Great Wall of China Tour
This itinerary takes you on a comprehensive journey along the Great Wall of China, starting from the western end in Jiayuguan and ending at the eastern end in Qinhuangdao.
Week 1: Western End - Jiayuguan and Dunhuang
- Begin your journey at the western end of the Great Wall in Jiayuguan, Gansu Province.
- Explore the Jiayuguan Fort, an ancient military stronghold at the western terminus of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.
- Visit the nearby Overhanging Great Wall and the First Beacon Tower to experience the rugged beauty of the western desert landscape.
- Travel to Dunhuang to visit the Mogao Caves and the Crescent Lake oasis, and learn about the Silk Road history of the region.
Week 2: Central Section - Shanxi and Hebei
- Travel eastward to Shanxi Province to explore sections of the Great Wall at locations like Datong and Yanmenguan.
- Visit the Hanging Temple of Datong and the Yungang Grottoes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites renowned for their ancient Buddhist art and architecture.
- Continue to Hebei Province to visit iconic sections of the Great Wall such as Jinshanling and Simatai, known for their scenic beauty and well-preserved architecture.
Week 3: Beijing and Surroundings
- Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, and explore the famous Mutianyu and Badaling sections of the Great Wall.
- Visit other historical and cultural attractions in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven.
- Take day trips to lesser-known sections of the Great Wall, such as Huanghuacheng and Jiankou, for a more secluded experience.
Week 4: Eastern End - Liaoning and Hebei
- Travel northeast to Liaoning Province to visit sections of the Great Wall at locations like Shanhaiguan and Jinzhou.
- Explore the Old Dragon's Head, where the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea, and visit the nearby Shanhaiguan Pass, known as the "First Pass Under Heaven."
- Return to Hebei Province to visit the eastern terminus of the Great Wall at Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head) in Qinhuangdao.
