Private Great Wall Day Hiking From Jiankou to Mutianyu Section

Exploring the rugged and lesser-known Jiankou to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is a unique opportunity for adventurous hikers. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, visitors can traverse steep staircases, crumbling walls, and breathtaking vistas, all while enjoying a delicious picnic lunch amidst the stunning natural scenery. The highlight of this challenging yet rewarding journey is a one-way toboggan or cable car ride down the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall, offering a thrilling conclusion to a day of exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or seeking a memorable outdoor adventure, this private tour promises to provide an unparalleled experience.

Key Points

This private day hiking tour explores the rugged, less-crowded Jiankou to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, providing an immersive and scenic experience.
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, a picnic lunch, and the option to take a toboggan or cable car down the Mutianyu Great Wall.
The hike requires a moderate level of physical fitness, with navigation of steep staircases, crumbling sections, and steep ascents and descents.
The tour offers abundant photo opportunities, capturing the dramatic architecture, breathtaking vistas, and the group’s exploration of the historic marvel in relative solitude.
The private nature of the tour ensures personalized attention and a tailored experience, making it suitable for those seeking a more immersive and exclusive Great Wall adventure.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Overview of the Tour

This private day hiking tour allows visitors to explore the less crowded and more rugged Jiankou to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, bypassing the busier parts.

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation with a private driver, and a picnic lunch. Guests will also have the option to take a toboggan or cable car down the Mutianyu Great Wall.

While the hike requires a moderate fitness level, it promises good photo opportunities along the way.

The tour provides pickup from hotels within Beijing’s 4th ring road, and confirms details upon booking. However, it’s not wheelchair accessible, so guests should ensure they can handle the hiking conditions.

Inclusions and Highlights

The private tour includes an English-speaking guide who’ll accompany visitors throughout the day.

An air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver transports guests from their hotel within Beijing’s 4th ring road to the start of the hike.

A delicious picnic lunch is provided to enjoy during the trek. Entrance tickets and bottled water are also included.

The highlight is a one-way toboggan or cable car ride down the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, allowing hikers to explore a more remote, rugged area while bypassing crowded parts.

This day trip offers fantastic photo opportunities and a moderate level of physical activity, so comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing are recommended.

Pickup and Duration

The tour kicks off with a pickup from the hotel lobby within Beijing’s 4th ring road, as confirmed at booking.

Guests should note this private tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

The duration of the day hike along the Great Wall from Jiankou to Mutianyu section is set in stone, allowing hikers to fully enjoy the rugged beauty of this remote area.

With an English-speaking guide leading the way, travelers can expect a seamless and enriching experience, free from the crowds that often plague the more popular sections of the Wall.

The private nature of the tour ensures each guest receives personalized attention throughout the day’s activities.

Fitness Level Required

A moderate level of physical fitness is required for this private hiking tour along the Great Wall. Guests should be comfortable tackling uneven terrain, steep inclines, and challenging sections of the historic structure.

While the scenery and experience are truly breathtaking, this hike isn’t recommended for those with limited mobility or stamina.

This tour involves:

Navigating steep staircases and steps
Traversing sections with crumbling or missing walls
Encountering steep ascents and descents
Maintaining a steady pace over several hours of hiking

Participants should be prepared for a moderately strenuous day on the Great Wall, with a good level of cardiovascular fitness and agility.

Hiking Experience on the Great Wall

Hiking along the Jiankou to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers a truly remarkable and exhilarating experience. Trekkers will traverse a rugged, less-crowded stretch of the ancient fortification, marveling at its impressive architecture and breathtaking vistas.

Though the path can be challenging at times, the sense of accomplishment and the stunning panoramic views more than make up for the physical exertion. As hikers ascend the steep, uneven steps and navigate the winding, crumbling watchtowers, they’ll feel a deep connection to the Wall’s storied past.

With each stride, the thrill of exploring this historic marvel in relative solitude becomes palpable, making for an unforgettable adventure on one of the world’s most iconic structures.

Photo Opportunities

Hikers on this private Great Wall day tour will find ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the iconic fortification and its breathtaking natural surroundings.

From the rugged, winding watchtowers to the sweeping vistas over the rolling hills, each step of the journey offers picturesque backdrops for memorable keepsakes.

The tour’s focus on the less crowded Jiankou to Mutianyu section allows photographers to explore and frame the Great Wall in unique ways, free from the constraints of busy tourist areas.

Key photogenic highlights include:

Dramatic watchtowers and crumbling sections of the ancient wall
Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
Vibrant contrasts between the grey stonework and lush green landscapes
Candid shots of your small group hiking along the remote pathways

Picnic Lunch

During the private Great Wall day tour, a delightful picnic lunch is provided to fuel hikers’ adventures.

The nourishing meal features a variety of fresh, local ingredients carefully selected to complement the day’s physical activities. Hikers can look forward to savoring a satisfying and well-balanced lunch as they take in the magnificent vistas along the Jiankou to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

The picnic includes a mix of hearty sandwiches, fresh fruits and vegetables, and refreshing beverages to keep energy levels high. Enjoying this delicious al fresco dining experience amidst the stunning natural scenery of the Great Wall adds to the overall immersive and memorable nature of the private hiking tour.

Recommendations

To make the most of the private Great Wall hiking experience, visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable, supportive shoes that can handle the uneven terrain. Sunblock and personal snacks/water are also recommended, as hikers will be exposed to the elements for an extended period.

Plus, it’s advisable to dress appropriately for the weather conditions, which can vary greatly depending on the season. This may include layers, rain gear, or warm clothing, as needed.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so a moderate level of physical fitness is required. Hikers should be prepared for a challenging, but rewarding, journey along the rugged and scenic Jiankou to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Hike?

Pets are generally not permitted on this private hiking tour. The tour provider recommends leaving pets at home for their safety and the comfort of all participants. Service animals may be allowed with prior arrangements.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Toboggan Ride?

There’s no specific weight limit for the toboggan ride at Mutianyu Great Wall. However, it’s designed for individual use, so those over 200 lbs may want to check with the operator before riding. Enjoy the thrilling descent down the mountain!

Can I Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration for an additional fee. The tour operator typically offers flexible arrangements to accommodate your preferences and needs. They’ll be happy to discuss extending the tour if you’d like more time at the Great Wall.

Is There an Option to Start the Hike From Mutianyu Instead?

Yes, the tour can start from the Mutianyu section instead. This allows hikers to bypass the more challenging Jiankou section and still experience the scenic Mutianyu Great Wall. There may be an additional fee for this customization.

Can I Customize the Picnic Lunch to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, the tour operator can customize the picnic lunch to accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Just let them know your requirements when booking the tour.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby