The iconic Great Wall of China
Caption: The iconic Great Wall of China
Caption: A Big Journey Group walking the Great Wall
Caption: The Forbidden Palace, Beijing
Caption: The Temple of Heaven, Beijing
Caption: Beijing's skyline
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Journey Price from: $4,827
4,827 Points Applied: -$965
Cash Remainder: $3,862
Prices per person sharing a room. 20% @$0.20 per point. Standard, Silver, Member, Preferred & Preferred Plus Members

 Deposit 20%.
Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a cabin/room. Single room supplement $499.00.

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Book online or call Call us on:Toll Free US and Canada: 1.855.624.4386 Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 8:00pm, Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm (London time)

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Choose from the list below to book your journey

Available journeys:

  • Standard, Silver, Member, Preferred & Preferred Plus members:
    Apply 4,827 points per person at $0.20 per point leaving a cash remainder of $3,862 per person.
    24 Oct - 31 Oct 2025 from $3,862 Book Now
  • Cash only option 24 Oct - 31 Oct 2025 from $4,827 Book Now
Book online or call Toll Free US and Canada: 1.855.624.4386

Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 3 Involves a high level of physical activity over an extended period, in terrain that may often be uneven, slippery and steep. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Not suitable if you have limited mobility.
Destination: Walking the Great Wall of China
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Flight information: Please arrange your international flights into Beijing Airport [PEK] on Day 1 on departing Beijing on Day 8
Pickup location: Beijing Airport [PEK]

Overview

Oct 24 - 31, 2025

Enjoy the dramatic scenery as we hike sections of The Great Wall of China - one of the seven wonders of the medieval world.

The Great Wall of China stretches some 6,000km across the country, from the Gobi Desert in the West to the crashing waves and rocks of Shanhaiguan in the East. One of the seven wonders of the medieval world, it is one of the most iconic sites known and can even be spotted from space!

Whilst some sections have been remodled, rebuilt and improved over the years, there are many that are wild and natural as the wall snakes its way through the countryside, up and down the hills and through the villages. Climbing through the different vegetation zones and reaching the peak of this natural phenomenon, will leave you with a sense of achievement quite like no other.

Starting in Beijing visiting the sights of the city, we then head out of the hustle and bustle to the quiet villages and countryside for our walks on the Great Wall. Over our 8 day trip, we’ll be exploring different sections of the wall in Beijing, Gubeikou, Jinshanling and Mutianyu with a full day hike from Mutianyu to Jiankou to complete the adventure. Pack your hiking shoes for a once in a lifetime experience along the Great Wall of China!

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Welcome to China
DAY 2 - Exploring Beijing
DAY 3 - The Great Wall of China
DAY 4 - Huangyaguan to Gubeikou
DAY 5 - Gubeikou to Jinshanling
DAY 6 - Jinshanling to Mutianyu
DAY 7 - Mutianyu to Beijing
DAY 8 - Goodbye to China and Home
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Welcome to China

You will be met on arrival at the airport in Beijing and transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is spent at leisure

This evening, we join together to enjoy a Welcome Dinner to meet your fellow tour members and your Big Journey Company Tour Director and learn about your adventure ahead.

Included meals: Dinner 
Accommodation: Park Plaza Hotel, Beijing (or similar) 

DAY 2 - Exploring Beijing

Before we begin hiking across the world-famous Great Wall of China, we take the opportunity today to see some of the other fascinating sites Beijing has to offer.

After breakfast, we head out to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven.

Tiananmen Square, the biggest city square in the world, was once a yard in the Forbidden city, the palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties from 1420-1911 AD.

The Temple of Heaven, once a place for the Chinese Emperor’s private worship, is now the biggest city park in Beijing for citizens to enjoy their leisure time in.

We return to the hotel for an evening and dinner at leisure before we head out to the famous wall tomorrow,

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Park Plaza Hotel, Beijing (or similar) 

DAY 3 - The Great Wall of China

We check out after breakfast as we make our way to start our hikes along one of the world's most famous sites - the Great Wall of China. 

The Great Wall is a series of defensive fortifications made of stone or brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials. It generally runs east-west across the historical northern borders of China. It protected the Empire against northern raids and invasions and the oldest sections date back to the 7th century BC!

Since then, the Great Wall has been repeatedly repaired, rebuilt, maintained, and enhanced. The majority of the existing wall dates from the time of the Ming Dynasty. An investigation in 2009 concluded the length of the Great Wall constructed in Ming Dynasty was 8,851.8km.

We begin our hike today on the Great Wall of China, walking from Taiping Zhai to Huangyaguan. The excursions and hiking today will take us around 6 hours with elevation gain over 1000m.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Chuidiao Yuan Guest House (or similar) 

DAY 4 - Huangyaguan to Gubeikou

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Gubeikou and continue our hike on the Great Wall.

The Gubeikou section of the Great Wall, located in Hebei Province North Beijing,was first built in the 6th century during the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589), and was then rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644AD).

This section of the wall remains original in style - some parts are steep and exposed, and you have to be careful whilst we are hiking this imposing section.

Tonight we have an opportunity to interact with the local people and experience a slice of the real China. We will overnight in a local inn of East River Village, an inn run by a local village family.

Hiking distance: approx. 4 km, 3 hours

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Yeshufang Guest House (or similar) 

DAY 5 - Gubeikou to Jinshanling

This morning, we rise early as before breakfast, we have the opportunity to take part in a traditional Tai chi class, which will inevitably get you fired up for today's adventure!

Today is a full day hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling. The Wall from Gubeikou to Jinshanling is approximately 10km, nestled on the top of green mountains like a dragon ascending and descending the endless blue sky. At some points the path is narrow and steep to cross over.

Hiking distance: approx. 10 km, 6 hours.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Jinshanling Hotel (or similar) 

DAY 6 - Jinshanling to Mutianyu

This morning’s hike is from Jinshanling to the Simatai entrance. This section of the Great Wall has been restored, making it an easier hike.

Some beacon towers along the stretch have been rebuilt to enable visitors to climb up and enjoy the mountain views. On the Kylin Beacon Tower, you'll find bricks inscribed by the soldiers of the past, recording their names and corps.

After lunch we will transfer to Huairou to our hotel close to Lake Yanxi for an afternoon at leisreu ready for our long hike tomorrow.

Hiking distance: approx. 5 km, 3 hours.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Shanshui Trends Hotel (or similar) 

DAY 7 - Mutianyu to Beijing

Our final day on the Great Wall offers a full day hiking as we travel from Jiankou to Mutianyu.

The first section at Jiankou is untouched with the climb steep, running along the top of the mountain top.

The Mutianyu section of the wall has been repaired so that it is easier to negotiate later in the day. We will admire the stunning views wondering how they managed to construct this wall at such a height such a long time ago.

After a final push, late in the afternoon we reach our transfer which will take us back to the hustle and bustle of Beijing.

Today will be the longest and toughest hiking, but the farewell roast Peking Duck dinner to round off our week and time in China will taste all the more delicious after our exertions!

Hiking distance: approx. 10 km, 6 hours.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Bamboo Garden Hotel, Beijing (or similar) 

DAY 8 - Goodbye to China and Home

We enjoy a last breakfast together before heading home to tell everyone about our Adventures on the Great Wall of China.

You will be transferred to the airport to catch your flights home.

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: none 

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Meet & Greet at Beijing Airport [PEK] on arrival
  • Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
  • Transport in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
  • Meals as detailed in the itinerary
  • All activities, visits and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Transport of 1 main large bag from one hotel to the next
  • Safety communication equipment
  • Water during hikes
  • Tour Director from The Big Journey Company as well as the local tour guide (subject to minimum group size being reached.)

What's not included

  • International flights into Beijing Airport [PEK] on Day 1 on departing Beijing on Day 8
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • All entrance fees to non-stipulated attractions
  • Visas, travel insurance
  • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above
  • Any meals not mentioned in itinerary
  • Any optional activities offered
  • Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements

Important information

  • This adventure is limited to a maximum number of 19 passengers and requires a good level of fitness.
  • Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour.
  • Check in is after 2 - 3pm and check out is before 10am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
  • Cancellation 90-0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are non-refundable.
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.
  • Visas are required for citizens of most countries. Please consult your local Chinese Consulate for up to date information on Visa requirements.
Once in a lifetime

Book your journey

Choose from the list below to book your journey.

Available journeys:

  • Standard, Silver, Member, Preferred & Preferred Plus members:
    Apply 4,827 points per person at $0.20 per point leaving a cash remainder of $3,862 per person.
    24 Oct - 31 Oct 2025 from $3,862 Book Now
  • Cash only option 24 Oct - 31 Oct 2025 from $4,827 Book Now
Book online or call Toll Free US and Canada: 1.855.624.4386

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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