Great Wall of China in Huairou: Camping on a Remote Section
Explore the Great Wall of China in Huairou District, where remote and unrestored watchtower sections still stand. This location marks a unique camping spot on one of the wall's most isolated segments, accessible for those seeking an authentic experience beyond the heavily trafficked areas.
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Stops on this route
- the Great Wall of China — The Great Wall of China is a massive, 21,196-kilometer (13,170-mile) series of ancient fortifications built across northern China to protect against nomadic invasions. Started as…
Useful for your trip
- Where to stay
- You can camp overnight in watchtowers on remote, unrestored sections of the Great Wall. Contact local guide Joe through greatwall-hike.com for Great Wall camping tours.
- Transport
- Drive as far as possible to the wall base, then hike the rest. The wall road is too narrow for vehicle access beyond a certain point.
- Where to stay
- Sleep in a tent inside the watchtower rather than exposed on the wall itself due to strong winds at night on the wall.
- Avoid
- Be aware of potential scorpions and centipedes in watchtower areas, especially at night. Keep tent closed.
- Where to stay
- Bring sleeping bags, cushions, warm clothes, and hats for overnight camping. Temperatures drop noticeably at night on the wall.
- Food
- Arrange to have dumplings prepared by local guides or the hotel in the village below to bring up to the watchtower for dinner.
- Timing
- Plan to hike to the watchtower and back before sunset. Hiking in darkness on the wall stairs is unsafe.
- Tip
- The unrestored sections of the wall are overgrown and less crowded than popular areas. Stairs are large and steep; pace yourself.
- Where to stay
- Stay in a hotel in Huanghuacheng village the night before starting your Great Wall camping adventure.
Video on this route
We Slept on the Great Wall of China