Autumn is an ideal time for hiking in Beijing. So if hiking is what interests you, you can try this relatively easy hiking route and embark on a fantastic Great Wall hike from the picturesque Wild Gubeikou Great Wall to the famous Simatai Great wall.

Route: Gubeikou - Jinshanling - Simatai

Time: 2 days

Gubeikou

The hike begins at the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall in Miyun County, very close to the border between Beijing and Hebei provinces. Even though it’s designated as a park, this section of the Great Wall is largely unrestored, which grants magnificent views of the Great Wall stretching beyond the horizon in the east and west. It’s not often visited either, probably because it is so far away from central Beijing.

Jinshanling

Located in Luanping County, Hebei Province, Jinshanling is the best preserved section of the Great Wall, with many original features. The earliest part of the wall was built in 1368, during the Ming Dynasty. At an altitude of 700 meters, hikers can appreciate magnificent views from the top of the Great Wall with Miyun Reservoir reflecting the sunshine from beneath. Because of its challenges to hiking and its splendid natural sceneries, this section has been a favorite spot for hikers and photographers from all over the world.

Simatai

Simatai section of the Great Wall is one of the best Great Wall sceneries. It's different from other developed Great Wall sections, such as Badaling and Mutianyu, since renovations have only been made on some parts. This section of the Great Wall incorporates the different characteristics of each section of the Great Wall.The original appearance remains preserved to let visitors feel its historic atmosphere. A specialist in China has said that "The Great Wall is the best of the Chinese buildings, and Simatai is the best of the Great Wall."

Transportation:

Take long distance bus at Dongzhimen in Beijing to Miyun, and then transfer to Miyun bus No. Mi 25 or take a taxi to Gubeikou.