Walking China with Paxtours
The Great Walk of China Trek
and was originally constructed to keep out nomadic tribes, such as the Mongols, who raided along China's Northern frontier. The wall stretches 2,500kms from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Jiayuguan Pass in the Gobi Desert and is one of the few
man-made constructions that can be seen from space.
Your trekking challenge starts on the outskirts of Beijing, (where the most spectacular sections of the wall are located) with a short but
very vigorous trek that loops along the mountains either side of the pass along the Jurongguan section of the Great Wall. The wall here is all maintained and in good condition, and you will need to tackle a steep haul up a staircase of some 1,600 steps that brings you to
a top tower with views out over the distant city of Beijing.
The next day you will trek along a stony path that ascends steeply to an unreconstructed section of the Great Wall, which twists and winds its way along the mountains, interspersed with crumbling ruined watchtowers along the way. The walking is relaxed and enjoyable as you pass by small farms and orchards that are alive with activity. Eventually you rejoin the reconstructed Mutianyu section of the wall.
The walk from Simatai to Jinshanling is spectacular, on the original unreconstructed wall, with many steep staircases and watchtowers along the way. It is demanding but also very rewarding, particularly on a clear day when you can look at the vast and beautiful mountain ranges, with Mongolia on one side and China on the other. Your imagination will take you back several centuries to when the wall was the frontline defence of Imperial China.
The trek finally ends in Chengde, the old imperial summer retreat, where our walk takes us past numerous temples and Pagodas. Then you will return to Beijing and have the opportunity to explore the many attractions of China's capital city, including the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Lama Temple.
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