven." Explore the fortress and its insightful museum before checking into a hotel nestled near the Wall for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel near the Wall.
Today’s Hiking: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Key Sites: Old Dragon Head, Shanhaiguan Pass
Day 3: Jiaoshan's Peaks & The Secluded Valley of Dongjiakou
Today's challenge starts with an ascent from the base of Jiaoshan Mountain directly onto the Wall. The route alternates between ancient stone ramparts and rugged mountain trails, heading northeast. Your reward is a panoramic view of Mt. Longevity from a serene vantage point. After traversing peaceful valleys and forests, you'll pass through the intimate Sandaoguan Village, home to just 35 families, before being transferred to the historic village of Dongjiakou for an overnight stay in a local guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse at the foot of the Wall.
Today’s Hiking: 6-7 hours / 12 km.
Key Sites: Jiaoshan Great Wall, Sandaoguan Village, Dongjiakou
Day 4: Dongjiakou's Heritage & Journey to the Imperial Tombs
Start the day by climbing from Dongjiakou Village to the well-preserved Cihou Tower. Return to the village to explore fortress ruins and interact with the local residents—direct descendants of the Wall's original builders and guards. Their stories bring history to life. In the late morning, embark on a 3-hour westward hike along the Dongjiakou Great Wall, enjoying a simple packed lunch with a view. The day concludes with a scenic 4-hour drive to the Eastern Qing Tombs, where you will stay in a comfortable nearby hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel near the Eastern Qing Tombs.
Today’s Hiking: 5-6 hours / 10 km.
Key Sites: Dongjiakou Great Wall, Cihou Tower, Eastern Qing Tombs
Day 5: Imperial Resting Places & The Precipitous Huangyaguan Pass
After breakfast, delve into the history of China's last imperial dynasty with a visit to the sprawling Eastern Qing Tombs, the final resting place of five emperors. Afterwards, travel to the Huangyaguan Great Wall, renowned for its strategic and steep design. Enjoy a relatively leisurely 1.5-hour hike on this renovated section before continuing your journey to the Jinshanling area, where you will spend the night in a guesthouse at the base of the Wall.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse at the Bottom of the Wall.
Today’s Hiking: 1.5 hours.
Key Sites: Eastern Qing Tombs, Huangyaguan Great Wall
Day 6: The Photographer's Dream: Jinshanling & Wohushan
Today is dedicated to two of the most scenic and iconic sections of the Wall. Begin with a morning hike eastward from Jinshanling towards the Simatai section. The views are exceptionally dramatic, with watchtowers dotting the rolling hills. Pause at Wuyan Tower for a breathtaking overlook of Simatai. After lunch, transfer to the Wohushan (Crouching Tiger Mountain) section. This 2-hour hike is more challenging, taking you along a precipitous and beautifully dilapidated stretch of Wall that showcases its original, unrenovated grandeur. Return to your Jinshanling guesthouse for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse at the Bottom of the Wall.
Today’s Hiking: 4 hours / 8 km in total.
Key Sites: Jinshanling Great Wall, Wuyan Tower, Wohushan Great Wall
Day 7: The Final Trek from Jinshanling to Gubeikou
Your final day of hiking is a 5-hour, 10-km journey from Jinshanling to the General Tower on the Gubeikou section. This route offers a mix of Wall walking and a detour through a charming local village to bypass a restricted military zone. The Gubeikou section, less restored, provides a raw and authentic feel of the ancient frontier. Upon completing your trek, you will be transferred back to Beijing for a well-deserved rest at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing.
Today’s Hiking: 5 hours / 10 km.
Key Sites: Gubeikou Great Wall
Day 8: Departure from Beijing
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Beijing, reflecting on your incredible journey. You will be free until your scheduled transfer to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your Great Wall exploration.
Meals: Breakfast.