Great Wall of China
China

Great Wall of China

From the ancient stones of the Great Wall to the cloud-draped peaks of Huangshan and the plunging depths of Tiger Leaping Gorge, China offers walking experiences on a scale found nowhere else on earth.

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Overview

To walk the Great Wall is to feel two thousand years of history beneath your feet. Stretching across mountains, deserts and plains for over 21,000 kilometres, it remains one of humanity's most extraordinary achievements — built and rebuilt across dynasties to defend an empire that once defined the known world. The views from the ridgelines are vast, the watchtowers and worn stone steps tell their own story, and the sense of scale is genuinely hard to prepare for.

Beyond the Wall, China rewards walkers with extraordinary cultural depth. Ancient temple complexes, rural villages, traditional tea houses and the warmth of the people encountered along the way make this one of the most immersive walking destinations on earth.

Available Walks

Jinshanling great wall (1)
Group-Guided

Great Wall of China - 7 Days

Duration7 days
Walking Grade
6
From$2,495
View Walk

The Great Wall of China experience

Wonder
Walk unrestored and restored sections of one of the Seven Wonders of the World
Hike the wild Jinshanling section, where watchtowers snake across mountain ridges for kilometres
Continue to Simatai West, built in the 15th century, for the classic postcard view of the Wall
Wellness
Expert local guides illuminate the extraordinary tactical and human story behind the Wall's construction
Stay in a local guesthouse at the foot of the Wall, with home-cooked meals each evening
Walking the unrestored sections requires a guide and provides access that few visitors ever experience
Nature
Walk through lush forests and farmland before ascending onto the Wall itself
Pass through the inner circle of the Wall, the second line of defence if the main Wall was breached
Stone staircases, crumbling parapets, and tilting watchtowers characterise the wild unrestored sections
The mountain landscape visible from the Wall stretches to distant ridges in every direction on clear days
Coming soon
Local recommendations are coming soon.

Great Wall of China reviews

More About This Destination

Hiking in China offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, and one of the most iconic experiences is trekking along the Great Wall. Stretching over 13,000 miles (20,000 km), the Great Wall weaves through mountains, forests, and deserts, offering hikers breathtaking views and a sense of ancient history underfoot.

While some parts of the Wall near Beijing, like Badaling and Mutianyu, are well-restored and tourist-friendly, other sections, such as Jiankou and Simatai, offer more rugged, less-developed trails for experienced hikers seeking adventure. These remote segments present steep climbs, crumbling watchtowers, and panoramic vistas, making them both challenging and rewarding.

The physical effort of hiking the Wall matches the awe of walking a path once patrolled by soldiers centuries ago. The changing seasons add another layer of beauty, from spring blossoms to autumn’s golden hues.

Hiking the Great Wall not only tests your stamina but also connects you to China's vast and complex history. Whether for a few hours or several days, it’s an unforgettable journey that combines physical exertion with cultural discovery, making it a must-do experience for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike

Frequently Asked Questions

Beijing has two main international airports — Beijing Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX) — served by most major airlines. Both are well connected to the city by taxi and express train.

You'll split your nights between a comfortable city hotel in Beijing and authentic rural guesthouses close to the Wall, run by local families. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, Western-style toilets, and hot water. Electric heaters are available on request. Occasional power outages can occur in the mountains, so pack a torch.

All meals are included from the welcome dinner on day one through to breakfast on the final morning. Expect hearty local food at the guesthouses and banquet dinners on the final nights back in Beijing. On one of the days, you'll also have the chance to learn how to make Chinese dumplings with your hosts.

A comfortable daypack with water, snacks, a rain layer, sunscreen, and a first aid kit is all you need on the Wall. Walking poles are strongly recommended — the terrain involves serious climbs and descents. Bring good hiking boots with solid ankle support and grip, well broken in before you travel.

Departures run in spring and autumn. Both offer mild temperatures and clear skies — warm enough to walk comfortably, without the heat and humidity of summer.

Accept food, drinks, and gifts with both hands as a sign of respect. Avoid pointing with a single finger. Discussing politics, Taiwan, or Tiananmen in public is best avoided. Tipping is not customary in China, though it is becoming more accepted in tourist areas.

Yes, and it is a condition of booking. Your policy must cover injury, cancellation, luggage loss, and medical evacuation. There are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between Australia and China, so all medical treatment is charged at full cost.

Coverage in Beijing is excellent. On more remote sections of the Wall it can be limited, so keep your phone charged and bring a power bank. Note that Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and many Western apps are blocked in China — download a VPN before you leave home if you need access to these.

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