Itinerary Summary
Arrive in Beijing for a rest day, then hike Mutianyu Great Wall (easier slopes and fewer crowds than Badaling), fly to Zhangjiajie, and walk the Jinbian Stream and Yuanjiajie, Tianzi–Yangjiajie and Hu…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Beijing arrival and an easy first evening near the hutongs
14:00
1.5h
Airport Express to Dongzhimen
Take the express train into the city and walk or taxi to a Dongcheng guesthouse. The ride takes 25 minutes, and the surrounding hutongs are easy to explore on foot.
📍 Beijing Capital Airport
18:00
1.5h
Zhajiangmian dinner in Dongcheng
Eat zhajiangmian, thick wheat noodles with fermented bean sauce, at a neighbourhood shop near the hutong lanes. The dish is cheap and filling, a good base before a hiking day.
📍 Dongcheng, Beijing
19:30
1h
Shichahai evening walk
Take a slow loop around Houhai lake to shake off the flight, past bar streets and courtyard gates. The walk is flat and takes an hour; the lakeside is livelier after eight.
📍 Shichahai, Xicheng
💡 Pro Tip: Fly into Capital Airport and take the Airport Express to Dongzhimen, which puts you close to the hutongs and the Great Wall buses. Keep the first day light before a hard hiking schedule. China runs on UTC+8. Entry rules depend on your passport, so consult the China visa section. Buy water and a small first-aid kit before leaving the city.
Days 2-6 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$29035%
Guesthouses near trailheads, 5 nights
Food & DiningUS$16020%
Trail-side meals and packed energy food
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be for the Mutianyu and Zhangjiajie hikes?+
This is a hard route. Expect four to six hours of walking on most days, with steep stone steps and long descents at Zhangjiajie and uneven restored wall at Mutianyu. Cable cars can cut some climbs but not all. It suits regular hikers, not anyone with knee, heart or balance problems.
What should I carry on the Zhangjiajie trails?+
Bring at least two litres of water per person, snacks, a rain shell and shoes with good grip, as paths get slippery after rain. Stick to developed trails and marked viewpoints; some side paths are unmaintained. Weather shifts quickly on the peaks, so pack a light layer even in summer and check the forecast each morning.
What is the best month to hike the Great Wall and Zhangjiajie?+
April to May and September to October give the most comfortable trail temperatures, with less rain and clearer views. Avoid July and August, when thunderstorms and heavy rain hit Zhangjiajie, and December to February, when ice and snow make wall steps and cliff paths risky. Spring and autumn also have fewer domestic holiday crowds.
Do I need to book Mutianyu and Zhangjiajie park tickets in advance?+
Yes, book dated entry online ahead of time, using your passport details. Mutianyu sells tickets with optional cable-car or toboggan add-ons. Zhangjiajie's Wulingyuan park charges entry plus separate shuttle and cable-car tickets, and daily numbers can be capped in peak season. Book the Beijing to Zhangjiajie flight early as well.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 6 days
- Budget: Outdoor · approx. $670–970 (≈ €590–850), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: hard
- Best for: Outdoor Hiking
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