Hikes to Try Once You've Exhausted Mutianyu and Badaling

While most of us who live in Beijing are aware that we are extremely lucky to have such close access to a landmark like the Great Wall, there’s no doubt that the shine starts to dull once you’ve visited the busy tourist sections for the nth time. The best way to refresh your passion for the wall is to get off the beaten path and visit one of the so-called “wild,” unrestored sections. We consulted Beijing Hikers’ Hayden Opie to find out what he considers to be the best Great Wall hikes, whether you are looking to get some strenuous exercise or simply see the Great Wall from a different perspective.

For an easier hike: Gubeikou

The Gubeikou Great Wall, located around 130km northeast of Beijing, is divided into two parts: Wohushan and Panlongshan, the two being separated by the Chaohe River. The Panlongshan section is a good choice for an easy walk, as it’s in good condition, and there are relatively few steep ups and downs compared to other parts of the Great Wall. The wall here runs along the top of a ridge, and you’ll enjoy expansive views as you hike. Gubeikou Village has plenty of small shops and restaurants in which to fuel up before and after your hike. To continue your exercise-plus-history experience, check out the three temples in the village just behind the repaired North Gate.
Duration: 6-7km, 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy

See a different side of the wall: Zhuangdaokou to Shuichangcheng

Shuichangcheng – which literally translates to “Water Great Wall” – makes for a nice change from other sections thanks to its slow dip towards a reservoir below. Some parts of the wall in this area are restored, although none to the degree of Mutianyu or Badaling. Begin in the small village of Zhuangdaokou and climb up onto the wall, whereupon you head left and begin your hike. Note that the last, descending section of the wall is crumbling to the point of impassibility, so once you reach this section, look for a path that heads off to the left and follows alongside the wall instead. You start this hike from either end, beginning in Zhuangdaokou or in Shuichangcheng.
Duration: Around 7km, 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections)

The best place to see autumn leaves: Jiankou

One of the best reasons to get out into the countryside surrounding Beijing in late September-early October is to see all the fantastic colors as the leaves change. The Jiankou Great Wall is a great spot to usher in autumn, and is where the inner and outer lines of Beijing’s Great Wall join, wrapping around the ridge lines that surround Xizhazi Village. There are numerous options for varying wall hikes here and many of the trails that lead up to the wall pass through forests of deciduous trees, making for a colorful climb. Stay at one of the hostels in the village – or use Airbnb to book one of the renovated courtyard houses – and spend the weekend exploring.
Duration: Find your way up to the wall on the west side of Jiankou for a 6km, 3-4 hour hike
Difficulty: Moderate

For a challenging day out: The High Tower

In the mountains west of the Badaling Great Wall is a large tower that sits atop a windswept meadow. At 1,440m above sea level, the tower is one of the highest points on the Great Wall in Beijing, and its prominence gives superb views on a clear day. There are two main paths up to the tower: from Huangtaizi Village on the north side of the mountains, and from Changyucheng Village on the south side. The trail from Changyucheng Village is easier to follow and well-maintained, and you’re not quite as likely to run into one of the wild pigs that roam about on the north side of the mountains. Note that this route is aimed at hikers rather than those who specifically want to visit the Great Wall – the only wall you’ll walk is the short stretch just by the tower, although you’ll get fantastic views of it stretching off over the horizon from the top of the tower.
Duration: 13km, 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Tough, there is a 600m ascent on the way up to the High Tower (note that there is also not a lot of shade on this hike)

While you can hike the wild Great Wall by yourself, we recommend tackling the more challenging sections with a professional hiking or travel company. Popular local organization Beijing Hikers runs regular hikes to all the above destinations. Visit beijinghikers.com for more information and to view their schedule.

This article first appeared in the September/October 2017 issue of the Beijinger, which you can read via PDF online or in hard copy at all of your favorite venues across town.

Photos courtesy of Beijing Hikers

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