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2-Day Excursion to the Great Wall of Jinshanling and the Water Town of Gubei

Highlights

  • Walk along the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, famous for its wild and photogenic landscapes.
  • Experience the illuminated atmosphere of Gubei, with the Simatai Great Wall as a backdrop.
  • Compare the authentic wall (Jinshan) with the restored wall (Simatai).
  • All in one package: nature, culture, photography, and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Route

Route Map
Day
Attractions & Activities
Overnight
1
Jinshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, Gubei Water Town
Beijing
2
Gubei Water Town
Beijing

Tour Features

Best Time: All year round
Tours for Anyone

Accommodation & Meals

Our sample itinerary includes mid-range four-star hotels with standard amenities to keep initial costs in check. Accommodations and meals are fully customizable, and your dedicated travel advisor will adjust them to match your preferred level of comfort or luxury.

Day Accommodation Meals
1-2
TBD
L: Day 1

Morning: Challenging Jinshanling Great Wall

Depart Beijing early for the Jinshanling Great Wall (approx. 2-2.5-hour drive). This section is famous for its well-preserved, rugged state, magnificent watchtowers, and dramatic mountainous scenery. Please note: Some sections of Jinshanling are quite steep, with significant elevation changes and successive steep slopes, requiring a good level of fitness. It is not recommended for young children, the elderly, or those with limited mobility for extensive hiking. You can explore and photograph select sections based on your own stamina, experiencing its majestic claim as "the finest part of the Ten-Thousand Li Great Wall".

Afternoon: Check-in at Gubei Water Town

In the afternoon, transfer to Gubei Water Town for check-in and rest. This picturesque canal town blends northern architectural styles with the charm of a southern water town. Feel free to wander its stone-paved lanes or relax in a teahouse by the water.

Important Notice: Hotel accommodation in Gubei Water Town is not included. As prices vary widely (approx. $50-$600/night), you may book independently or share your budget for our booking assistance.

Evening: Simatai Night Great Wall

The evening's highlight is visiting the Simatai Night Great Wall, the only section open for night tours in China. Led by a guide, take a cable car up. As darkness falls, the ancient wall is illuminated, creating a magical and breathtaking silhouette against the starry sky, a sight completely different from the daytime.

Attractions & Activities
Morning: Town Exploration & Cultural Workshop
After a leisurely breakfast in the town, continue exploring Gubei Water Town's attractions like the Zhenyuan Escort Agency and Yongshun Dye Workshop.
Core Experience: Choose one cultural workshop to get hands-on with tradition (approx. 60-90 mins):
  • Tie-Dye Workshop: Learn traditional techniques to dye your own unique bandana under guidance.
  • Kite Making: Understand the history and structure of kites, then paint and assemble a traditional swallow kite.
  • Buddhist Text Tracing: Find calm while meticulously tracing Buddhist scriptures or mantras with brush and ink in a serene setting.
Afternoon: Lunch & Return to Beijing
Enjoy a hearty lunch with local specialties in the town. Afterward, we will gather for the return drive to downtown Beijing (approx. 2 hours), concluding this enriching and memorable Great Wall getaway.
Attractions & Activities

Important to Know

  • This sample itinerary is designed for a private tour, featured dedicated vehicle and guide.
  • Join-in tour is NOT available, hence solo travelers must cover the entire cost independently.
  • Prices are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
  • This tour is offered in US dollars (USD), euros (EUR), and RMB (CNY), other currencies are NOT accepted.
  • This sample itinerary is served as a starting point for your trip planning. Feel free to tell us your needs and requirements. Inquiry
  • One of our travel consultants will reply your Inquiry by emails or phone. He or she will work with you accross all details about your trip plan until you are totally satisfied with it.

Prices Per Person

Number of Travelers Solo 2 People 3-5 People 6-9 People 10 Plus People
Estimated Prices USD $ 965 528 456 303 Get Quote Now
EUR € 787 430 372 247
CNY ¥ 6271 3429 2965 1970

The above quotation is based on prices during the shoulder season and is for reference only. As peak and off-peak seasons vary by destination in China, please contact your Traveler Consultant for a customized quotation.

Price Includes

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    Private transportation service (airport/train station transfers, sightseeing tours, and transfers between the hotel and attractions)
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    Professional English-speaking (or your requested language) guide and licensed driver
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    Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
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    All entrance fees for the specified attractions
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    Local specialties specific to each city as indicated in the itinerary
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    High-speed trains (second class) between cities in China, as well as domestic flights (economy class)
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    Travel insurance within China

Price Excludes

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    International train or flight tickets;
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    China entry visa fees;
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    Tips for your guide and driver (at your discretion);
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    Personal expenses;
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    Optional tours, meals, activities, and services