Summary As chairman Mao Zedong says: 'He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.' Standing on the dangerous steep for thousands of years, the Great Wall occupies a commanding position. It was an vital military pass of Ming Dynasty, and an important protective screen of Beijing. Hiking, definitely, is the best way to 'be a true man'. By covering every miles of this winding antiquity wall, you can gain the better understanding of Chinese history and people related to it. Features Comprehensive and unique hiking program Selected hotels at wide range of choices for your comfort Local specialties and night shows listed at the bottom for your delight Knowledgeable guides, experienced drivers and vans in good-condition
Day 01 Arrival, Beijing (No meals)
Arrive in Beijing, the start of this tour. Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to catch up with some good rest for hiking in the coming days.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Beijing, China's capital and a well-known tourist city of the world, offers sights and cultural relics found no where on earth. The city has its own individuality, that's the flavor of Beijing. The quadrangle, small alley, tricycle, boiled mutton, roast duck, Peking Opera, arts and crafts you can see, hear and feel them all only when you come to the city yourself.
The Great Wall is the symbol of China and the wisdom of Chinese people. It is very unbelievable that Chinese succeeded in building such a great architecture with simple tools in ancient time. The construction of the Great Wall began in the 5th century BC. The wall has a total length of 6,700km, traveling up and down over numerous mountains and valleys. Starting in the east at Shanhaiguan Pass, it crosses Heibei Province, Beijing, Shanxi Province, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shaanxi Province, and ending up in Jiayuguan Pass at Gansu Province. It is said the Great Wall is the only man-made project which is visible from the moon. It is not a easy job to hike along the Great Wall which was built snakingly along the mountains, however, the magnificent landscapes and unforgettable experince will be the best awards for your choice.
Day 02 Beijing -- Shanhaiguan (B/L/D)
Be transferred to Shanhaiguan, Qinghuangdao City in Hebei Province. After check into the hotel in Qinhuangdao City, the rest day is free on your own arrangement.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Shanhaiguan is about 300km away from Beijing.
Built as a formidable military stronghold in 1381 in the Ming Dynasty, Shanhaiguan is a town located in the northeast of today's Qinhuangdao City. It adjoins the Bohai Gulf to the southeast and the Yanshan Mountain to the northwest. The city wall of Shanhaiguan is still well-preserved till now, and Shanhaiguan Pass is the main entrance to the town. The territory to the north of Shanhaiguan didn't belong to China in the Ming Dynasty. Shanhaiguan had been renovated from time to time in all the different dynasties until it was built into a formidable military stronghold during the Ming Dynasty. As the strategic passage between North China and Manchuria in the history, the Chinese like to call this pass the No.1 pass of the Great Wall.
Day 03 Laolongtou(Old Dragon's Head)--Shanghaiguan Pass--Jiaoshan Section(B/L/D)
After breakfast, put on your hiking gear and start today's trekking from Laolongtou to Shanghaiguan Pass(4km), and then from Shanghaiguan Pass to Jiaoshan section of the Great Wall(3km). Drive back to Qinhuangdao and stay overnight.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Laolongtou is located about 4km south to Shanghaiguan Pass. Laolongtou which extends into Bohai Sea is the starting point of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall has always considered being a giant dragon and therefore its starting point is named the Dragon's Head.
Jiaoshan is the first mountain peak of the Great Wall from Shanhaiguan. Build in the Ming Dynasty, the Jiaoshan Great Wall were built with mountain stone, and there were also some bricks and long stones. Its scale is largely decided by the mountain.
Day 04 Qinhuangdao--Taolikou--Luweishan(B/L/D)
Take bus to Taolinkou Great Wall in the morning, then trek to Luweishan Great Wall. Tonight camping at Luweishan.
Day 05 Luweishan- -Liujiakou--Zunhua City(B/L/D)
Go on the hiking along the wild wall from Luweishan to Liujiakou (5km). Be transferred to Zunhua and stayover night.
Day 06 Zunhua City--Huangyaguan (B/L/D)
Be transferred to Huangyaguan Pass after the morning visit of Eastern Qing Tomb. Hiking the eastern part of Huangyaguan and stay overnight.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Eastern Qing Tomb, the first imperial tombs established by the Manchu rulers, are located 125 km east of Beijing in Zunhua. The construction began in 1661. There are altogether 14 tombs containing the remains of emperors, empresses, consorts, and princesses. They include the Xiao Tomb of the first emperor of Qing, Emperor Shunzhi (reigned 1644-61), the Jing Tomb of Emperor Kangxi (reigned 1662-1722), the Yu Tomb of Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736-95), the Ding Tomb of Emperor Xianfeng (reigned 1851-61), the Hui Tomb of Emperor Tongzhi (reigned 1862-74), and tombs of the empresses Xiaozhuang, Xiaohui, Ci'an, Cixi, and five consorts. All were erected over a span of 272 years.
p align="justify">The Great Wall at Huangyaguan was named for the yellow cliffs into which it was built. Huangyaguan was first constructed in 557 AD. and rebuilt with bricks in the Ming Dynasty. The whole Great Wall lies on a precipitous ridge of mountains. It has an eastern cliff as a screen against invasions and a western precipice as support. It had ancient defensive structures such as fortress, high-wall, water pass, beacon tower and sheer precipice.
Day 07 Huangyaguan--Simatai Section(B/L/D)
In the morning trek along the west part of Huangyaguan. Drive to Simatai Section via Miyun County. Have the lunch and take a short break at Miyun. Go on driving to the today's destination. Upon arraival, set off to explore the eastern part of Simatai and enjoy the sunset there. Stay overnight in the guest house at the foot of Simatai.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Simatai, built on a cliff, is extremely steep. A famous Great Wall specialist said: 'The Great Wall is the best of Chinese architecture, and Simatai is the best of the Great Wall.'
Simatai was started in the early Hongwu years (1368-1398) of the Ming Dynasty. Like many sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall visited today, this section was also built under the supervision of General Qi Jiguang.
It is dotted with many interesting watchtowers. Unlike the Badaling and Mutianyu sections, this area has not been restored since it was built 500 years ago.
Day 08 Simatai--Jinshanling (B/L/D)
After breakfast trek about 12km westwards to reach Jinshanling. Have picnic lunch on the way. Stay overnight in the guest house in Jinshanling or camping.
[ Itinerary Description ]
The Jinshanling section was originally built during the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1389. It was restored under Ming General Qi Jiguang between 1567 and 1570. It
is a remote and isolated section of the Great Wall. Very few tourists make the longer trek out so you are most likely guaranteed a relatively peaceful walk.
The condition of the wall at Simatai to the beginning of the Jinshanling toward are quite good. However the condition of the wall does begin to deteriorate soon and becomes quite rocky with loose stones and bricks. It is also very steep at a number of points, combined with loose stones, can become precarious. The hiking will take about four to five hours.
Day 09 Jinshanling--Gubeikou--Beijing(B/L/D)
Continue trek westwards to Gubeikou. Upon arrival be transfferred back to Beijing and check into the hotel to catch up with some good rest.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Gubeikou, situated in Beijing's Miyun County, is 125 kilometers away from Beijing proper. It has long been a town of military significance and an important passage to the capital city. The Yanshan Range winds from east to west and is cut off at Gubeikou, forming a natural narrow pass here. To the west of the pass are the Chaohe River and the Wohu Mountain, and to the east is the Panlong Mountain. From ancient times, Gubeikou has served as a route of strategic importance, linking the southern and northern areas of the Yanshan Range. As early as 2,500 years ago, a fortification was built here and was constantly reinforced throughout the following dynasties.
Day 10 Departure, Beijing(B)
Bid the Great Wall a fond farewall and be transferred to the airport for your homebound flight.
Service Ends
TCT Optional Local Specialties & Night Shows:
City
Local Specialties
Nights Shows
Beijing
Peking Roasted Duck
Peking Opera
TCT Recommended Hotels :
City
Standard Hotels
First Class Hotels
Deluxe Hotels
Beijing
Dongfang Hotel
Holiday Inn Central Plaza
Crowne Plaza
Qinhuangdao
Jilun Hotel
the Great Wall Hotel
-
Luweishan
camping
Zunhua
Zunhua International Hotel
Huangyaguan
local guest house
Simatai
local guest house
Jinshanling
local guest house
Price Details (per person in US$) :
Standard hotels
First Class hotels
Deluxe hotels
Standard Class Hotels
Low Season
Shoulder Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
6-9 pax
2-5 pax
1 pax
First Class Hotels
Low Season
Shoulder Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
6-9 pax
2-5 pax
1 pax
Deluxe Class Hotels
Low Season
Standard Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
6-9 pax
2-5 pax
1 pax
* High season: April, May, Sep, Oct, & 1-15 Nov; Shoulder Season: Jun & Jul; Low Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, 16-30 Nov & Dec
* S.Supp: Single Supplement
TCT Member Price :
Remarks:
All the "0" in the above form indicate that the prices to be advised, and S.Supp(Single Supplement)means one client occupying one standard room.
Prices in USD are based on two sharing one twin-bed standard room,exclusive of the price for ONE passenger occupying one twin-bed room of his own.
The prices quoted here are only valid in 2008, period of 2008 Beijing Olympic excepted.
The availabilities of rooms, flights and so on are subject to change until the actual booking is being made. TCT reserves the right to adjust the prices of any portion of the tour due to the reasons beyond our control.
Prices are based on the current exchange rate and are subject to change without prior notice. For the most up to date prices, please contact with the sales.
Children under 12 have discount from above prices. Please advise all details about kids concerned with bookings.
Price includes:
Mentioned domestic air transportation in economy class with airport tax and fuel surcharge. The tax and surcharge are subject to change at any time.
Private transfers between airports/railway stations, hotels and all sightseeing spots. Separate arrivals and departures will incur extra charges.
Hotel or cruiser accommodation based on two adults sharing one standard twin-bed room/cabin; a client who travels alone or desires is required to pay a single supplement rate. A single room is subject to availability based on prior request at an additional cost; if the recommended hotel is not available, it will be substituted by a similar one.
Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in the cruise fee as well as the cruise shore excursion in groups and daily activities. The arrangements are subject to the different cruiser companies and subject to change without prior notice.
One driver and one English-speaking guide on normal sightseeing activities in each destination.
All entrance fees to scenic spots as shown in the itinerary. The final arrangement will be determined by local tour guides based on the local circumstances which are beyond the control of TopChinaTravel. TCT will adhere to the original itinerary as accurately as possible.
Tibet Travel Permit application fee in the packages related to Tibet.
Price excludes:
Round International airfare or train tickets.
Visa fee, passport application or renewal fee.
Tips for guides, escort, drives, bellman, etc.
Personal expenses such as excess luggage fees, laundry, postage, communications and beverages.
Travel insurance.
Optional meals and shows mentioned in the itinerary, which will be added up if the clients desire to take the activities.
Applicable taxes or government fees.
Any other changes caused by the acts of God, natural disasters, fires, weather, governmental and local authority orders, political change, strikes, war, riots, quarantine, custom regulations, damages or injury caused by accident beyond the control of TopChinaTravel and that has incurred due to the tourist action violating the laws.
Contact us : sales@topchinatravel.com
Tel: (86)773-2885326 , 2828304 , 2825759 , Fax: (86)773-2805303
Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved. Top China Travel
China Tours.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
Day by Day Itinerary
- Shanhaiguan (B/L/D)-m.jpg)
-Shanghaiguan Pass--m.jpg)
-m.jpg)
-m.jpg)
Simatai, built on a cliff, is extremely steep. A famous Great Wall specialist said: 'The Great Wall is the best of Chinese architecture, and Simatai is the best of the Great Wall.'
Simatai was started in the early Hongwu years (1368-1398) of the Ming Dynasty. Like many sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall visited today, this section was also built under the supervision of General Qi Jiguang.
It is dotted with many interesting watchtowers. Unlike the Badaling and Mutianyu sections, this area has not been restored since it was built 500 years ago. -m.jpg)
The Jinshanling section was originally built during the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1389. It was restored under Ming General Qi Jiguang between 1567 and 1570. It
is a remote and isolated section of the Great Wall. Very few tourists make the longer trek out so you are most likely guaranteed a relatively peaceful walk. -m.jpg)
Gubeikou, situated in Beijing's Miyun County, is 125 kilometers away from Beijing proper. It has long been a town of military significance and an important passage to the capital city. The Yanshan Range winds from east to west and is cut off at Gubeikou, forming a natural narrow pass here. To the west of the pass are the Chaohe River and the Wohu Mountain, and to the east is the Panlong Mountain. From ancient times, Gubeikou has served as a route of strategic importance, linking the southern and northern areas of the Yanshan Range. As early as 2,500 years ago, a fortification was built here and was constantly reinforced throughout the following dynasties.