Stepping out across the peaceful semi-ruin of a section of the Great Wall is like walking in the footsteps of the past. Far from the tourist crowds we are able to get a great sense of the scale and majesty of this remarkable piece of engineering without rushing through in a big group.
We trek along various contrasting sections of the wall, both dilapidated and rebuilt stretches. The old portions have a romantic feel, but the new ones may look odd to people who are used to seeing their ancient monuments in a poor state, though since the wall was constructed over a 2000 year period, the new sections are just a continuation of that process.
We will get closer to day-to-day life in rural China before returning to Beijing, a city steeped in history yet plunging headlong into modernity.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Beijing; free afternoon and Beijing duck dinner
Day 2
Drive to Huanghuacheng Great Wall section; afternoon begin trekking.
Day 3
Morning trek from Mutianyu to Jiankou, passing many watchtowers.
Day 4
A challenging but beautiful morning trek at Jiankou’s ‘wild’ wall; transfer to Gubeikou and explore this section.
Day 5
Hike the Great Wall Jinshanling section; transfer back to Gubeikou.
Day 6
The most challenging walk today along the Panlongshan section; return to Gubeikou for the night.
Day 7
Majiagou Hill walk with views of Crouching Tiger Great Wall; drive to Beijing via Niangniang Temple.
Day 8
Beijing city tour visiting hutongs, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Day 9
End Beijing
Price
£1,779
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners included
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
- Arrival & departure transfers
