Walk the Great Wall of China + Xian Extension

12 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
A walking trip through rural China exploring some of the most interesting and spectacular sections of China's iconic Great Wall. Starting at the Dragon's Head, where the Wall meets the sea, our hikes conclude among the beautiful rolling hills near Jinshanling with its numerous beacon towers. Beijing - Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City Panjiak...
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$2,977
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

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?

    A walking trip through rural China exploring some of the most interesting and spectacular sections of China's iconic Great Wall. Starting at the Dragon's Head, where the Wall meets the sea, our hikes conclude among the beautiful rolling hills near Jinshanling with its numerous beacon towers. Beijing - Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City Panjiakou - Take a boat trip where the Wall crosses the water Eastern Qing Tombs - Visit the stunning Imperial Tomb Complex of the Qing Dynasty Xian Extension - Discover the Terracotta Warriors and walled city of Xian

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityBeijing
End CityXian

Travel Themes

  • Education / Learning
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

Attractions

  • Beijing
  • Tiananmen Square
  • Xian

Activities

  • Educational/ Learning
  • Trekking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Beijing

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...

Day 2 Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

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,...

Day 3 Drive to Shanhaiguan where the Great Wall reaches the sea

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. ...

Day 4 Trek on the Great Wall to Jiaoshan Pass. PM drive to Sahe near Panjiakou reservoir

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...

Day 5 Beautiful boat trip beside the Wall, walk at Luowenyou

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...

Day 6 Visit Eastern Qing Tombs; trek on Wall to Huangyaguan

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...

Day 7 Drive to Gubeikou. Beacon Towers walk to Jinshanling

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...

Day 8 Trek on the Great Wall towards Simatai; return to Jinshanling

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 ...

Day 9 Return to Beijing; optional visit to Summer Palace. Overnight train to Xian

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...

Day 10 Sightseeing in the walled city of Xian

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...

Day 11 Visit the impressive Terracotta Warriors

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...

Day 12 Trip ends in Xian

Our tour ends this morning after breakfast.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,910
Price per day$243
Last Updated: 3/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
11 Apr 2025
22 Apr 2025
$2,910
$430
08 Aug 2025
19 Aug 2025
$3,030
$460
05 Sep 2025
16 Sep 2025
$3,030
$430
12 Sep 2025
23 Sep 2025
$2,980
$430
19 Sep 2025
30 Sep 2025
$3,030
$430
10 Oct 2025
21 Oct 2025
$3,030
$430
17 Oct 2025
28 Oct 2025
$3,030
$430
10 Apr 2026
21 Apr 2026
$3,100
$450
22 May 2026
02 Jun 2026
$3,100
$450
07 Aug 2026
18 Aug 2026
$3,100
$490

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
Terrible
79
A

Amanda

Nov 2024

Written on

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...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2024

Written on

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...

J

Julie

Oct 2024

Written on

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...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2024

Written on

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...

Write a Review

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Booked online. Very easy to do with full information abou...

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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

Bus, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
China: A visa is required by all nationalities. A single entry visa should be arranged in advance of travelling. From 1st November 2018, British Passport Holders will be required to present themselves in person at the Chinese Visa Processing Centre in London, Manchester, Edinburgh or Belfast on the day of application, to provide biometric information (fingerprints). At time of writing in Sept 2023 the Belfast centre remains closed. We understand that applicants over 70 years old may not be required to attend in person to provide biometric data, but we suggest you enquire with the Chinese Embassy. www.visaforchina.org In order to apply for your Chinese visa you will need to submit supporting documents from our local supplier confirming your itinerary and travel arrangements, which we will obtain on your behalf. So that we can provide this for you, and to ensure all local arrangements are in place, we require a copy of your passport no later than 8 weeks before you are due to start your trip. Once we have your passport copy we shall process and pass on the documents you require 6-8 weeks before your trip, please be mindful of this when applying for your visa. If you require the supporting documents earlier than this, please contact Explore so we can arrange this. Passengers wishing to extend their stay in China should be aware that current visa regulations only allow foreigners to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Please consider this when planning your trip. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. Registering with the Chinese authorities You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this requirement with regular spot-checks of foreigners' documentation. If you're staying in a hotel, they will do this for you as part of the check-in process. Please ensure that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of return to your home country.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to take immunisation against Japanese Encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 11
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-WGT

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