Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling
By Great Wall Hiking
Recommended by 100% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most famous monuments, a centuries-old barricade that snakes through the countryside. Most people head straight to the most crowded sections, taking just enough time for photographs. But anyone in search of a more immersive, in-depth adventure will appreciate this gentle, photogenic trek, where you’ll discover two of the most scenic and rugged stretches of wall.
from per adult
HK$1,268.37
from per adult
HK$1,268.37
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-99, max of 10 per group
Duration: 9h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- An off-the-beaten-track Great Wall of China hike
- Discover two of the most scenic and least visited sections of wall
- Take an exhilarating trek through the rugged Chinese countryside
- Top off your trek with a homemade lunch spread prepared by local farmers
- 1. air-con vehicle with experienced driver
- 2. personal English-speaking hiking tour guide
- 4. unlimited bottled water; snacks on the Wall; lunch in a local farmer’s restaurant
- 5. a certificate of completion for hiking on the Great Wall of China
- Entry/Admission - Jinshanling Great Wall
- Entry/Admission - Simatai Great Wall
What's not included- 1. travel insurance
- 2. chairlift
- 3. personal expenses
- As one of the world’s most famous historical landmarks, the UNESCO-listed Great Wall of China is usually packed with crowds. But most tourists head to the same areas, leaving other remoter parts of the ancient stone barricade more-or-less unvisited. During this adventure-filled hike, you’ll get a rare peek at two of the most scenic and unspoilt stretches of wall, discovering sections that most visitors never get a chance to see. Departing from Beijing, you’ll head straight to Simatai West, crossing through a photogenic area with 15 different kinds of watchtowers. From there, you’ll embark on a gentle, scenic trek to the wilder terrain of Jinshanling. You’ll get a chance to compare both renovated and unrestored sections, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the picturesque ruins. See how the Chinese countryside varies as you head westward. At the end of your invigorating walk through the history-filled landscape, you’ll get a chance to revive yourself over homemade specialties in a restaurant run by local farmers.
- Departure details
- McDonald's, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng, China, 100007 Exit C, Dongzhimen Station, Subway line 2. Turn right after getting out of the Exit.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7122P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children under 5 are not allowed to take this tour
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- There is no toilet along the path on the Wall. There are toilets at the entrance of Simatai West and Jinshanling. Please prepare before hiking and always carry toilet paper by yourself.
- Please don’t make any appointment after the trip as the return depending on the traffic between 5-6 pm.
- You will be followed by local farmers when starting the hike. The farmers will give you help along the way, as a reward they will sell some souvenirs. If you don’t like this, you have to say NO firmly at the beginning (MAYBE LATER does not work in Chinese culture) or just ignore them and not speak a word with them; otherwise they can be persistent and follow you all the way on the Wall.
- Unlimited bottled waters are stored in our car/van today, and you need a day pack to carry them.
- We will bring trekking poles in our car/van and please tell your guide if you need one.
- Travel insurance is optional and is the sole responsibility of travellers. It is encouraged to have coverage of injury or accident.
- As responsible travelers, we “take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprint”.
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- Which attractions will I visit with Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling?
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling on Tripadvisor
- How much is Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling?
- Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling price starts from HK$1,237.55. Discover and book Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling on Tripadvisor
- What is the Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling cancellation policy?
- Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling?
- Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling is hosted by Great Wall Hiking. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Great Wall Hiking on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7122P1
Reserve your spot
from HK$1,268.37
Itinerary
- You'll start atMcDonald'sDongzhimen, Dongcheng, China, 100007Exit C, Dongzhimen Station, Subway line 2. Turn right after getting out of the Exit.See address & details
- 1Jinshanling Great WallStop: 3 hours - Admission includedSee details
- 2Simatai Great WallStop: 30 minutes - Admission includedSee details
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
John S
00Value and experience far exceeded my expectations.
I was fortunate enough to do the three day trek with this company. I was “the group” and as the solo trekker I had …
tamaletown
00Very professional. The three day trek is not difficult
I had booked with this organisation after much research on what is possible for a multi day trek on the Great Wall…
Mish M
00Two day Great Wall hike Gubeikou-Jinshanling-Simatai led by expert guide
The adventure of a lifetime! Thanks to good fortune plus meticulous preparation and care by our guide Peter and his…
consultwithme
00The Great Wall
To see such a massive structure that still stands the test of time is a marvel to witness in person.
robertdG1250MF
00Best way to see The Great Wall of China!
We were able to customize the 2 day itinerary by adding an additional day and it was well worth the money! Commissi…
Floviajando
00Great experience
I cannot find the perfect word to describe this amazing experience! Heart, mind, body all activated to live the exp…
Lara v
00Jinshanling private hiking tour
My sister and I did the Jinshanling private hiking tour. Peter was our guide and he was very knowledgable. He told …
liamb19
00Can't recommend this company enough!
We did a 3 day private tour with our guide Peter. He was knowledgable, an excellent guide, and a fantastic photogra…
clemenciadesign
00The unbeaten Great Wall
Me and my husband did the 5 day hiking trip. The best part for us was that they took us to parts of the wall that a…
sweetviolet2019
00Memories for the whole live
My husband, my daughter and I spent two days hiking and camping on and along the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty wit…
114magdalenag
00Amazing Day Trip from Jiankou to Mutianyu
Thank you for this awesome day. Had a great time and a lot of fun with our guide Cheney. Awesome route on the Great…
Michelle B
00Exhilarating: Gubeikou & Jinshanling
First time, 2 days, 1 night on the Great Wall. Definitely a re-do with Great Wall Adventure Club. Day 1: Jiankou-…
sullyvanke
00Absolutely Beautiful
My boyfriend and I signed up for the GWTA17 14 km tour: Gubeikou, Jinshanling, and Simatai. It was absolutely bea…
TJMilligan
00An Incredible Life Experience!
This was an amazing, incredible life experience. The hikes were incredible, (though day 1 was hot and day 2 was we…
Rachilli7
00An Absolutely Incredible Experience!!
My wife and I spent two days hiking/camping along the Great Wall and I can't think of a better way to see this grea…
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
152 reviews
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149
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3
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Nicole L
Dearborn, MI1 contribution
May 2020
Fantastic experience. I just went with myself and my dad and our tour guide, Jimmy. We went pre-pandemic, this is a late review. But when we went it was fantastic. Since it was just our small group it was very personal and we could tailor the day to whatever we wanted to do. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area and history.
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley P
6 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Our guide Yaxin was absolutely wonderful. Picked us up at the instructed McDonald’s, which was very close to the tube/metro. The group was wonderfully small, just us two and another couple! The drive went quick and smooth, I get car sick easily and didn’t have a problem. Yaxin took us to a very secluded part of the wall that has yet to be restored. He told us so many cool facts about the history and local area. We were able to see original stamped bricks and artwork. The hike up is a bit strenuous but I think it’s doable and absolutely worth it even for people who aren’t athletic. The wall was very private, so pleased considering how some parts are crazy busy. We saw some people here and there but we’re able to take so many pictures without people in them. After the hike we went to a small local restaurant and tried a new style of food. We don’t eat meat and it was accommodating. I would highly recommend this tour, it was incredibly relaxing and beautiful.
Written 16 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva Ströberg
Copenhagen, Denmark20 contributions
Sep 2019
We opted for small group tour to this part of great wall (We wanted to avoid the crowd), but it turned out it was only me and my husband, so it was some sort of private tour for us.
Barry (our guide) and the driver picked us up from the hotel at designated time and we drove around 2.5 hours to Jinshaling Great wall (gate east) and hiked from there. I must say the view was very beautiful up there, and it was well worth the hike (unsuitable for people with bad fitness condition or have problem walking). We hiked for a couple of hours until we decided to get down and get home. Overall it was very nice experience
Barry (our guide) and the driver picked us up from the hotel at designated time and we drove around 2.5 hours to Jinshaling Great wall (gate east) and hiked from there. I must say the view was very beautiful up there, and it was well worth the hike (unsuitable for people with bad fitness condition or have problem walking). We hiked for a couple of hours until we decided to get down and get home. Overall it was very nice experience
Written 25 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle B
16 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We had a great tour with Peter! The longer drive to get to this part of the wall was definitely worth it - we felt like we had the wall to ourselves! Peter was very knowledgable about the construction and history of the wall. The pacing was perfect - plenty of time for pictures. Peter even made a photo album of our trip and gave us the pictures on a usb when we get back to Beijing. It is about a 3 hr hike, but the most challenging part is the 30 min uphill to get to the wall at the start.
Written 27 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amie B
Carlsbad, CA57 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
We hired a driver to take us to Jinshanling. He dropped us off and we walked to the west gate - about 10K. It was amazing, and challenging. Be prepared for wind and lots of uneven stairs. Our legs were shaking on the hike down. Unlike anyplace else. Beautiful views.
Written 9 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Travelling Piggy
London, UK4,140 contributions
I can't think of a more magical way to spend my birthday than trekking this magnificent place. It was truly breaktaking.
We used great wall hikers and our guide Tao was a gem he was so impressed answered all questions related to the history of the wall and gave us confirmation about Chinese government the culture etc. Lunch at the farmers restaurant was amazing. Fantastic trip. No crowds at all which made it even better.
We used great wall hikers and our guide Tao was a gem he was so impressed answered all questions related to the history of the wall and gave us confirmation about Chinese government the culture etc. Lunch at the farmers restaurant was amazing. Fantastic trip. No crowds at all which made it even better.
Written 8 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antoine P
5 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
That was a memorable experience! This small company is very well-organized and understands what people value most.
So if you want a very competent guide (who knows English and history of the Chinese civilization), a hike on a section of the wall without anybody (literally, it was just our small group of 5 people for the first 1.5 h of the 3h hike!!), and a nice meal to make it a full five-star platinum experience, then do not hesitate. This experience is worth the price!! And you will most likely get an extra surprise on your way back to Beijing!
Many thanks to Peter and Katy to make us feel so special!
So if you want a very competent guide (who knows English and history of the Chinese civilization), a hike on a section of the wall without anybody (literally, it was just our small group of 5 people for the first 1.5 h of the 3h hike!!), and a nice meal to make it a full five-star platinum experience, then do not hesitate. This experience is worth the price!! And you will most likely get an extra surprise on your way back to Beijing!
Many thanks to Peter and Katy to make us feel so special!
Written 2 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rathan K
Hong Kong, China26 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
My wife and I did this hike a week ago in a small group with Yaxin as our guide. We were looking for a section on the wall that was not too crowded with tourists and this hike did not disappoint. Its starts off with a 1500 steps incline and then continuous on the wall through 16 watchtowers. The views from are absolutely stunning and you don't see many people till you get to the end of the hike.
The hike was organised really well from the time of pick up, the actual hike, the lunch and the drop off. Yaxin was great, giving us some history about the wall and different watchtowers along the way.
I would highly recommend a hike on the Great Wall and doing it with 'Great Wall Hiking'
Tip: Some of the declines are pretty steep so I would recommend shoes with good grip.
The hike was organised really well from the time of pick up, the actual hike, the lunch and the drop off. Yaxin was great, giving us some history about the wall and different watchtowers along the way.
I would highly recommend a hike on the Great Wall and doing it with 'Great Wall Hiking'
Tip: Some of the declines are pretty steep so I would recommend shoes with good grip.
Written 5 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AchingInEconomySeat
6 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
You can (fairly) easily see the Great Wall closer, cheaper, and less strenuously than on this tour. What made this tour great WAS the physical challenge and the remoteness of the section visited. My guide Peter took me to Dinjangling, a sparsely populated area on the far outskirts of Beijing.
Peter spent the long drive to the site explaining the rich history of the wall network’s construction. I dare say I came away with a much greater understanding of modern China by learning about this important piece of its past. When you’ve been fending off invaders to your homeland for centuries, it tends to have a strong influence on one’s national psyche and policies at home and abroad.
This tour is for people who want a good workout with a great amount of history and fascinating facts thrown in. I consider myself a pretty experienced hiker, yet some steep stair descents forced me onto my hands and behind to avoid tumbling face-first off the wall. Total hiking time was only a few hours, but the many elevation changes made it a worthy challenge.
Some unexpected highlights: Receiving a shiny thumb drive full of photos Peter took of me and unique Wall features during the hike. In addition to being a superb historian, he is also an excellent photographer! We ate lunch at a rural roadside restaurant; what it lacked in five-star Beijing opulence, it made up for in local authenticity and flavor.
I went during the low season (late November), so there were only a few people on the wall peddling wares to passersby, and even fewer tourists. It made for a memorable and truly private first encounter with one of China’s best-known marvels.
Peter spent the long drive to the site explaining the rich history of the wall network’s construction. I dare say I came away with a much greater understanding of modern China by learning about this important piece of its past. When you’ve been fending off invaders to your homeland for centuries, it tends to have a strong influence on one’s national psyche and policies at home and abroad.
This tour is for people who want a good workout with a great amount of history and fascinating facts thrown in. I consider myself a pretty experienced hiker, yet some steep stair descents forced me onto my hands and behind to avoid tumbling face-first off the wall. Total hiking time was only a few hours, but the many elevation changes made it a worthy challenge.
Some unexpected highlights: Receiving a shiny thumb drive full of photos Peter took of me and unique Wall features during the hike. In addition to being a superb historian, he is also an excellent photographer! We ate lunch at a rural roadside restaurant; what it lacked in five-star Beijing opulence, it made up for in local authenticity and flavor.
I went during the low season (late November), so there were only a few people on the wall peddling wares to passersby, and even fewer tourists. It made for a memorable and truly private first encounter with one of China’s best-known marvels.
Written 11 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annprsnd
5 contributions
I went in early November, luckily the weather was still good and in fact it felt quite warm at times. I went solo and we formed a small group of one couple and another solo traveller with Peter as our guide. Learned a lot about the history and features of the wall. While there were other people at Jinshanling, it was by no means crowded (noting November is the beginning of low season). In terms of the walk itself, a few steep areas but if you're of average fitness (ie walking and stairs are usually no issue) with grippy shoes (I wore running shoes) you'll be fine - the stairs to the top at the beginning I found more strenuous than the wall itself (but I hate stairs).
My review sounds underwhelming but it was absolutely amazing - I'm glad I picked Jinshanling and this company to take me as it was pretty much a perfect experience, with enough variability in the walk to make it fun, excellent views and an escape from crowds. Highly recommended.
My review sounds underwhelming but it was absolutely amazing - I'm glad I picked Jinshanling and this company to take me as it was pretty much a perfect experience, with enough variability in the walk to make it fun, excellent views and an escape from crowds. Highly recommended.
Written 2 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Em195462
France16 contributions
Hello, is it still possible to visit the Great Wall in the next days despite the restrictions due to the virus ?
Regards,
Robert M
South Salem, NY2 contributions
I would like to go and i’m currently living in Beijing. Can I be picked up somewhere in Beijing to go on the hike?
David
2 contributions
The meeting point was at a McDonald restaurant in downtown Beijing. It was just outside of a subway station. I think it was at the Dongzhimen subway station but in any case it was only a short ride from near the Forbidden city. Very easy.
TravelBugSydney78
Sydney, Australia13 contributions
Hi, I'm not fit at all and was wondering if the trek was good for someone with my lack of stamina? Thank you
The Travelling Piggy
London, UK4,140 contributions
Good luck you'll be fine. Just take it at your own pace. Because at the end of the day it's your trip and you want to enjoy it. Have fun. It's absolutely breathtaking
Ana V
Spain5 contributions
Hi all, I am very excited taking this particular tour. Me and my partner would like to do it the 25th June, do you think it is going to be too hot? We are from Spain and are used to the sun but 3 hours hiking under the sun could be too much. What do you think?
Robyn
3 contributions
I agree, it will be hot but the watch towers will provide shade. Also I’m sure the guide will pace the walk to the conditions. If you are fit, and comfortable walking in hot weather, you should be fine. I’d suggest carrying plenty of water (maybe a hydration pack) and a wearing hat and sunscreen. Have a great time on the Wall.
I've just booked this tour then realised it does not tell me anywhere what time it starts at the meeting place. Please advise
Jay B
Detroit, MI264 contributions
It was 8AM for us too, we met at the McDonald's by Dongzihmen Station, that was on May 9, 2019.
Does this trip include a 40 minute stairclimb to get to get to the top of the wall? Thanks
tonyng2002
Sunnyvale, CA2 contributions
I can’t remember what’s that initial stair climb but you’ll be panting like hell when you get to the level of the wall. That’s only the beginning. Along the wall, there are more stairs to go up and down. The hike time totals about 3+ hrs so use sun screen. Bring food to eat along the way. The hiking tour only provides snicker bars and water.
eatdrinktravel2018
Los Angeles, CA12 contributions
I will be visiting the Great wall in June. How long is the hike? Was it crowded? My husband and I are in good shape and are HUGE walkers. Looking for something Where we can actually spend a bit of time actually walking/hiking the Wall. Not just a few photos and leaving. Wondering if this may fit the bill. Thanks!
tonyng2002
Sunnyvale, CA2 contributions
Wear hiking shoes if possible. Some parts are steep and can be very slippery if wet. It’s about 100 flights of stairs according to my iPhone. Bring something to eat along the hike.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
