Unique Way to Appreciate the Wild Sections of Great Wall
Curious about experiencing the Great Wall from two unique perspectives?
This 4-day tour offers the chance to explore Jinshanling by day, known for its breathtaking vistas, and Simatai by night, celebrated for its enchanting evening views. The itinerary also includes a visit to the charming Gubei Water Town, where you can enjoy scenic highlights like lakes, bridges, and boats. Of course, essential Beijing landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and traditional Hutongs are covered, offering a rich exploration of Beijing’s imperial history and traditional Chinese architecture.
With customizable options to match your fitness level, interests, and budget, this tour promises a personalized and unforgettable experience.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
- Enjoy a worry-free tour package covering itinerary-making, a professional guide, and comfortable private transfers and well-selected hotels;
- Experience the traditional Beijing lifestyle by strolling or riding a rickshaw through Hutongs and learn Chinese art by practicing paper-cutting if you want;
- Admire the serene beauty of the Simatai Great Wall at night with included round-trip cable car rides;
- Immerse yourself in China's rich culture and history by visiting the ancient imperial sites including the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven;
- Take a memorable half-day hike on the Jinshanling Great Wall, renowned as the most picturesque section;
- Discover the charm of Gubei Water Town, a picturesque ancient town featuring traditional architecture, scenic canals, and vibrant cultural activities.
Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
Airport or Railway Station Pick Up
Ni Hao, welcome to Beijing, the iconic city as well as the capital of China!
You will be met by your local tour guide at the arrival hall of your arrival airport or train station, then be escorted to check in to your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.
Arrival Ideas: At present, there are many international and domestic flights to Beijing. Besides, you can take a high speed train to this capital city from Shanghai (4.5-6 hrs), Xian (4-6 hrs), Guangzhou (7.5-8 hrs), Chengdu (7.5-10 hrs), Chongqing (7-9 hrs), Hong Kong (8 hrs), etc.
Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City - Temple of Heaven - Hutongs
After breakfast, you will start a journey through Beijing’s storied past with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public plaza. This iconic site is where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China from the imposing Tiananmen Gate.
Step through Tiananmen Gate and into the heart of imperial China - Forbidden City. This vast palace complex, once home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, stands as a marvel of architectural brilliance and historical grandeur. Admire the intricate details, from the dazzling yellow-glazed tile roofs to the refined white marble bases. As you explore the myriad rooms and courtyards, envision the lives of emperors, empresses, and their courtiers.
After leaving the Forbidden City, take a short walk to Jingshan Park, where you can ascend to its summit for a panoramic view. From here, marvel at the sweeping vistas of the Forbidden City to the south and the serene landscapes of Beihai Park, Shichahai Lake, and the iconic Drum Tower to the north. For unforgettable photos, make your way to one of the palace's corner towers, a favorite spot among photography enthusiasts.
After lunch, you will go to visit Temple of Heaven, a historic site once used by emperors for sacrificial ceremonies. As you explore this grand complex of buildings and gardens, you'll discover the rituals and beliefs of the Ming and Qing emperors, who sought divine blessings for good harvests through intricate ceremonies.
Then get back to the central city to hop on a rickshaw to experience the Beijing Hutongs - narrow alleys lined with historic quadrangle dwellings. This journey will immerse you in the traditional Beijing lifestyle, where you can explore charming antique shops, boutique stores, and witness the city's historical evolution. You'll also visit a local family’s home in the Hutongs, offering a glimpse into everyday life.
Optional Activities:
1) Join a class on Traditional Chinese Paper Cutting in the Hutong area;
2) Watch a wonderful acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theater at night;
3) Or enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.
Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking & Simatai Great Wall Night Tour
In the morning, your tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to Jinshanling Great Wall, which is about a 2.5-hour drive (160 km). Known as one of the best-preserved and most picturesque sections of the Great Wall, it features in steep mountains and dense, ornate towers. This section is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and photographers.
From the entrance of the scenic area, you'll walk about 20 minutes to Zhuanduo Tower. Then, start your hike eastward along the undulating wall winding through stunning and remote mountainous terrain. The essential hiking route from Zhuanduokou to Big Jinshan Tower is renowned for its beauty and is considered the most picturesque section of the Jinshanling Great Wall, taking approximately 2.5 hours to complete. During your hike, you’ll encounter several notable towers: General Tower, Small Jinshan Tower, and finally Big Jinshan Tower. Each of these towers features distinctive architectural elements and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the wall itself. After the sightseeing experience at Big Jinshan Tower, hike back to Small Jinshan Tower and take a cable car down.
Next, drive to Gubei Water Town. When the night falls, your guide will accompany you to the Simatai Great Wall, which will be illuminated along the mountain ridge. You'll take the cable car up to the wall to enjoy the stunning night views. Currently, only the section between Watchtowers No.5 and No.6 is open for night tours. If visiting between May and early-September, you might capture a spectacular sunset over the Great Wall if the weather permits.
You'll spend about an hour on the wall before taking the cable car back down and checking into your hotel in Gubei Water Town. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure in the charming Gubei Water Town. Depending on the season, you may experience water shows and drone performances.
Gubei Water Town - Beijing Departure
This morning, you have the freedom to explore Gubei Water Town before your tour guide and driver escort you to catch your flight or train to your next destination. Gubei Water Town, a themed resort by picturesque canals, offers a tranquil escape reminiscent of the Southern Yangtze River water towns. As you stroll along the stone-paved streets, you can admire the serene lake views, ancient stone bridges, beautiful pavilions, and traditional northern Chinese architecture. Attractions such as Sima Brewery, Dyeing House, Yinghua Academy, Yang Wudi Ancestral Hall, and Zhenyuan Bodyguard Bureau invite further exploration. Additionally, climbing to the hilltop church rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the town.
Optional Activities: If time permits and you're interested, engage in activities such as brewing, dyeing, crossbow shooting, or paper-making.
After the sightseeing, you will be driven back to Beijing and catch your flight or train to your next destination.
Beijing Extension Travel Ideas: Beijing connects directly to popular destinations in China via flights and high-speed trains, including Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Huangshan, Hangzhou, and Pingyao. Contact us to customize your China tour and maximize your stay.
What's included?
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
- Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
- Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
- Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
- All meals as listed ("B" for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; "L" for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; "D" for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
- Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
What's excluded?
- China visa;
- Personal expenses;
- Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
- Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
- Recommended optional activities;
- Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
- Excess Baggage Charges;
- Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Important Beijing Travel Notes
Beijing applies to the 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption. Citizens of 50+ countries who hold an ordinary passport with at least 3 months of validity and an onward flight, train, or cruise ticket to a third country (or region) within 240 hours can transit in designated areas of 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China’s Mainland for up to 240 hours without a visa. With the new policy, you are allowed to travel across provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities within the permitted stay areas. For example, you could fly into Beijing and then visit cities like Xian, Shanghai and Zhangjiajie, as long as your total stay does not exceed the 240-hour limit.
China also has many other visa-free policies, such as 30-day visa free, APEC holders visa free, etc. Check more information »
The itinerary in this tour can be customized according to your own interests and needs. Usually, Mutianyu Great Wall is the top recommended among several sections of Great Wall in and around Beijing, because it's less crowded, fully-restored and quite family-friendly. If you want to explore the primitive appearance of Great Wall and want a memorable hiking experience in lesser known sections, consider hiking less-traveled sections like Jinshanling, Simatai, Huanghuacheng, etc. It is also available to choose some other attractions based on your interest. Besides, you can visit a local family in Beijing Hutongs, or take part in some other interested activities. If you have any personal travel ideas, feel free to tell us.
As China's capital and a top tourist destination, Beijing is equipped with numerous hotels and restaurants for your choice. Undoubtedly, every traveler can stay in Beijing with great comfort. There are enough luxury hotels with good location and best value. It is also easy to find many comfortable 4-star hotels and economical hotels. You can choose one hotel according to your tour itinerary and budget. Beijing also offers a large number of choices of food – from multi-course cuisine to various street food to satisfy your taste bud.
Beijing boasts a well-developed transportation network, making it accessible from both international and domestic cities. There are many daily flights from Europe (London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam, etc.), America (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Washington, etc.), Asia (Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei, Macao, etc.) and Oceania to Beijing. Additionally, domestic flights from over 120 cities in mainland China, including major hubs like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Chengdu, make reaching Beijing convenient.
With a temperature monsoon climate, Beijing enjoys four distinctive seasons. It has warm spring (March ~ May), hot summer (June ~ August), cool autumn (September ~ November) and cold winter (December ~ February). Visiting Beijing in different seasons allows you to see different featured scenery, but the best time to visit Beijing is spring and autumn because you can enjoy the most comfortable weather. It is also important to avoid visiting Beijing in China's big festivals, including May Day, Tomb Sweeping Day, Dragon's Boat Day and National Day when most of the scenic areas will be crowded and it will be common to meet traffic jam.
If you have more days in China, you are strongly suggested to extend your tour to another two top tourist destinations - ancient Xi’an and modern Shanghai. This combination provides a comprehensive view of China's historical and contemporary highlights. A tour combining these three cities will help you get a first panoramic view of China. For a more enriching experience, you can visit Guilin for its stunning karst landscapes or take a Yangtze River cruise for a relaxing holiday.
