Beijing Hikers
Beijing Hikers
5
Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips
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About
Join fun and friendly guided hikes to Beijing’s beautiful mountains, rivers, valleys, and villages. Try tough treks, easy walks, Great Wall hikes, camping and overnighters, and more, every week!
We take care of all the organisation, leaving you free to enjoy the sights and scenery while hiking – more time for fun, less time spent negotiating the tricks and traps of travel in China's remote and rural areas.
Beijing Hikers has been leading hikes and trips around Beijing & greater China since 2001—visit our website to find the hiking schedule and more information.
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(182 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
250 reviews
Excellent
233
Very good
14
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Helen Twite
1 contribution
Apr 2020
Huge thanks to Hayden and the Beijing Hikers team for the metaphorical leg work to get us out and about this spring. Its not been easy to find places to hike during the COVID-19 putbreak but the team has laid on weekly walks in the Beijing area. With fewer tourists in town, its been an opportunity to explore areas away from the Great Wall, although as things open up, I know that wall hikes will be back on the agenda! The walks are fantastically well organised with knowledgeable guides, small groups of around 10 clients and well planned routes which take the path less trodden as much as possible. Walks are rated for strenuousness, so you can find a trip to match your fitness. Sure you could get out and about for less money, but if you want to be sure of a top quality, hassle free walk then Beijing Hikers provide a first class service.
Written April 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Helen!
Really appreciate you hiking with us during this time.
Best regards,
Hayden
Written September 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eoin O
1 contribution
Apr 2020
This was the first hike I did since the onset of the virus and it was held near Beijing city centre, as the outer province is still not accessible. it was a demanding and enjoyable hike up the many many steps in Western Hills park, a trek cross country and a descent into Fragrant Hills. I have been on abour a dozen Beijing Hikers hikes and they have all been marked by expert planning, very good routes and superb guides and equipment. This one was of a particularly high standard and it was great to get out into the open air again. The continuing anti virus measures meant we could not have the usual enjoyable meal on this occasion.
Written April 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review Eoin, and we appreciate you hiking with us during this time.
The Western Hills and Xiangshan tracks are not hikes we usually do because we'd worry about crowds, but they've been great to explore with not so many people out and about.
Best regards,
Hayden
Written September 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Calliopehk
Singspore297 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Thanks to Millie for a fun well organized hike. Each week there is an update on the hikes. You meet centrally and take a bus to the area. Combination of local and foreign (chinese speaking) guides. Routes are well researched and updated regularly as things change.
Walking sticks made available.
Communal lunch at local restaurant afterwards.
Hikes at different levels and duration.
Walking sticks made available.
Communal lunch at local restaurant afterwards.
Hikes at different levels and duration.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Calliopehk, thanks for the review!
I'll pass on your thanks to Millicent, and hope to see you for another walk soon.
We have certainly had to keep checking on the hiking trails—both for closures, and freshly-open-again favourites!
Best regards,
Hayden
Written November 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tuttiefruity
Doha, Qatar3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We were expecting great views of the wall but only saw a small portion on this hike.. If you’re looking for a hike, this is great for you. But if you’re expecting spectacular views of the wall, or even to walk on the wall itself for more than 10 minutes, then this isn’t the hike for you. Plus, it’s over priced for what it is. The guide was lovely and friendly though!
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi tuttiefruity,
I'm not totally sure this review is in the right place.
Guide was lovely and friendly – sounds like us, yes
Great hike – sounds like us, yes
Overpriced – matter of opinion, sure. I think we're pretty good.
Only 10 minutes on the wall – doesn't sound like us
Would you mind sending me an email so we can clear it up? You can reply to the booking confirmation emails you received, and ask that it's passed on to Hayden. Happy to sort something out for you if possible.
...
Hello, everybody checking our 2-star review.
We have a lot of different hikes. A lot of them are on the Great Wall, some aren't.
We think it's pretty clear which are Great Wall-focused and which are not – it will say 'Great Wall' in the name of the hike, the photos will show lots of Great Wall, and it will show up on our Great Wall hikes page.
If there's a trail that is not a wall hike, but offers a short look as an option, we try to make it extra clear that it's not a good choice if you specifically want a Great Wall hike. It won't mention Great Wall in the name of the hike, and in the 'Reasons you might not enjoy this hike' section there will also be a note about it.
And if it's not a wall hike the description won't mention the wall at all.
We want to help you choose a hike that suits you perfectly. Email us or contact us through our website with any sort of pre-booking questions.
best,
Hayden
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Louise C
Beijing, China9 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Organization was seamless and impeccable. The guides made sure we had everything we needed - both clear information and delicious food and snacks at all times so that we could fully enjoy the views and the hike.
It was also just the right level of challenge for me - steep climbs and epic views.
Guide Katie did an amazing job looking after all the details!
It was also just the right level of challenge for me - steep climbs and epic views.
Guide Katie did an amazing job looking after all the details!
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Louise,
Sorry about the slow reply!
It's great to hear you had a fun camping trip - even though it was cold! - and I'll pass on your compliments to Katie (and the other office buddies who were involved with the set up).
Hope to see you again one day!
Hayden
Written November 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AFS
Tokyo Prefecture, Japan77 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
I did a 4+ hike in the beginning of October that was probably about 16K (but people were saying it was less). The weather wasn't ideal (dam and post/pre-rainstorms) and the hike itself got pretty slick, muddy, and involved some steep ascents/descents - we were also slaying branches and thorns most of the way. Despite the weather and not really being able to enjoy any spectacular views, the hike itself wasn't bad and it was nice to get out of the city.
I was bothered and disappointed by some of the hikers who did not make the non-regulars feel very welcomed but instead, were rather cold and dismissive. After splitting into a 'faster' team and 'leisurely' team (which I was told is unusual and atypical), I really began to take issue with the attitudes of some of the hikers. To begin, much of their discussion seemed to focus on one-upping each other (whether it be about hiking, Beijing knowledge, or something else altogether). There were a few snide remarks about our local guide ("SO SLOW" "No good") and once we reached our final destination, I made a remark that as long as everyone gets back safely, I'm fine with waiting - to which one woman sarcastically replied, "Well, that's a nice way of thinking." That's the spirit...The whole vibe of a few people really ruined the experience and while it isn't Beijing Hiker's fault, it just takes spending one hike with some disagreeable people for a few hours for me to decide I won't be doing this again with Beijing Hikers.
I was bothered and disappointed by some of the hikers who did not make the non-regulars feel very welcomed but instead, were rather cold and dismissive. After splitting into a 'faster' team and 'leisurely' team (which I was told is unusual and atypical), I really began to take issue with the attitudes of some of the hikers. To begin, much of their discussion seemed to focus on one-upping each other (whether it be about hiking, Beijing knowledge, or something else altogether). There were a few snide remarks about our local guide ("SO SLOW" "No good") and once we reached our final destination, I made a remark that as long as everyone gets back safely, I'm fine with waiting - to which one woman sarcastically replied, "Well, that's a nice way of thinking." That's the spirit...The whole vibe of a few people really ruined the experience and while it isn't Beijing Hiker's fault, it just takes spending one hike with some disagreeable people for a few hours for me to decide I won't be doing this again with Beijing Hikers.
Written October 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi AyakaFaithS,
I'm really sorry you didn't feel welcome on the hike.
I appreciate you writing in about this, because it's important to us that the hikes are a friendly and enjoyable experience.
We're aware of the fast vs. leisurely issue, and taking extra guides so the group can split, if necessary, is one of the ways we're trying to deal with that.
But the rest of what you mention is not nice at all, and that can't have been much fun for you – I'd guess definitely not what you were expecting.
We'd love for you to give us another chance, because we typically have a great time out hiking.
If you would like to come out for another try I would be very happy to take care of that for you – send an email to hayden@beijinghikers.com and I'll fix everything.
Thanks again for writing to let us know about this, and again, so sorry it wasn't an enjoyable day out for you.
best,
Hayden
Written October 6, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mick
Amsterdam, The Netherlands4 contributions
Oct 2019
Our guide Victoria (together with another local guide) did a great job! Gave us the right amount of information but most of all they let us enjoy the amazing views. We were with a group of 15 but everyone could hike at their own pace. Just a guide at the front and one at the back worked out fine.
Written October 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi MickG1991 - thanks for the review!
We bring plenty of guides to allow the group to stretch out and so there's time for photos and rests. Good to hear that worked well for you, and glad the views were amazing!
Hayden
Written January 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bethany250
Nashville, TN28 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
Well organized and expertly led hike on the stone valley section of the wall. Lunch was delicious too. Highly recommend. We preferred hiking with a small group to a private tour - our teens enjoyed talking with young adults living around the world.
Written July 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi bethany250,
Glad you enjoyed the social aspect of it – we get a great mix of people on the hikes and it's fun to chat to everyone. It's one of the things we enjoy as well.
Thanks for the recommendation!
best,
Hayden
Written August 6, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chocobo128
Orange County, CA42 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
I have frequented Beijing Hikers since 2008. I always get on one of their hikes when I visit Beijing which I do quite often.
I am an avid hiker at moderate level. I lived in Beijing for 3 years as an expat. During the three years span, I hiked almost weekly on many of the unrenovated Great Wall sections around the rural regions of Beijing and also ventured in several long distance journeys into the remote regions of China such as inner Mongolia and Zhangye Danxia Landform, Gansu. For the safety, convenience and accessibility, I joined hikes that were designed and operated by Beijing Hikers and relied on its expertises to make all the hiking, transportation, guide and dining arrangements. It was an ideal setup for me personally since it took out most of my concerns and all I had to do was to show up and hike. The club is designed for expats with English as the official tour language. It offers fully escorted hiking excursions around Beijing and Hebei every week - rain or shine. It also offers some hikes in the remote regions of China.
Beijing Hikers was mentioned on the Travel section of Time magazine.
I am an avid hiker at moderate level. I lived in Beijing for 3 years as an expat. During the three years span, I hiked almost weekly on many of the unrenovated Great Wall sections around the rural regions of Beijing and also ventured in several long distance journeys into the remote regions of China such as inner Mongolia and Zhangye Danxia Landform, Gansu. For the safety, convenience and accessibility, I joined hikes that were designed and operated by Beijing Hikers and relied on its expertises to make all the hiking, transportation, guide and dining arrangements. It was an ideal setup for me personally since it took out most of my concerns and all I had to do was to show up and hike. The club is designed for expats with English as the official tour language. It offers fully escorted hiking excursions around Beijing and Hebei every week - rain or shine. It also offers some hikes in the remote regions of China.
Beijing Hikers was mentioned on the Travel section of Time magazine.
Written May 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi chocobo128 - hope to see you back in Beijing some time for more hiking!
Great overview of how we operate, thank you.
best,
Hayden
Written June 22, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MrsBuchanan
Isle of Arran, UK55 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
We have had friends staying with us in Beijing and have enjoyed the Gubeikou and West Lake walks. Some of my friends have injured knees and (as I discovered) vertigo. Each walk is accompanied by 2 or 3 guides who are endlessly patient and happy to assist and encourage. We didn't feel pressure to rush and everyone in the group walked at their own pace. The organisation of the walks is excellent, snacks, water and walking poles are provided as is a very good lunch. It's a great way to visit the unspoilt parts of the wall near Beijing. For both sets of my friends it was one of the best things they have ever done.
Written April 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello MrsBuchanan!
Thank you for taking your visiting friends out for a hike with us! Great to know that they all enjoyed it so much and that neither knee problems nor vertigo stopped them enjoying it.
Thanks for letting us take care of your visitors!
best,
Hayden
p.s. If knees or vertigo is a known problem please get in touch pre-booking so we can suggest an appropriate hike.
Written April 26, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bonchi4
San Francisco, CA116 contributions
What is the maximum number of people in the organized hikes?
HaydenOpie
Beijing39 contributions
Thanks for helping with the answers, chocobo218 (did you do that big trek yet?), targhee (hi again!), and MrsBuchanan.
For groups of more than 10 or so people we'll usually have three guides – one to lead, one to walk in the middle, and one to take care of the people at the back. This way, people can pick their pace, and we can let the group spread out a bit so you don't have to worry about stepping on anyone's toes.
We have a rough maximum of about 30 people. We've taken 40 or so a few times on special occasions when we thought it would be a shame for people to miss out (either during a holiday, a special hike that we don't do often, or one of those days with extremely good weather). And like I say, when that happens we take a lot of guides and split into groups so that no one gets too crowded.
To bonchi4 - if you're visiting during winter the groups are usually 10-15 people max, except for maybe the Christmas/NYE holiday hikes.
best,
Hayden
CeW76
Vienna2 contributions
How do I make reservations for Great Wall Hike? How much is it? Will be staying relatively near to WangFuJing
HaydenOpie
Beijing39 contributions
Hi CeW76,
Find a hike that matches your available dates and fitness.
See the schedule by going to our website and clicking the Hike in Beijing navigation link.
There's a 'Book your place' button that will take you to our online booking form.
Enter your details into that and hit send.
We'll confirm your booking by email.
For best results make your booking 3 days in advance.
Most of the hikes cost between 400-450 RMB - some a little more, some a little less. Prices are listed individually for each hike.
If you're coming from Wangfujing, the Liangmaqiao subway area pickup would probably convenient. You can find more information about that on our website as well.
I would post direct links but it's not allowed by Tripadvisor. You can also contact us via the website.
Hope that helps!
Hayden
Beijing Hikers
CeW76
Vienna2 contributions
How do I make reservations for Great Wall Hike? How much is it? Will be staying relatively near to WangFuJing
Henning H
Madeira Islands, Portugal4 contributions
Their website (Google the name) has detailed info, and a booking form. It's about 400 Yuan per tour, depending on the trip.