Great Wall Spur Camping, 2015/05
Photos from a camping trip arranged by request for a group of friends.
Were you on this trip? How did you like it? We'd love to hear from you.
• Send us feedback • Review it on TripAdvisor • Share this page on Facebook
Most of our hikes and trips can be arranged as a private trip by request, and that’s what we did on this camping trip for a group of friends who all work in Beijing.
We provided all the tents, gear, and supplies; all set for a fun weekend on the wall!
The group chose their pickup point, a central spot in inner Beijing. We picked them up from there and then drove out to the wall.
It was looking to be a very hot day and we modified our plan for them, choosing the shorter way up to the campsite. The climb up was still fairly tough, but with a moderate pace, plenty of water breaks, and a long break in the cool air inside a cave, we all made it!
Not long after we arrived our gear did as well, carried by our local friend’s donkey. We got our campsite set up, and then hiking guide Simon started on the preparations for dinner.
And we had quite a selection! Sausages and vegetable kebabs went down well, as did the noodles and other snacks. After the main meal we sat and chatted and toasted marshmallows over the fire.
A few glasses of wine helped to pass the time as we watched the sun set and saw the stars appear. After a long hot day it was a great feeling to finally relax and then fall asleep on the Great Wall.
The next morning arrived all too quickly as the sun rose around 4:45am to wake everyone up. After the usual yawns and a breakfast of coffee, bread, jam, cheese, and pickles it was time to hit the trail again. We packed away our camping supplies and were back walking the wall by 7am.
We had opted to climb up to the Chinese Knot on the Jiankou section of wall. This area sees three sections of wall meet atop a high pinnacle topped with a solitary pine tree. We bumped into another keen party here at the top and even joined them for a group photo.
To end the trip we walked down into the valley to a small country guesthouse to finish with a light lunch and a few beers.
Big thanks to Elodie for putting together the group for this trip!
The group setting off through Moyashike village, with our destination seen on the far skyline.
Getting ready to hit the steeper hill trail.
Hiking guide Tina knows how to cover up in hot weather.
Group photo in a shaded spot.
Lovely greenery on the trail to the wall.
Hitting some of the steeper sections on the way up.
Cooling off in a cave on the way up to the wall.
Some got a bit deeper into the cave.
Out of the cave and back on the steps on our way up to the Great Wall.
A forested section of the trail.
Finally the wall appears.
Almost at the wall.
Through the archway, and on to the wall.
The last of the group get on the wall.
Exploring the tower.
He had just delivered our camping supplies.
The donkey takes a well-earned rest.
Setting up the tents for the night.
Just a few finishing touches needed.
Almost done.
Home sweet home.
Looking at the next day’s route.
Relaxing with our tent village in the background.
Open air campfire cooking.
A toast to the trip.
Marshmallows and cookies … plus a cheeky whiskey.
Toasting a few marshmallows on the fire.
Hot coals.
Setting off on the second day.
An early start had us walking in cooler conditions.
Looking back along the trail.
A rest in the shade of a tower.
On top of the Chinese Knot.
On top of the 'Chinese Knot' at the Jiankou Great Wall, at just over 1,000m high.
Some colourful local hikers.
Big group photo with new friends.
The Jiankou Great wall disappears into the hills.
A careful descent was needed here.
The Great Wall here is covered in trees.
The last tower before the descent into the valley.
Final guesthouse meal after a great weekend.