Camp The Wall
Camp The Wall
5
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Private Hiking on the Great Wall of China with The Dragon Trip. Whether you want to go up for the afternoon or spent an evening camping under the stars, this is the private tour for you. Our Budget day hiking trips and camping trips to unrestored sections of the wall are truly breathtaking. 999rmb for our all inclusive, Hiking, camping and BBQ-ing experience. 500rmb for our hiking day tours (lunch provided).
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Cdn_Traveling_Momma
Hengyang, China6 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
After reading a review of another family who had done Camp the Wall, I knew I wanted to try it with my own. My husband and I have 3 kiddos (12,10 & 6) The Camp the Wall Team recommended we do a private tour (at the same price) so we could go at our own pace.
TIP - The night before we froze some water bottles. It was really refreshing when hiking and around the fire to have a cool drink.
In Beijing we were staying outside the core on the south end of the city. Camp the Wall had no problem coming to pick us up at our location which was pretty amazing. The van was spacious and air conditioned.
After a good distance drive we arrived at the local farmhouse for our "light lunch". It really was a more like a feast. I have some of the pickiest eaters but they loved it all. The hosts were amazing and even had cold drinks.
TIP - Be sure to use the washroom here while you can. It's not Western but it's clean. Take a can of pop for when you reach the end of the hike. Believe when I say it will taste like heaven.
The kids got a little impatient while we rested after our lunch. They just wanted to hike and see the wall. Noodles (our guide) said it would be best to let the sun not be so hot on us. While we were hiking, I totally agreed. It was hot.
TIP - In Beijing you can buy balls on a sting. Bring a couple of them to play with while the adults rest.
Each of the kids did amazing on the hike, it was strenuous even though we had packed light. The 2nd half is the most difficult because it feels like you are just climbing up. However we stopped lots and used the opportunity to take pictures.
TIP - Purchase and wear hiking/biking sweat rags around your neck or under you hat. It will help your clothes not be soaked. I would recommend girls to hike in a sports tank top.
Finally we reached The Wall and it was pretty spectacular. The boys immediately went out and climbed. We set up our tents and explored. It is humbling to be on The wall and feel the history all around. Soon it was time to for our BBQ. Another great meal. The meat is salted beautifully but it can dry out your mouth. You will drink your water.
TIP - The Aushen grocery store in Beijing has bags of marshmallow, digestive wheat crackers & large chocolate bars. Nothing beats smores on The Wall. Noodles also had marshamallows but no worries they still got eaten :D
My only negative was the wasps. There was no breeze and they seemed to be everywhere. The day/night we were there the weather was beautiful but no breeze. This had every wasp for miles around hovering around.
TIP - Buy Wasp spray. We brought some bug spray although I don't think there were any mosquitos.
The next morning, we got up early to see the sunset. We broke down our camp site and hiked back down and had another great breakfast at the farmhouse. Again the hosts were great. My kids loved their pancakes so much, they made another batch.
Noodles was a great guide and very attentive to our needs. He wasn't a in your face kind of guide. His stories around the fire were very informational. I swear I had ghosts outside my tent all night.
TIP - I could suggest is to bring as much water as you can up the hike. I know it adds more weight but you really will use it.
Well that's my review. I hope you can find it helpful.
TIP - The night before we froze some water bottles. It was really refreshing when hiking and around the fire to have a cool drink.
In Beijing we were staying outside the core on the south end of the city. Camp the Wall had no problem coming to pick us up at our location which was pretty amazing. The van was spacious and air conditioned.
After a good distance drive we arrived at the local farmhouse for our "light lunch". It really was a more like a feast. I have some of the pickiest eaters but they loved it all. The hosts were amazing and even had cold drinks.
TIP - Be sure to use the washroom here while you can. It's not Western but it's clean. Take a can of pop for when you reach the end of the hike. Believe when I say it will taste like heaven.
The kids got a little impatient while we rested after our lunch. They just wanted to hike and see the wall. Noodles (our guide) said it would be best to let the sun not be so hot on us. While we were hiking, I totally agreed. It was hot.
TIP - In Beijing you can buy balls on a sting. Bring a couple of them to play with while the adults rest.
Each of the kids did amazing on the hike, it was strenuous even though we had packed light. The 2nd half is the most difficult because it feels like you are just climbing up. However we stopped lots and used the opportunity to take pictures.
TIP - Purchase and wear hiking/biking sweat rags around your neck or under you hat. It will help your clothes not be soaked. I would recommend girls to hike in a sports tank top.
Finally we reached The Wall and it was pretty spectacular. The boys immediately went out and climbed. We set up our tents and explored. It is humbling to be on The wall and feel the history all around. Soon it was time to for our BBQ. Another great meal. The meat is salted beautifully but it can dry out your mouth. You will drink your water.
TIP - The Aushen grocery store in Beijing has bags of marshmallow, digestive wheat crackers & large chocolate bars. Nothing beats smores on The Wall. Noodles also had marshamallows but no worries they still got eaten :D
My only negative was the wasps. There was no breeze and they seemed to be everywhere. The day/night we were there the weather was beautiful but no breeze. This had every wasp for miles around hovering around.
TIP - Buy Wasp spray. We brought some bug spray although I don't think there were any mosquitos.
The next morning, we got up early to see the sunset. We broke down our camp site and hiked back down and had another great breakfast at the farmhouse. Again the hosts were great. My kids loved their pancakes so much, they made another batch.
Noodles was a great guide and very attentive to our needs. He wasn't a in your face kind of guide. His stories around the fire were very informational. I swear I had ghosts outside my tent all night.
TIP - I could suggest is to bring as much water as you can up the hike. I know it adds more weight but you really will use it.
Well that's my review. I hope you can find it helpful.
Written August 13, 2015
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.
aacm87
33 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
Camping on a deserted section of the Great Wall of China, was one of the best experiences of my life, and undoubtedly the highlight of my time in China so far!!! Thank you to our awesome guide Noodles for making the trip even better!!! I would recommend to everyone!!!
Written July 6, 2015
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.
Goanywhere309
Perth, Australia20 contributions
Sep 2015 • Solo
Truly an unforgettable experience camping overnight on an isolated and untouched part of the Great Wall. Seeing the sunset and sunrise was incredible, and being able to explore the wall unhindered by hordes of tourists was enjoyable and a very welcome change after visiting all the busy sights in Beijing.
Be aware that you do need to carry your own belongings (so pack light!) and camping gear (tent/sleeping bag) on the hike up to the wall. I'm not a fitness fanatic, nor were the others in my group, so although it was tough, everyone managed fine. Noodles was our guide, and he made sure we were all ok throughout the trip and prepared a delicious bbq dinner in the evening.
The Dragon Trip were very prompt and professional in their replies. I would highly recommend this experience
Be aware that you do need to carry your own belongings (so pack light!) and camping gear (tent/sleeping bag) on the hike up to the wall. I'm not a fitness fanatic, nor were the others in my group, so although it was tough, everyone managed fine. Noodles was our guide, and he made sure we were all ok throughout the trip and prepared a delicious bbq dinner in the evening.
The Dragon Trip were very prompt and professional in their replies. I would highly recommend this experience
Written September 24, 2015
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.
Jules R
London, UK2 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
After a very comfortable private bus transfer from Beijing we arrived at a small village where we were fed a delicious local meal alongside the resident family. We were then driven a short way from the village to the bottom of a track where on the hilltops in the distance we could see the top of The Great Wall. And the best thing？No tourists in sight! We started on what can only be described as a grueling hike with all our equipment up into the hills. About an 1 1/2 hours later we came through the bushes and suddenly the wall was right there, with a lovely flat campground right underneath. We set up camp and spent the rest of the evening hiking alond the beautiful unrestored wall with views across the valleys. Absolutely stunning at sunset! after quickly gathering enough firewood we lit a fire and spent the rest of the evening roasting marshmellows and drinking beer. The next morning we were woken at 0430 to get up and watch the sunrise from the wall - totally worth it! After packing our stuff we walked back down the way we came (a lot easier!). Overall an unforgettable experience i cannot recommend enough.,
Written June 22, 2015
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.
Ken E
Phoenix, AZ990 contributions
May 2015 • Family
Step back in time and sleep under the same stars that guardians of the Great Wall did centuries ago. It doesn’t get better than sleeping on the Great Wall!
This tour is amazing! Noodles is a wicked cool guy and awesome guide. One of the best adventure tours we have been on during our time in China. If you are going to the see the Great Wall this is one of the best ways to do it. The dinner on the Great Wall was the best. Skip the crowed tourist areas and go here and really experience the Great Wall.
This tour is amazing! Noodles is a wicked cool guy and awesome guide. One of the best adventure tours we have been on during our time in China. If you are going to the see the Great Wall this is one of the best ways to do it. The dinner on the Great Wall was the best. Skip the crowed tourist areas and go here and really experience the Great Wall.
Written May 9, 2015
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.
Garybacon1968
Hong Kong, China5 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
We had one night camping at the wall, it is a great experience and we were blessed with clear blue skies and no pollution. We were a group of 12 adults and kids from 12 to 15.
Noodles and a minibus picked us up from our hotel and drove us out to the wall. It takes around 90 minutes from central Beijing and you go past Badoling.
We stopped for a local lunch and then we were taken to the drop off point. You have to carry your sleeping bags, mats and tents on a hike of about 1 hour, uphill all the way, not too strenuous but worth having good hiking footwear as it is a rough path.
Eventually you reach a level clearing and pitch your tents here then have some time to explore. It was very cold last week so in October you need plenty of layers and hats and gloves.
The tents are 2 person small tents which was a bit of a struggle for me as I am 6’5”. Also, they don’t provide pillows so think about that too.
After a good wander around the wall and some great photo taking, we collected some firewood for the campfire. Our guide, Noodles, had a couple of helpers to cook some kebabs and bread on sticks, they provide only water for you, so it would be worth having them stop at a supermarket on the way so you could get some extra snacks and drinks for the evening- remember though you have to carry what you take. After sharing out the kebabs we had marshmallows for the kids to roast and a roaring fire to keep us warm.
Early to bed and up early to see the sunrise at 6:30. We then had a couple of hours to hike the wall before we packed up camp and carried everything back to the road and our minibus. We then had a quick breakfast at the same restaurant we had lunch at the day before- a very local offering, and then 90 mins or so back to our hotel.
The section of the wall we visited is an unmade section and there were no other tourists there, we only met a couple of people hiking the next morning when we left. Having this wonderful place to ourselves really made it very special.
The hike in the morning along the wall takes you to a restored section which has steps- this is worth a look but you need to climb a very steep section, our kids did this but it is using your hands climbing up and coming down carefully , sometimes on your bum.
This is all done at your own risk, if you fall you will be a long way from help and need insurance for sure. One issue for Dragon Trip to think about- one of our group slipped in the evening and had a cut on his hand- the organiser didn’t have any first aid kit or way of dealing with this- we actually asked him to get someone to but us some snacks and drinks and they also got some rubbing alcohol and plasters, but for a quite remote place they should have a first aid kit on hand.
There are no toilets or running water where you camp so it is really back to basics for the time you are there, which is fun but a bit chilly in October 😆. The trip is about the experience and being on your own, no crowd to deal with and no people getting in your photo frame.
Finally, one simple area to improve would be for the organisers to provide some hot drinks in the morning - some coffee/tea/cocoa would have been very welcome after a cold night rather than freezing cold water and this is something they should add in.
Noodles and a minibus picked us up from our hotel and drove us out to the wall. It takes around 90 minutes from central Beijing and you go past Badoling.
We stopped for a local lunch and then we were taken to the drop off point. You have to carry your sleeping bags, mats and tents on a hike of about 1 hour, uphill all the way, not too strenuous but worth having good hiking footwear as it is a rough path.
Eventually you reach a level clearing and pitch your tents here then have some time to explore. It was very cold last week so in October you need plenty of layers and hats and gloves.
The tents are 2 person small tents which was a bit of a struggle for me as I am 6’5”. Also, they don’t provide pillows so think about that too.
After a good wander around the wall and some great photo taking, we collected some firewood for the campfire. Our guide, Noodles, had a couple of helpers to cook some kebabs and bread on sticks, they provide only water for you, so it would be worth having them stop at a supermarket on the way so you could get some extra snacks and drinks for the evening- remember though you have to carry what you take. After sharing out the kebabs we had marshmallows for the kids to roast and a roaring fire to keep us warm.
Early to bed and up early to see the sunrise at 6:30. We then had a couple of hours to hike the wall before we packed up camp and carried everything back to the road and our minibus. We then had a quick breakfast at the same restaurant we had lunch at the day before- a very local offering, and then 90 mins or so back to our hotel.
The section of the wall we visited is an unmade section and there were no other tourists there, we only met a couple of people hiking the next morning when we left. Having this wonderful place to ourselves really made it very special.
The hike in the morning along the wall takes you to a restored section which has steps- this is worth a look but you need to climb a very steep section, our kids did this but it is using your hands climbing up and coming down carefully , sometimes on your bum.
This is all done at your own risk, if you fall you will be a long way from help and need insurance for sure. One issue for Dragon Trip to think about- one of our group slipped in the evening and had a cut on his hand- the organiser didn’t have any first aid kit or way of dealing with this- we actually asked him to get someone to but us some snacks and drinks and they also got some rubbing alcohol and plasters, but for a quite remote place they should have a first aid kit on hand.
There are no toilets or running water where you camp so it is really back to basics for the time you are there, which is fun but a bit chilly in October 😆. The trip is about the experience and being on your own, no crowd to deal with and no people getting in your photo frame.
Finally, one simple area to improve would be for the organisers to provide some hot drinks in the morning - some coffee/tea/cocoa would have been very welcome after a cold night rather than freezing cold water and this is something they should add in.
Written October 24, 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.
erica9532017
Beijing, China1 contribution
May 2017 • Friends
Amazing trip! First time camping in Great Wall with friends. It was a little bit tiresome when hiking since there are no stages. Having BBQ and beers at night with friends and enjoyed wonderful landscape was so cool. We also saw the sunrise together in the morning. Definitely should have a try.
Written May 17, 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.
Sara
Greater London, UK2 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
The best experience of my life. It was raining and there were thunderstorms - and we still had an incredible time! Definitely recommend it if you want to see the wall in a small amount of time - perfectly organised!!
Written July 29, 2015
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.
Matt M
Oahu, HI4 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
When people say that they went to the great wall, they mean that they were on and near the great wall. When I say that I went to the great wall, I am portraying an experience. There were no tourists, gimmicks, souvenir shops, or the like. It was our group, isolated from the rest of the world. If you like photography, this is the trip and the spot for you. Noodles was out guide. He should probably get a promotion. He knew how to tailor his talks and guidance to our group. He is a great guy and I am happy that I met him.
Written July 6, 2015
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.
josh o
Houston, TX1 contribution
May 2015 • Couples
My girlfriend and I booked the tour online and we met Noodles at dongzhimen subway station. Right away Noodles was very friendly and helpful. He is very relaxed and has a naturally humorous personality. We went out to an older unrestored part of the wall and hung out with other travelers . We had Chinese bbq and a few drinks and exchanged stories and laughs with interesting people from all over. The sunset on the wall was beautiful and was an experience that I'm glad I got to share with my gf. The next day we woke up in time to catch the sunrise; again another great experience. Finally we went to have an authentic Chinese breakfast at a small farmhouse before heading back to Beijing. Definitley recommend this trip to anyone. I almost wish I had more time in China so that I could do it again. If I ever come back to Beijing I will make sure to camp the wall again!!!
Written May 17, 2015
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 i tried to contact you via email but no answer from you at all
I be in beijing the 29th of oct leaving 4th of nov
Inam looking for camp tour is there any chance i could join some group etc ? Thank you
Written October 23, 2019
Hi, what is the name of the area of the Wall where the tour hikes and camps?
Written March 11, 2018
We went on this tour last week and our guide, Noodles, gave me this location:
Chenjiabao Great Wall
Yuanyang Tower
Written October 24, 2018
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