Overview
The Great Wall is long. There are parts that are well-preserved and maintained as tourist attractions, but there are also sections that are in disrepair and are not maintained by the government. These sections of the Great Wall are often referred to as the 'wild' or 'unmaintained' sections. There are many wild sections of the Great Wall, such as Jiankou, Huanghuacheng, Gubeikou, Jinshanling, and Simatai. This guide will take you to a section close to Jiankou, but the same principles can be applied to other sections.
Route Map
Learn how to download the map for your own offline use by reading how I navigate on the trail .
Itinerary
When I planned this adventure, I wanted to experience the Great Wall away from the tourist crowds. This 3-day journey takes you from Beijing's modern metropolis to Xizhazi, a quiet village nestled in the mountains. The route I'm sharing combines local transportation adventures (where you'll likely be the only foreigner on the bus), homestay dinners with lazy susans loaded with mysterious but delicious dishes, and of course - hiking along ancient, crumbling sections of wall that feel frozen in time. Click through each phase below to see photos and stories from my journey, from figuring out Chinese bus schedules to scrambling up unrestored watchtowers with newfound friends. The trek concludes at Mutianyu, a restored section that offers a fascinating contrast between the wild wall's quiet majesty and the bustling tourism of maintained sections. This isn't your typical guided tour - it's a real adventure that lets you experience both the wall's ancient solitude and warm local hospitality.
| Phase | Itinerary | Details |
|---|---|---|
Phase 11 | Beijing to Xizhazi | |
Phase 22 | Round trip to Explore the Wild Wall | 15km |
Phase 33 | Dinner in Xizhazi | |
Phase 44 | Hike from Xizhazi to Mutianyu | 25km |
Phase 55 | Mutianyu to Beijing |
Weather and Seasons
The weather in China can vary significantly depending on the region and the time of year. Generally, the best time to hike the Great Wall is in the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May), when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. The summer months (June to August) can be very hot and humid, while the winter months (December to February) can be cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below freezing at night. The Great Wall is a popular tourist destination, and some sections can get very crowded, especially during peak season. If you want to avoid crowds, you may want to consider visiting during the off-season or midweek.
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Safety Disclosure: This travel guide is intended for educational purposes only. Readers are urged to conduct their due diligence, verify current conditions, and research the most recent information independently. Conditions along trails and relevant details may change, necessitating the confirmation of accurate and updated information from reliable sources or local authorities before undertaking any travel or outdoor activities.
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