Gubeikou Great Wall Trek

Gubeikou Great Wall The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure in the world. In fact, the length of all Chinese defense walls built over the last 2000 years is approximately 50,000 kilometres, while the Earth’s circumference is only 40,000 kilometres! This morning, transfer to the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall (2.5-3 hours’ drive). This section is very different from the other sections of the Wall around Beijing, as it is the original structure and has never been rebuilt or repaired. Each brick is at least 600 years old!

Today you will spend three to four hours hiking from Gubeikou to Jinshanling. The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall is one of the best-preserved parts of the entire structure. The last time this section was repaired was in 1570, as it is a remote and relatively isolated section of the Great Wall.

Enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, includes one soft drink or non-alcoholic beverage.

Marvel at Beijing’s architectural masterpieces

Traffic permitting, enjoy a brief stop to view the National Stadium and Aquatics Centre, better known as the iconic Olympic venues fondly referred to as the “Bird’s Nest” and the “Water Cube.” The National Stadium has impeccable green credentials, utilizing natural ventilation and geothermal cooling exchange throughout the entire building, as well as a system that recycles and reuses all onsite water. It can hold up to 80,000 spectators and since the Olympics, has been used as a snow theme park, a concert hall, a football stadium, and will be the venue for the 2015 World Athletics Championships. The Water Cube lies just opposite the stadium and is designed to resemble a box of bubbles. Following the Olympics, the building underwent a yearlong renovation that has turned part of it into a very popular indoor water park.

Transfer back to the hotel and evening free at leisure on your own arrangement

Meals included: Lunch