Camping: Gubeikou Great Wall
Spend a night in a tower on the Great Wall at Gubeikou, with short, easy hikes on both days. Limited spaces available.
This hike is not currently scheduled
On this easy camping trip you’ll show up fashionably late at the Great Wall and have a late lunch at a local guesthouse before a short hike up to the campsite in a Great Wall tower.
We’ll have free time to explore the wall near the campsite as the sun drops down behind mountains, and after the sun sets we’ll settle in for the evening with snacks, marshmallows, and (hopefully) some stargazing.
The next day, we’ll wake up early with coffee and a basic camp breakfast before a short hike out along the Great Wall, finishing with an early lunch at a village restaurant.
We'll supply a tent, sleeping bag, and ground pad for you, as well as water, snacks, and a basic breakfast at the campsite. You’ll carry your own clothes and gear, and any extra snacks and drinks you might want to enjoy up on the wall.
Maximum group size of 12 hikers; book early to make sure you get a spot!
Bad weather plan
We'll have a fairly good idea of the weather by about three days before the hike. If it's forecast to be dangerous, we'd need to call off the hike. If it changes suddenly while we're out there, we can shelter at our local friend's courtyard.
The campsite
Our campsite is a partially restored tower at the Gubeikou Great Wall. With the wall at our backs, we’ll have broad views to the south, east, and west.
There are no bathroom facilities near the campsite.
We’ll organise delivery of our camping gear to the campsite for you. If you have extra things to take to and from the campsite, you should carry them by yourself or pay extra to the porters. (We can help you get a quote for portage.)
At night
The sun will set around 6:11pm, and from the campsite we’ll be able to watch as the sun slowly sinks below below a tall ridge of mountains.
Moon phase: First Quarter.
The sun will rise over the the hills and wall beyond our campsite at around about 6:03am.
The hikes
On the first day, it’s a short hike up to the campsite—just 2km, and maybe 45 minutes all up. From the campsite, it’s a 30-minute hike up to 24-Eyes Tower, the tallest tower on this stretch of the wall.
On the second day we’ll do a mellow 4km hike down the Great Wall to Gubeikou’s North Gate, passing Haowang Tower and the General’s Tower on the way.
Kid’s prices
For details about meals, water, packing lists, and more, please see the sections below.
COVID-19 and participation precautions
The current precautions are minimal. Please read in full here: Operating hikes under COVID-19 precautions
