Gubeikou Great Wall: How to Get There, Hiking Route, Map & Tips

Connecting Simatai and Jinshanling Great Wall, Gubeikou Great Wall is located about 110–125 km from Beijing and can be reached in about 2 hours by car. It stands out as one of the best wild sections of the Great Wall near Beijing. As it has never been renovated, the original Ming Dynasty charm is perfectly preserved.

Here, you can hike along peaceful mountain ridges, explore ruined ancient towers and appreciate the surrounding scenery with far fewer tourists around you. It’s perfect for hikers, photographers and tourists who seek an off-the-beaten-path Great Wall tour.

This ultimate guide includes the recommended hiking routes, transportation, and practical tips to ensure you can plan the trip smoothly.

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• Overview & Basic Facts
• How to Get there
• How to Tour
• Travel with China Xian Tour
• FAQs

Overview & Basic Facts

• Location: Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, at the border of Beijing and Hebei Province, 110-125 km northeast of Beijing
• Length: 22 km, with over 80 watchtowers, 12 beacon towers and multiple passes and forts.
• Features: wild and largely unrestored, with loose rocks, crumbling towers and rugged, uneven steps
• Main sections: Panlongshan and Wohushan. Note: Due to restrictions, you cannot hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling or Simatai directly. It requires a detour down the mountain and around the restricted zone.
• Hiking difficulty: moderate to challenging, varies according to different hiking routes. And no cable car is available.
• Time needed: Short hiking tour: 3-5 hours; a full Gubeikou to Jinshanling hike: 5-7 hours.
• Entrance fee: Panlongshan: CNY 35; Other wild parts: free
• Opening hours: Panlongshan:08:30-16:30; Wild parts: all day
• Best for: Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, photography lovers, and tourists who prefer a quiet and authentic adventure

How to Get to Gubeikou Great Wall from Beijing

Trains: Limited but Scenic

2 daily trains depart from Beijing North or Qinghe Station to Gubeikou Station every day. After getting off the train, take the bus line Mi 51 or a taxi to the hiking start point of Gubeikou Great Wall.

• Pros: More comfortable, scenic and affordable.
• Cons: Limited daily departures, transfer needed

Schedule

Train No.	Dep. – Arr. Station	Dep. – Arr. Time	Travel Time	Ticket Price
S501	Beijing North – Gubeikou	06:55 – 09:25	2h30m	CNY 12
S501	Qinghe – Gubeikou	07:10 – 09:25	2h15m	CNY 12
S503	Beijing North – Gubeikou	14:19 – 16:50	2h31m	CNY 12
S503	Qinghe – Gubeikou	14:34 – 16:50	2h16m	CNY 12

Note: The schedule may change according to the seasons. Please check the latest train times before you go.

 

Join a Gubeikou Great Wall Tour: Most Worry-Free

Gubeikou Great Wall is still undeveloped with few signs and basic facilities, so joining a tour is the easiest and most worry-free way for travel, especially for first-timers and casual hikers. And most tours provide round-trip transport, hotel pickup and an English guide.

If you prefer a slower pace, book a fully customized private tour through a reliable travel agency. China Xian Tour has been dedicated to tailor-made trips for over a decade and we are experienced in customizing an itinerary based on tourists’ requirements.

• Pros: Hassle-free, safe, avoid detours, interpretation included
• Cons: Higher costs, fixed schedule for group tours

Taxi: Fastest But Expensive

Taking a taxi from Beijing to Gubeikou provides a seamless transfer. The trip takes about 2.5 hours and costs about CNY 450. Couples, families and small groups can take it into account.

• Pros: Direct, convenient, faster, no transfers
• Cons: Highest cost, possible traffic congestion during holidays, no return ride

Bus 980 Express + Bus Mi 25: Not Recommended

This way is not recommended, because a single trip takes about 3 hours. Travelers need to get to Dongzhimen first, and then take Bus 980 Express to Miyun Xidaqiao, and transfer to Bus Mi 25 to Gubeikou. After arrival, you still need to walk or take a local vehicle to the hiking starting point.

How to Tour Gubeikou Great Wall

Recommended Hiking Routes

Whether you are looking for a challenging hiking or a leisurely exploration to the wild Great Wall, Gubeikou Great Wall offers suitable trails.

Route 1: Gubeikou to Jinshanling Great Wall Hike ( Most Classic)

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Time: Around 5-8 hours
• Distance: Around 10-15 km
• Best for: Experienced hikers, photographers

This is the most classic hiking route. You will start from the raw, untouched Gubeikou section, traverse Panlongshan and reach the majestic and well-developed Jinshanling. Along the way, the iconic landmarks like General’s Tower and 24-Arched Tower will be passed. This route gives you an impressive transition from the wild Great Wall to the restored Great Wall.

Note: Due to a permanent military restricted zone along the ridge, hikers must descend the wall and take a detour before rejoining the trail at Jinshanling Great Wall.

 

Route 2: Wohushan Great Wall Hike (Raw Adventure)

• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Time: Around 4 – 5 hours
• Distance: Around 8-10 km
• Best for: Adventure hikers

Wohushan stands out as one of the most strenuous sections of Gubeikou. The path features steep slopes, loose gravel and heavily weathered walls. It sees far fewer travelers than Panlongshan, so it offers a quiet and isolated atmosphere.

Wohushan will deliver a memorable wild Great Wall experience to tourists who want to avoid crowds. But it is not suitable for kids, elderly visitors or hiking beginners.

Route 3: Panlongshan Great Wall Short Hike (Scenic Hike)

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: Around 3 – 4 hours
• Distance: Around 5-6 km
• Best for: First-time Wild Great Wall hikers

Panlongshan is the premier choice for anyone eager to experience the wilderness of the Gubeikou Great Wall without an exhausting full-day trek. It’s much shorter, easier and safer than the above two routes, while still showing the serene and authentic look of the ancient Great Wall. This route is perfect for those seeking flexibility and peace.

Where to Stay

While most tourists take a day trip from Beijing to Gubeikou, staying overnight nearby is highly recommended if you’d like to capture the spectacular sunrise and sunset, or simply take your time hiking at a relaxed pace.

Here are the three recommended areas, just choose based on your travel style:

• Gubeikou Village: Best for early-bird hikers, as it is located right at the foot of the Great Wall. There are many local guesthouses, but most are equipped with only basic facilities.
• Jinshanling Area: Best for travelers completing the full hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling. The hotels here are more modern and comfortable, allowing you to have a good rest after the tiring trek.
• Gubei Water Town: Best for tourists seeking a luxurious and leisurely experience. This is a well-developed resort area with high-end hotels, diverse restaurants, and breathtaking evening views, but it’s not adjacent to the Gubeikou Great Wall. You need to take bus line Mi 51 or a taxi to get there.

Best Time to Visit Gubeikou Great Wall

The best time of year to hike Gubeikou Great Wall is spring and autumn, especially April, May, September, and October. During these months, the weather stays mild with low humidity and clear air. Besides, the surrounding mountain scenery is at its most spectacular, making them the golden seasons for photography.

Tips: Try to avoid major Chinese national holidays when you can. Even though the Gubeikou Great Wall is less crowded, the travel may be stressful due to the busy traffic and fully booked guesthouses.

Expert Tips for Visiting Gubeikou Great Wall

• Wearing hiking shoes is a must, considering the rugged roads.
• Bring enough water (at least 2L) and food, since there are no vendors on the wall.
• Download an offline map before leaving downtown Beijing, as the internet connection may be poor on the mountain ridges.
• For your safety, do not climb onto unstable towers or parapets and never hike after dark.
• If you are planning the full Gubeikou–Jinshanling hike, it is highly recommended to start in the early morning to ensure you can finish it before sunset. And if you are a first-timer, it is better to hire a guide.
• Sun protection items and a power bank are also necessities.
• If you travel with kids, just focus on Panlongshan and keep the hike short and manageable.

Plan Your Gubeikou Great Wall Tour with China Xian Tour

Considering the inconvenient transportation and undeveloped condition of Gubeikou Great Wall, it may be daunting to plan the trip by yourself. But travelling with China Xian Tour, you will bypass all the troubles and enjoy an easy and flexible travel.

Whether you want to conquer a full hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling or enjoy a leisurely short stroll on Panlongshan, we can craft a trip for you. And we will arrange a private car and a professional guide. You can just focus entirely on the stunning views, rich history and the joy of hiking.

FAQs about Gubeikou Great Wall Hiking

• Is camping allowed on the Gubeikou Great Wall?

No. Wild camping, overnight staying and open fires are all strictly prohibited on wild Great Wall sections, including Gubeikou. Since it is a UNESCO World Heritage cultural relic, camping and night hiking will damage the ancient wall and also pose safety risks.

• Is Gubeikou Great Wall safe for solo travelers?

Well-prepared solo hikers can visit the Great Wall in the day, but it is better to hire a guide. Because there are loose stones, crumbling towers, exposed ridges and few road signs. And this area sees few tourists. You may not get immediate help in an emergency. Moreover, some parts are close to military restricted areas.

• Do I need a ticket or permit for Gubeikou Great Wall?

Only Panlongshan Scenic Area charges a ticket of CNY 35. Other wild sections like Wohushan are free to enter. Regular hiking routes don’t need special permits, but travelers must respect the regulations and are absolutely forbidden from entering the military restricted zones.