How to Hike the Great Wall of China: A Complete Guide to the Great Wall Hiking Small Group Tour in Beijing

Looking for an unforgettable hiking experience in Beijing? Look no further than the Great Wall Hiking Small Group tour! This tour takes you on an adventure through the wild, preserved, and restored sections of the Great Wall, with fascinating watchtowers, steep gradients, and stunning vistas. Here’s everything you need to know to plan and prepare for your Great Wall hiking adventure.

Experience

This tour offers an immersive and unforgettable experience of the Great Wall of China. You’ll hike through the rugged and wild Simatai West section, with over 15 watchtowers and steep inclines that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The restored Jinshanling section of the wall offers a glimpse into the history and architecture of this ancient wonder. The tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 travelers, allowing for a more personalized and intimate experience of the wall.

Highlights

– Hike through the stunning Simatai West and Jinshanling sections of the Great Wall of China – Enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape from over 15 watchtowers – Have lunch at a traditional local farmer’s restaurant – Learn about the history and architecture of the Great Wall from an experienced guide – Experience it all in a small group of up to 8 travelers

Itinerary

The tour starts with your guide meeting you at 8 am and driving you to the Simatai West section of the wall. The hiking will start around 10:30 am, and it will take about 3 hours to complete. After the hike, a lunch at a local farmer’s restaurant will be organized before returning to Beijing.

What to Expect

The Simatai West section of the Great Wall is a wild, ruined, and preserved section that offers some of the finest hiking on the wall. You can expect to encounter steep inclines, uneven ground, and changing perspectives as you make your way through the watchtowers. The restored Jinshanling section offers a more comfortable and stable hike, with flat roofs, rounded roofs, and pitched roofs of upturned eaves that provide a fascinating glimpse into the architecture of the wall.

What to Bring

When hiking the Great Wall of China, it’s important to come prepared for the experience. Here are some essential items to bring with you: – Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes with good grip – Loose and comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the weather – A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect from the sun – Plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized – A camera or phone to capture the stunning views and memories – Cash or credit card for souvenirs or additional expenses

How to Book

Ready to book your Great Wall Hiking Small Group tour? Simply follow this link book the tour here! to the Get Your Guide website and complete the booking process.

Final Thoughts

Hiking the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the Great Wall Hiking Small Group tour offers the perfect way to experience this wonder of the world. With an experienced guide, a small group size, and stunning views of the Simatai West and Jinshanling sections of the wall, this tour is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, bring your camera, and get ready to hike the Great Wall!

Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing

Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Here are some frequently asked questions about the city:

1. What is the best time of year to visit Beijing?

Beijing has four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and comfortable. The spring, from March to May, is a beautiful time to see the city’s parks and gardens in full bloom. Autumn, from September to November, is also a great time to visit as the weather is mild and the skies are clear.

2. What are the top tourist attractions in Beijing?

Beijing is full of amazing sights and attractions, including: – The Great Wall of China: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic landmarks in China. There are several sections of the wall to visit, including the popular Badaling and Mutianyu sections. – The Forbidden City: A palace complex that was once the home of the emperors of China. It is now a museum and one of the most visited attractions in Beijing. – Tiananmen Square: One of the largest public squares in the world, famous for its political and historical events. – Temple of Heaven: A complex of religious buildings that was once used by emperors to pray for good harvests. – Summer Palace: A beautiful landscaped garden and palace that was used as a summer retreat for the imperial family.

3. What is the best way to get around Beijing?

Beijing has an extensive public transportation system that includes subways, buses, and taxis. The subway system is the most convenient and affordable way to get around the city. Taxis are also readily available, but it’s important to make sure they use the meter and to have your destination written in Chinese characters.

4. Is Beijing safe for tourists?

Beijing is generally a safe city for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, it’s always important to take precautions to stay safe, such as avoiding dark alleys at night and being aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

5. What is the local cuisine in Beijing?

Beijing is famous for its cuisine, which has a long history and a unique flavor. Some of the most popular dishes include Peking duck, dumplings, and hot pot. Street food is also popular and can be a great way to try new dishes at an affordable price.

6. Can I visit the Great Wall from Beijing?

Yes, several sections of the Great Wall are easily accessible from Beijing. The Badaling and Mutianyu sections are the most popular and offer stunning views of the wall winding through the mountains. It’s recommended to book a tour or hire a private driver to visit the wall, as public transportation may be limited or unreliable.

7. What are some cultural etiquette tips for visiting Beijing?

Visitors to Beijing should be aware of some cultural etiquette tips, such as: – Dress modestly: In general, it’s best to dress conservatively while in Beijing, especially when visiting religious sites. – Learn some basic Chinese phrases: Learning some simple greetings and phrases can go a long way in showing respect to the local culture. – Use two hands: When giving or receiving something, it’s common to use both hands as a sign of respect. – Do not tip: It’s not customary to tip in China, so there’s no need to add extra money to a bill or to tip a taxi driver.

8. What is the currency used in Beijing?

The currency used in Beijing is the Chinese yuan (CNY). It’s recommended to exchange currency at a bank or currency exchange rather than at a hotel or airport, as the exchange rates may be lower.

9. Are there any cultural events or festivals in Beijing?

Beijing is a city full of cultural events and festivals. Some of the most popular include: – Spring Festival: The Chinese New Year, celebrated in January or February with fireworks, dragon dances, and family reunions. – Lantern Festival: The first full moon of the lunar year, celebrated with colorful lanterns and sweet rice dumplings. – Mid-Autumn Festival: A harvest festival that falls in September or October, celebrated with mooncakes and family gatherings.

10. What are some good areas to stay in Beijing?

Some of the best areas to stay in Beijing include: – Dongcheng: The central district of Beijing, home to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. – Chaoyang: A modern and upscale district that’s popular with expats and business travelers. – Haidian: A university district that’s home to some of Beijing’s best museums and parks. Overall, Beijing is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture. By following these tips and recommendations, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to this amazing destination.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Beijing

Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, is a sprawling metropolis with a rich history. With so many things to see and do, it can be overwhelming for tourists to plan their trip. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to spend your time in Beijing.

Step 1: Visit the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is an essential stop for any tourist visiting Beijing. It is one of the most well-preserved ancient buildings in China and covers an area of over 180 acres. Visitors can stroll through the magnificent halls and courtyards and learn about the history of China’s emperors.

Tip:

It’s best to buy tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Audio guides are also available in different languages.

Step 2: Walk on the Great Wall of China

No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall of China. Built over 2,000 years ago, it stretches over 13,000 miles and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. There are several sections of the Great Wall that tourists can visit, and Badaling is the most popular. It’s best to visit early in the day to avoid crowds and the heat.

Tip:

Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water as hiking on the Great Wall can be tiring.

Step 3: Explore the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a serene and peaceful place to escape the bustling city. It was built in the early 15th century and was where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties went to pray for a good harvest. Visitors can walk around the beautiful gardens and marvel at the stunning architecture.

Tip:

Visit early in the morning to see the locals practicing tai chi and other exercises.

Step 4: Take a walk around the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a magnificent garden retreat that was once the playground of the emperors. It’s a vast park that has many different sections, including a lake, pavilions, and temples. Visitors can stroll around the gardens or take a boat ride on the lake.

Tip:

Visit in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom to see the gardens at their most beautiful.

Step 5: Sample traditional Beijing cuisine

Beijing is known for its famous dishes such as Peking duck, dumplings, and noodles. There are many restaurants and street vendors that serve these delicacies, and visitors should try as many as they can.

Tip:

Visit the Wangfujing Night Market for a taste of the exotic or head to Donghuamen Street for a more traditional experience.

Step 6: Visit the National Museum of China

The National Museum of China is the largest museum in China and is home to over one million artifacts that tell the history of China. It covers everything from ancient history to modern art and is an excellent way to learn about the culture and traditions of the Chinese people.

Tip:

Visit the museum’s website to see current exhibitions and plan your visit accordingly.

Step 7: Shop in the traditional markets

Beijing is a shopper’s paradise, with many traditional markets selling everything from silks to antiques. Some of the most popular markets are the Silk Market and the Panjiayuan Antique Market.

Tip:

Be prepared to bargain for the best price, and make sure you’re buying authentic goods.

Step 8: Watch a traditional Beijing opera

The Beijing Opera is a traditional Chinese art form that has been around for over 200 years. It’s a colorful and vibrant performance that combines singing, dancing, and acrobatics.

Tip:

Visit the Liyuan Theater to see a traditional Beijing opera with English subtitles.

Step 9: Experience the nightlife

Beijing has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. There is something for everyone, whether you want to dance the night away or relax with a cocktail.

Tip:

Visit Houhai Lake for a romantic evening stroll or head to the Sanlitun area for a more lively night out.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a fascinating city with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. From visiting the Forbidden City to walking on the Great Wall of China, there are many unforgettable experiences to be had. By following this step-by-step guide, tourists can make the most of their time in Beijing and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.