How to Plan Your Great Wall Hiking Small Group Tour in Beijing

If you are visiting Beijing and want an unforgettable hiking experience, a Great Wall hiking tour is a must. The Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive structures in the world, and exploring it on a tour is an incredibly enriching experience. This Great Wall Hiking Small Group Tour offers a unique opportunity to see the wild Great Wall at Simatai West and the restored Great Wall at Jinshanling. You’ll also enjoy great photo opportunities and have a traditional lunch at a local farmer’s restaurant. In this article, we’ll show you how to plan your Great Wall Hiking Small Group Tour in Beijing.

The Experience

The Great Wall Hiking Small Group Tour takes you to two different parts of the Great Wall – Simatai West and Jinshanling. Simatai West is the wild section of the Great Wall where you can experience the ruins and unaltered natural beauty of the wall. Jinshanling, on the other hand, is a section of the wall that has been partially restored, so you can appreciate both the ancient and the modern. The hiking experience takes about 3 hours to complete and is highly photogenic, with over 15 watch-towers and steep gradients that give constantly changing perspectives and wide-open views. There is a fascinating variety in the watch-towers here, with some having two storeys, others three, some flat roofs, others rounded, and others are pitched with upturned eaves. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is an unforgettable experience.

The Highlights

• Small group tour – up to 8 people
• Experience the wild Great Wall at Simatai West
• See the restored Great Wall at Jinshanling
• Enjoy great photo opportunities
• Traditional lunch at a local farmer’s restaurant

Full Description

Your guide will meet you at 8 am and then drive you to Simatai West, where the hiking will start around 10:30 am. After finishing the hike, a traditional lunch at a local farmer’s restaurant will be organized before returning to the city. During the hike, your guide will show you some of the most impressive sections of the wall, as well as provide historical and cultural insights along the way. Simatai West is a less congested and less modified section of the Great Wall, located around 120 kilometers north of the city. The wall was built along a cliff, which poses a challenge for those who want to hike along it. However, the uneven terrain and the steep ascent are worth the effort. This section of the wall has remained almost untouched by the modern world, with the ruins providing a glimpse of how it looked when it was first built. Jinshanling, located around 150 kilometers northeast of Beijing, is another impressive section of the Great Wall. Unlike Simatai West, Jinshanling is partially restored, offering tourists a chance to experience the wall in its original glory. The restored section of the wall features crenelated walls with occasional guard towers that offer a wider view of the surrounding landscape.

Booking Information

You can book the Great Wall Hiking Small Group Tour on GetYourGuide.com. The tour costs $89 per person, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts to receive a full refund. The tour includes transportation from your hotel, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and lunch. Click the link below to book the tour: Book the tour here

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The Great Wall Hiking Small Group Tour is an unforgettable experience that takes you through some of the most impressive sections of the Great Wall while offering cultural and historical insights. Planning your tour is easy, and with the help of this guide, you can book your tour with confidence. Book your tour today and start exploring the Great Wall of China!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Beijing

If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, China’s cultural and political capital, you probably have a lot of questions. To help prepare you for your trip, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Beijing.

1. What is the best time to visit Beijing?

The best time to visit Beijing is during the months of September and October or April and May when the weather is milder, and there is less rainfall. However, if you want to avoid crowds, visiting in the winter (December-February) can be an option too.

2. What is the weather like in Beijing?

Beijing has a continental monsoon climate with hot summers and cold, dry winters. The average temperature in the summer months (June-August) is around 28°C (82°F), while in the winter (December-February) it can drop down to below freezing point, around -10°C (14°F).

3. How do I get from the airport to the city center?

The most convenient way to get from the airport to the city center is by taking the airport express train, which runs every 15-20 minutes between the airport and various stations in the city center. A taxi or Uber/Didi service can also be an option, but be aware of traffic jams during rush hours.

4. What are the top tourist attractions in Beijing?

Some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Beijing include: – The Great Wall of China – The Forbidden City – The Temple of Heaven – The Summer Palace – Tiananmen Square – The National Museum of China – The Lama Temple

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

The subway is one of the most reliable and efficient ways to get around Beijing. There are currently 22 lines covering most of the popular areas in the city, and it’s easy to use with English signs and announcements. You can also use buses and taxis, but be aware of traffic congestion.

6. Is it safe to drink tap water in Beijing?

It’s generally not recommended to drink tap water in Beijing, as the water quality is not always reliable. It’s safer to drink bottled water or bring a reusable water filter bottle.

7. What is the currency used in Beijing?

The currency used in Beijing is the Chinese yuan (¥), also known as Renminbi (RMB). It’s recommended to exchange currency at official banks or exchange centers, rather than at street vendors.

8. What kind of food can I expect to find in Beijing?

Beijing is known for its flavorful and hearty cuisine, particularly its Peking duck dish. Other popular dishes include homemade noodles, dumplings, and hotpot. Vegetarian and Halal food options are also available in many restaurants.

9. What souvenirs should I buy in Beijing?

Some popular souvenirs to buy in Beijing include: – Cloisonné jewelry and other handicrafts – Silk and brocade – Traditional Chinese paintings or calligraphy – Tea and tea sets – Local snacks like candied fruits or Beijing-style snacks

10. What is the nightlife like in Beijing?

Beijing has a vibrant nightlife with many options to choose from, including nightclubs, bars, and live music venues. The Sanlitun and Gulou areas are known for their lively nightlife scenes.

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Beijing is a fascinating city with a rich cultural heritage, unique cuisine, and endless attractions to explore. Hopefully, this FAQ has answered some of your questions and helped you plan your trip to Beijing. Enjoy your adventure in one of the world’s most exciting cities!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a bustling metropolis that is rich in history and culture. As a tourist, you’ll find a wealth of things to see and do in the city, from visiting ancient temples and imperial palaces to exploring modern art galleries and shopping districts. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best ways to spend your time as a tourist in Beijing.

1. Visit the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and no trip to Beijing would be complete without a visit. The wall stretches for over 13,000 miles and was built over 2,000 years ago to protect China from invading armies. There are several sections of the wall that are open to tourists, but the most popular and well-preserved section is at Badaling. You can take a cable car to the top of the wall and spend several hours exploring the fortifications and admiring the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

2. Explore the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a vast palace complex that was once the home of China’s emperors. The complex covers over 180 acres and contains more than 9,000 rooms. As a tourist, you can explore the vast courtyards, grand halls, and intricate gardens that make up the complex. Don’t miss the Hall of Supreme Harmony, which was the site of many important imperial ceremonies, or the Imperial Garden, which is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

3. Marvel at the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a stunning example of ancient Chinese architecture and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The temple was built over 500 years ago and was used by emperors to offer sacrifices to heaven. You can explore the temple’s main hall, the Circular Altar, and the Echo Wall, which is said to be able to carry whispers across the temple’s courtyard.

4. Sample local cuisine

Beijing is known for its delicious food, and as a tourist, you have the opportunity to sample some of the city’s most famous dishes. Don’t miss the chance to try Peking duck, which is a mouth-watering dish of roasted duck served with pancakes and vegetables. Other must-try dishes include dumplings, spicy hotpot, and jianbing, a kind of street food pancake filled with egg, meat, and vegetables.

5. Shop till you drop

Beijing is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from traditional handicrafts to high-end fashions available in the city’s markets and malls. Some of the best places to shop include the Silk Street Market, which is known for its silk products, and the Xiushui Street Market, which is famous for its jewellery and accessories. If you’re looking for more upscale shopping, head to the Wangfujing shopping district, which has everything from luxury brands to department stores.

6. Take a stroll in the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast park and palace complex that was once the summer retreat of China’s emperors. The palace contains a stunning array of pavilions, halls, and gardens, all set against the stunning backdrop of Kunming Lake. As a tourist, you can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, climb to the top of the Longevity Hill for stunning views, or take a boat ride on the lake.

7. Visit the 798 Art District

For something a little different, head to the 798 Art District, which is a hub of contemporary art and design in the city. The district is home to dozens of galleries, studios, and shops, all housed in former industrial buildings. You can admire works by some of China’s most exciting contemporary artists, shop for unique souvenirs, or simply wander the streets and soak up the creative atmosphere.

8. Experience traditional Chinese culture

Finally, don’t miss the chance to experience some traditional Chinese culture during your time in Beijing. There are several places where you can see traditional performances, including the Beijing Opera and the China National Acrobatic Troupe. You can also take part in traditional activities such as calligraphy or tai chi, or visit a traditional teahouse to sample some of China’s famous teas.

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Beijing is a city that has something for everyone, from ancient history and culture to modern art and design. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a shopaholic, or an art lover, you’ll find plenty to see and do in this vibrant and dynamic city. By following our guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Beijing and experience everything that this amazing city has to offer.