Banchangyu to Dongjiakou Great Wall Hiking from Beijing

This two-day hiking route starts from Banchangyu Great Wall and ends at Dongjiakou Great Wall. It is located in the rural area of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. Along the way, it will pass through Pingdingyu Great Wall and Chengziyu Great Wall. Constructed primarily of bricks and stones, these sections of the Great Wall, having endured years of neglect and constant exposure to wind and rain, are in a rather deteriorated state. This, however, offers you a rare opportunity to experience the Great Wall in its most authentic, unadulterated form.

Notably, the Banchangyu Great Wall, following restoration efforts, is relatively in good appearance. At its base, ancient brick kilns stand as silent witnesses to the past, once having been instrumental in firing the bricks for the Great Wall's construction. Another captivating aspect of this journey is the Dongjiakou Great Wall. Its beacon towers, adorned with exquisitely detailed stone carvings, present a unique and stunning sight, setting this section apart from the others along the route.

Banchangyu Great Wall

A Watchtower on Banchangyu

 Early in the morning, take the high-speed train from Beijing Railway Station or Beijing South Railway Station to Qinhuangdao Railway Station. After getting out of the station, take a taxi to Banchangyu Great Wall, which takes around 50 minutes and costs approximately CNY 100.
 Upon reaching Banchangyu Great Wall, relax briefly at a nearby farmhouse or restaurant. Enjoy a hearty lunch to fuel up for the upcoming hike.
 Distance: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
Duration: 7 - 9 hours
Difficulty:      

Enter through the Banchangyu Great Wall Park entrance. First, visit the Ming Great Wall Brick Kilns Group Site, where the well-preserved ancient brick kilns are a testament to the historical craftsmanship of Great Wall construction. Next, follow the trail beside the main road up the mountain to reach the Great Wall. Hike along it until you reach the “Upside Down Great Wall”, the steepest part of Banchangyu Great Wall with a slope exceeding 80 degrees. Then, continue to Yanglai Tower, the junction of Banchangyu Great Wall and Pingdingyu Great Wall. From there, keep hiking along the Great Wall until you reach Pingdingyu Village.
 After arriving at Pingdingyu Village, select a homestay for a night's stay and rest, experiencing the tranquility and simplicity of rural life.

The Broken Great Wall

Hiking on the Banchangyu Great Wall

 Distance: about 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles)
Duration: 3 - 4 hours
Difficulty:   

Beginning from Pingdingyu Village, walk through it and then climb up the wall on the south mountain. Traverse two hills along the wall to reach Great Wall Village. After passing through Great Wall Village, ascend the mountain along the opposite Chengziyu Great Wall. After a 40 - minute hike along the Great Wall, you'll arrive at Chengziyu Village.
 Distance: about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles)
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
Difficulty:   

Set out from Chengziyu Village and continue hiking eastward along the Great Wall to reach Dongjiakou Great Wall. This Great Wall section was originally founded during the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577) and was rebuilt in 1571 under the direction of the General Qi Jiguang. Unlike watchtowers of other Great Wall sections, you can find exquisite carvings of plants, flowers, and beasts on the arches of Lijia Tower, Chenjia Tower, and Gengjia Tower, which is rarely seen among all the Great Wall sections in China.
  1. The admission fee of Banchangyu Great Wall is CNY 50 per person. The other sections of the Great Wall on this hiking tour are all wild sections and don’t require an admission fee.
2. It is recommended to hike with a professional guide.
3. When it is dangerous to climb over a certain section, make a detour. Always remember that safety comes first.
4. Bring enough water and food to replenish your energy.
5. This hiking route is only suitable for people with hiking experience and sufficient physical strength.

 Further Reading: 
Simatai to Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking 
2 Days Exploration of Chajianling
A Full Guide to Visit Dushikou Great Wall from Beijing
Jiaoshan to Sandaoguan Great Wall Adventure
2-Day Hiking from Lengkou to Baiyangyu Great Wall
Visit Great Wall at Niangziguan & Jingxingguan
Qingshanguan Great Wall Hiking
Trekking from Taolinkou Great Wall to Liujiakou 
Yangbian Great Wall Hiking