We rate our hikes easy, moderately easy, moderate, demanding and strenuous. We admit to a certain level of subjectivity here, based upon individual human differences. For example, some folks find steep uphills to be tougher than long mileages and others find quite the opposite to be the case. Some hikers have a tougher time off trail than others. The following grades should be considered in conjunction with each individual hiking description.
Though physical fitness is an important part of our activities, you do not need to be an athletes or marathon runner to enjoy the hiking on the Great Wall of China.Most people of good fitness for their age can complete our hiking. Hiking on the Great Wall is walking holiday at your own pace enjoying the Great Wall vista and cultural contrast to it’s fullest. Most first-time hikers are concerned that they won’t keep up, but soon discover that a steady pace will have them in destination well before they would have expected. These hikes are not running competition but walking holidays for people of all ages. However, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it. Among our past clients, one 6-year-old boy finished the 5-hour hike from Jiankou to Mutianyu and one 73-year-old Scottish lady completed a 2-day hike on the Great Wall.
Elevation gain/loss is not the essence in all our tours as the highest point on the Wall is around 900 metres (2,880 feet) above sea level. It will be harder if you hike in summer (July/August) or winter (January/February).
Our adventures are planned with reasonably paced itineraries, incredible attention to detail, and the right mix of fun, learning, and physical challenge that ensures a memorable trip. Whether you’re doing a day hike or multi-day hike, you will find our adventures both physically active and culturally rewarding.
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Easy
Perfect start for beginners.
- Light day pack;
- Short distances at a slow pace;
- Generally flat terrain, well defined paths or restored brick steps;
- No prior hiking experience is necessary;
- Running shoes are appropriate footwear.
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Moderately easy
Perfect start for first-time hikers.
- Light day pack;
- Walking up to 2 hours or distance up to 2 miles at a slow pace daily
- Relatively hilly terrain, established trails or restored brick steps;
- Some prior hiking experience is helpful;
- Sneakers are appropriate footwear.
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Moderate
Hobby Hikers
- Light day pack;
- Walking up to 3 hours or distance up to 4 miles at a steady pace daily;
- Hilly terrain, maintained trail may include off-trail sections, rough spots;
- Prior hiking experience is required;
- Sneakers or light hiking shoes are appropriate footwear;
- Designed for those in good physical condition.
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Demanding
Experienced Hikers
- Light day pack;
- Walking up to 4-5 hours or distance up to 6 miles at a steady pace daily;
- Hilly terrain, established but rugged trail may include off-trail sections, rough spots;
- Prior hiking experience is required;
- Sneakers are appropriate for day hike and light hiking shoes are required for multi-day hike;
- Designed for those in good physical condition.
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Strenuous
Veteran Hikers
- Light day pack;
- Walking up to 5 hours or distance up to 8 miles at a steady pace in consecutive and intensive days
- Hilly terrain, established but rugged, un-maintained and hilly trail may include off-trail sections, rough spots;
- Prior hiking experience is required;
- Hiking boots are required;
- Only for those in excellent physical condition.
