Walk the Great Wall of China + Xian Extension




Overview
Highlights
- Hike the iconic Great Wall of China and see the first emperor's Terracotta Army in Xian
- Discover Beijing's Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
- Visit Old Dragons Head the point where the Great Wall meets the sea
What's this trip about?
Itinerary

The trip starts today in Beijing, China's political and cultural centre. The city has been the capital for most of the period since Kublai Khan made it the capital of his mighty Asian Empire in the late 1200s. All clocks in this vast country are set by Beijing time de...
Our trip begins today with a drive to the impressive expanse of Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing, covering some 40 hectares and enclosed on all sides by memorials to the past and present. After visiting the square we will cross to the magnificent Forbidden City,...
Leaving Beijing early this morning we drive for about 4 to 5 hours to Shanhaiguan. It is here that the Great Wall reaches the Bohai Sea at a point called Laolongtou or the 'Old Dragon's Head' - named after the legendary carved dragon's head that once faced the ocean. ...
On most mornings we plan an early start to make the most of each day, in rythm with local rural life. Today we walk out of town to join an old section of the wall to the impressive Jiaoshan Pass where it heads into the mountains for the first time. The walk returns th...
This morning we drive to Panjiakou reservoir where we take a boat excursion on the reservoir at Panjiakou. The surrounding scenery is stunning - with the Wall following undulating ridges across the rugged hills before plummeting into the water at two points, Panjiakou...
Making a reasonably early start this morning, we hope to have this lovely site to ourselves. The Eastern Qing Tombs are the largest and most complete of the Imperial Tombs in China with 5 emperors, 15 empresses and 136 concubines all buried here. In addition the surro...
This morning we drive for 2 hours from Huangyaguan to Gubeikou. From here we will walk up on to the wall along a mountain path. This section of the wall takes us past 16 beacon towers and we get to see a part of the wall in the distance that is restricted and not usua...
Today we aim to walk on one of the most stunning sections of the Wall between Jinshanling and Simatai - both locations where the wall has been refurbished. The walk between these two places is on partially ruined sections, with some quite steep ascents and many steps ...
Today we return to Beijing. We should arrive back into the city by early afternoon with late afternoon free for further personal exploration. You may wish to take an excursion to the Summer Palace or the Temple of Heaven in Tiantan Park (both optional). We take an...
You will be met on arrival this morning in Xian train station. Our stay in Xian reveals the extraordinary continuity of Chinese civilisation. Xian (Changan) served 11 dynasties and was the very starting point of the Silk Road between Central Asia and Europe. Its ancie...
Today we visit one of the highlights of any trip to China - the magnificent Terracotta Warriors and Horses who guard the Qin Shi Huangdi Tomb. There are literally thousands of lifesize warriors, dating from 200BC. This dramatic find of the 1970s is considered one of t...
Our tour ends this morning after breakfast.
Meals Provided : Breakfast
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Amanda
Nov 2024
Walk the Great Wall + Xian Extension
A great trip. Capable, experienced, attentive guides, Oliver and Diana, for the Great Wall and Xi’an sections respectively. We were looked after very well and all th...
Trusted Customer
Nov 2024
Walk the Great Wall + Xian Extension
Trip was great, lodging was good (probably not a lot of options in rural China), both guides (Janssen for wall, Diana for Xi’an) were excellent they were knowledgeab...
Julie
Oct 2024
Walk the Great Wall + Xian Extension
Fabulous & remarkable trip! Jansen went above & beyond with his customer service & taking care of everyone’s special needs and requests. The itinerary w...
Trusted Customer
Oct 2024
Walk the Great Wall + Xian Extension
Oliver had great interpersonal skills, he made sure we were well looked after and shared his knowledge and love of the history of the wall willingly. Nothing was too...
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Logistics
Accommodation
Notes
Our trek along the Great Wall is in a remote area off the beaten tourist track. Our accommodation is in local hotels and guesthouses. Rooms are twin-bedded and en-suite but plumbing and electricity supplies can be somewhat erratic. Although the welcome is warm, service levels may be less efficient than you may be used to. Our choice in these areas is limited and we do use the best available hotels. Any shortcomings are more than made up for by the experience of small town China and enjoying some spectacular locations close to the Great Wall. On day six you stay in a simple hotel. The rooms are basic with en-suite facilities and air conditioning. There is a lovely courtyard with view of the Wall - where you can relax at the end of the day. The overnight train is basic but bedding (duvet and pillow) is provided. There are four people to a cabin - two bunk beds. There is space underneath the beds and also overhead where you are able to store your luggage. At both ends of the train carriages there are long-drop style toilets and also western style toilets. There is normally a small snack service in the morning where you can buy tea/coffee and cake but we recommend you take your own snacks and drinks.
Transportation & Flights
Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 11
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