Beijing Hikers

Beijing Hikers has been leading walks around the capital since 2001. The company runs scheduled group hikes to sections of the Great Wall, hills, mountains, forests and villages around Beijing, as well as overnight camping trips and multi-day journeys elsewhere in China. It cites a long run in TripAdvisor's Hall of Fame and coverage by Lonely Planet, National Geographic Traveler and Time Out Beijing.

The Great Wall programme focuses on sections beyond the crowded restored sites. Recent listings include Gubeikou to Jinshanling, the Panlongshan section at Gubeikou, a loop hike at Zhenbiancheng and the Zhengbei Tower at Jiankou. Each hike is given a difficulty level, with most Great Wall walks rated Level 3 or 4, and the website explains the scale in a separate guide.

A typical example is the Gubeikou to Jinshanling hike. It starts on the unrestored wall at Gubeikou in Miyun and finishes on the Jinshanling section, with a detour through Spider Valley and farmland around Hemp Village, because part of the wall borders military land. The route covers about 10 to 14 kilometres and takes four to six hours, with steep climbs, some slippery sections in the middle and many stairs at Jinshanling; it is rated Level 4+. A park shuttle bus takes hikers to the car park at the end.

Group hikes leave early in the morning from meeting points in Chaoyang, at the Liangmaqiao subway area and the Lido area, and the drive to Gubeikou takes two to two and a half hours each way, with the group usually back in the city in the early evening. Payment is required in advance, and members pay a reduced rate. For this route you must bring your passport, because the hike crosses into Hebei province, along with a packed lunch, snacks, one to two litres of water, sun protection, warm layers and proper hiking boots.

Private hikes can be arranged for families, friends, companies, schools and Scout groups, including customised itineraries and city tours in place of a hike. The company also runs team-building and corporate social responsibility events.

Beijing Hikers suits active travellers, expatriates and anyone who wants to see the wall in a quieter, more natural state. Its office is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 6pm, and the team can be reached by email at [email protected].