Dear Daniel,
I have just returned home from my week in Beijing and want to thank you, Paul Song and your wonderful team for looking after me so well doing my stay in Beijing. It was an awesome stay and I managed to do all the things I wanted to do and that included the long walk on the Great Wall, which although a challenge was with the help of your guides great. I managed the 4.5 hours and enjoyed almost every minute, sure a cable car and the walk off the wall through the country side did help, but the whole day with perfect weather and a great team will remain one of my most treasured memories.
I will certainly be recommending you to my friends and will write a bit about the trip on several websites.
I am also sure I will come back to Beijing sometime in the future. As I have told Paul, next time I would like to come to your office and met you both.
Thank you and your team.
Sincerely,
Penny
Penny Eames
Waikanae
New Zealand
Tour Code: BGH-01
Departure: Daily
Duration: 2 Days
Pick-up point and time: Your Hotel in Beijing around 08:00am
Finishing point and time: Your Hotel around 6:00pm in 2 days Hiking Time: Day 1 = 4-5 hrs, Day 2 = 2-3 hrs
Hiking Level: Intermediate
Cable car, Toboggan: Available
Best time to go: Summer & Autumn
Distance: 310km
Payment Types: Cash, Credit Cards
Itinerary:
Day 01: Your hotel in Beijing - Jinshanling - Simatai Great Wall by road
At 8:00am pick you up from your hotel in downtown Beijing. Arrival at Jinshanling Great Wall around 11:00am. Then hike from the east sections of the Jinshanling Great Wall to the west section of Simatai Great Wall. The hike is about 12km and takes about 4-5 hours. Get down the wall at the foot of Simatai at about 4:00pm and check-in at a local inn - Simatai Great Wall Hotel located under the Simatai Great Wall. Take a bath and have some relaxation. Enjoy a local dinner. ( L D )
Remark: simple box-meal lunch on the way.
Day 02: Simatai Great Wall - Downtown Beijing
Today hiking the east section of Simatai Great Wall for 2-3 hours in the morning. There are in total sixteen watchtowers built at intervals along this space and it will take about 2-3 hours to reach the twelfth watchtower. Beyond this stage the condition of the stairs and walkways is poor and the passage becomes both steep and narrow which means that it is often safer to use the adjacent footpath rather than try to walk on the Wall itself. So the towers from 13th to 16th are not allowed to hike. Have lunch at local restaurant and get back to your hotel downtown Beijing later afternoon. ( B L )
Inclusion:
1.Air conditioned vehicle
2.Chinese meals as listed
3.Entrance fees for the Great Wall
4.One-night stay at our designated inn or hotel
5.Englsih Speaking tour guide
6.The above private transfer is customized for you, your family or your friends exclusively. No other travelers will join in your group. Exclusion:
Gratuities to drivers and guides. Available: Daily
Travel Tips on Great Wall Hiking:
1.What is the level of hiking for the 2 days tour?
It is an Intermediate level. The hike from Jinshangling to Simatai takes about 4-5 hours. The 2-day hiking tour covers part of the 2 sections of the Great Wall in Beijing. Hiking section by section.
2. How about the inn or hotel in each section of the Great Wall?
We have arranged comfortable Simatai Great Wall Hotel. The hotel offer standard rooms with shower facilities. It is well located under the wall by the reservoir.
3. Can we take a cable car up to the Great Wall?
Yes, the cable car is optional. The cable car is available on both Jinshanling and Simatai. We suggest you hike up the Simatai Great Wall and take the cable car down the wall.
4. Can we visit some local village while driving from the section to the next section?
Yes. We can arrange the visits to some local villages on the spot when you are interested in mixing with the locals.
5. Does your tour guides speak English? Are they knowledgeable on the history of the Wall to be visited?
Yes. We will arrange English speaking tour guides to escort from the beginning to the end. They have received special training in learning the history and construction of the Great Wall.
6. Any tips on what dress to take for each of the seasons?
April, October, and Earlier November: daytime hiking clothing: shorts; evening time: warm clothe, sweater.
May, June, July and August: Summer dress : many T-shirts shorts; evening time: jacket
7. Do we have a van or car for our own use?
Yes. You have a van or car exclusively for your own use from the beginning to the end.
