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A very nice trekk on the wall. Mostly on parts not very busy with tourists and a selection of parts showing different styles and condition.
The great wall around Jingshanling is beautiful. You can se it stretching around you and far in the distance some watchtowers points out.
We had a very good group leader. He spoke english very well, had a lot of knowledge and work hard to give the group the best possible experience.
Go :-)
It’s really easy to summarise my trip trekking the Great Wall of China – EXCELLENT! And not just because we were on top of the Great Wall of China absorbing the stunning views that you absolutely can not comprehend until you are actually there, but because of the fabulous tour guide Kevin!I would glady share my holiday with him again – a legend in our group (Flying monkey as we called him!!!)
Sitting on top of the world, oh, I mean wall, eating a fresh juicy Chinese pear (British pears just do not compare!), looking out from one of the delapidated yet stunning watchtowers, gazing out over the Great Wall of China that literally strecthes out as far as the eye can see, with blue skies all around, sunshine beating down on you and feeling utter contentment! The wall itself, when you get as far to the top as you can is all the inspiration you need!! :-)
Kevin should be, hands down, made the winner of tour leader award! Informative, funny and so so SO helpful - He is part of the holiday and the trip would not have been the same without him! I would happily have him come on every one of my trips that I plan on booking now after having made my trip to China such an experience that my head is still there.....
Expect some incredibly steep bits (the 38 steps in particular) but never be worried because not only does the group pull together but you have the continuous support of the tour guide AND local farmers too. Plus, when you get to the top - just remember to look back!100% take suncream! Even if the day starts of looking murky, when the sun comes at, what feels like the top of the world, you will feel it!
Probably the best trip I’ve ever been on- lovely group, awesome country, words can’t describe how amazing and immense the Great Wall is…
The first sighting of the wall, despite all the tourists and the misty conditions. We were here and we were ready to explore!Walking all day and not encountering anyone else, or maybe just a few 'donkey travellers'. It really felt like we were walking the wall and doing something different to the masses. When people tell me that they've seen the Great Wall, I reply that they've seen a teeny tiny bit but that i've really seen it.Staying in Chinese villages where noone spoke English- we really did get off the beaten track!
Kevin is the perfect tour leader- friendly, efficient and like a little mountain goat! He had boundless energy and was always happy to go that extra mile, accompanying those of us who wanted to walk a little more etc. A great source of information, always happy to help and helped the evenings fly by too. I'm sure we'd all be happy to be Kevin's concubines or cucumbers again!!
Go!! Enjoy, explore and recommend!Toilet roll was the most useful thing i packed- there wasn't any in most of the places we stayedBe prepared to sweat! It's tiring but definitely worth it
This was one of the best holidays of my life (and I’m not young!), with for me the right degree of adventure, and made all the better by a truly outstanding guide. Vigorous exercise in a beautiful landscape full of fascinating history, constantly good fresh food especially in home-stays away from standard hotels, great company in our group, and the friendliness and helpfulness of the Chinese people despite the language barrier, were all important parts of a winning combination.
The challenge of successfully climbing the steep "38 steps" on the Great Wall is top of the list in my memory, but it's closely followed by a number of others. Other "Great Wall moments" include our very first encounter with the physical reality of the Great Wall, the character of the Wall and the surrounding landscape as we left Gubeikou heading towards Jinshanling, and the stretch (later that day, I think) where we had to leave the wall and walk through forests and farmland, because of a restriced military area along the wall itself. Apart from experiences along the Wall, I would also mention particularly the paper-cutting demonstration and shop at Jinshanling, the congenial atmosphere at mealtimes in Mrs. Liu's homestay in Gubeikou, walking though the hutongs of Beijing with the opportunity to walk through one particular community's homes in a former courtyard, and cycling as a group with our guides around the city walls of Xi'an.
Kevin was an outstanding guide, it is hard to imagine that a better one could be possible. He was constantly thoughtful and attentive to our needs, reacting instantly if he thought anyone had a problem needing assistance, and was very insistent on our health and safety, for example by ensuring we always carried enough water when walking, and that we drank it frequently. He gave great explanations of Chinese history and culture, but also imparted practical information and instructions clearly, repeating it as much as necessary. At the same time he was always good-humoured and friendly, seeming to enjoy our company even though he was younger than all of us and much younger than many of us. He sustained this for a full two weeks, from the moment he greeted us warmly at Beijing airport until he parted from us in the check-in area at Xi'an airport.
It is a wonderful holiday, but it is necessary to be used to walking for a few hours at a time, and doing plenty of uphill walking. I went saying to friends I was going walking along the Great Wall, I came home telling people I had been walking, climbing and scrambling along the Great Wall! You would be miserable if you don't actually enjoy a lot of exercise every day. Be as adventurous as you feel able to be about Chinese food, it's wonderfully varied and fresh, but always listen to the advice of your guide.
A trip of a life time. The experience was exactly what I was hoping for.
The first time I could "touch" the wall. Leaving the repaired/tourist wall and proceeding along the unrepaired sections. The views!
Excellent leader. Very patient, knew his stuff and was prepared to share his own thoughts.
The accomodation on the walk is basic but genuine. If you like coffee - take your own.
A truly amazing and unforgettable experience with an abundance of variety – the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of the countryside in the off-the-beaten-track areas we walked, the splendour of tombs and museums visited, the multitude of attractions to be enjoyed in Beijing and Xian and all the while expeiencing incredible hospitality from our hosts and our enthusiastic, informative, and attentive guide, Kevin.
When trekking to Jinshanling, we descended from the Wall to bypass a military area and walked through a forest area and then along a narrow pass through cornfields, corn towering over our heads on either side, not a sound to be heard, beautiful sunshine in early September - a total 'get away from the pressures of life' experience!The first breathtaking sight of the Terracotta Warriors when you walk into Pit 1 - the sheer scale of it!Cycling along the top of the city wall in Xian at sunset.Every meal - truly fantastic food, from the homestays to the Mongolian hotpot restaurant in Xian.
There is none better than Kevin - if Carlesberg made group leaders........!He could not do enough for our group from the initial meeting at the airport on arrival to the final goodbye. He was informative, attentive far beyond the call of duty and boundlessly enthusiastic. He provided a wonderful insight into Chinese life and culture which enriched the trip greatly, made wonderful food choices for us and always with a smile on his face - and... he even 'got' our Irish humour! - our group of 11 had endless laughs and fun.
September was a perfect time to visit - two whole weeks with not a drop of rain, balmy temperatures perfect for walking, no need for sleeping bags or additional warm clothing.Keep your camera close at hand - endless opportunities which will become your fabulous memories.Practice squating in advance (for those toilets) - its easier in walking boots! Leave some free space in the bag going out - for all that 'designer' gear you won't be able to resist in the markets, bargains abound and lots of fun to be had haggling.
More like ‘trekking’ or ‘scrambling over’ the Great Wall – but a great experience! The food was wonderful, the people friendly, the scenery fantastic, the group supportive and our guide (Jerry (Wei Wei)) excellent!!
Walking the wall from Gubeikou as the overnight rain cleared and you could see layer after layer of mountains in every direction.
Jerry was excellent. He was very informative but did not overload us with information. His own stories of growing up in Beijing were fascinating. Above all else he has a great personality with a fabulous sense of humour so is the sort of person you would happily spend time with. And the one-armed press-ups weren't bad!
It is best to be reasonably fit before embarking on this trip. It was more challenging than I expected and while I thoroughly enjoyed it, it is best to get in some practice walking up and down steps beforehand! October was a perfect time to do this walk if you like clear fresh weather. It was at about 19 celsius during the day but down near zero at night. The sun shone for us every day so the views were great.
A brilliant experience, made all the better with excellent travel companions and Kevin, a superb leader.My eyes could not believe it sometimes. It has said before, but it is so awesome to see that snaking Wall, before you and after you.
The sunset at Gubeikou, we only had a short time, I did take a photo on the way up, beautiful, just as well, the sun beat us to it. a 2nd chance the next day, but cloudy.I also added the Ix'an extension, absolutely worth it. The sight of those tombs!
Kevin. An absolute diamond of a man. Nothing was too much trouble. he was always there with ideas and help.On my free day after Beijing, I wanted to visit the Summer Palace. He arranged a taxi to collect me, make sure I knew directions for the subway home, maps etc. Catostrophe, the driver was involved in an accident, so, although on his day off, Kevin, phoned the hotel, got reception to message me, got me sorted with another driver etc. I had a wonderful day there, getting back in time to join my 4 fellow travellers for the Ix'an extension.
Go with the flow. The notes are absolutely correct. some accomadation is very basic, the first night on the Wall, especially, but the food was excellent. Take your wipes and sanitizer for sure. Quite cold too at night. Be prepared for their version of a wet room! just wet everywhere. Your loo too.That is, if it is not a squat one. start learning.
I had a fantastic experience walking the wall. I cannot fault anything about the whole experience. From a great tour guide to great food and decent accommodation. I would do it again if I could.
Getting to walk sections of the Great Wall was inspirational. Seeing the fantastic scenery and the amazing food!
Our group leader Kevin was absolutely brilliant.
Go with an open mind and be prepared to be part of a group. You wi have a brilliant time.
Fantastic trip , each section seemed like a new holiday eg our first few days in Bejing, The Great Wall, and Zian.
For me the best part was the walk along the wall , looking forward and back at the winding wall and the beautiful scenery away from all the tourist , we felt like we were the only group there and so it was very special. It was great to come back to homesteads in the evening to lovely hosts , comfortabe accomadation and excellent food. It was good for the soul.WE had two extra days in Bejing and were put up in a hotel on outskirts of city, some of us went for a walk and i have great memories of strolling through a corn field and wanting the holiday to continue.
Kevin , Our group leader was outstanding , very caring and protective , always on duty 24x7 throughout the whole holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for him and catered for everyones needs 100%.Kevin was also very informative re wall etc and had a great sense of humour , his english was excellent.Kevin got to know all our likes and dislikes re food and could order all our food for us , which made our meals all the more enjoyable.
Our guide Kevin very quickly got to know our taste re food etc and would talk to host in homesteads to make sure everyone was catered for. Bring half of the clothes you think you might need.The only down side of the holiday was that through no fault of our own we missed a connection from Bejing on the way home and spent 2 extra days in China, our flight from Zian to Bejing was delayed and hence we missed the connection so make sure and check your own flight times when booking , that if there should be a delay that you will still have time for connection or have insurance to cover same.