Experience The Great Wall Of China With A One-Of-A-Kind Camping Adventure

With a population of well over a billion people, China is one of the two most populated countries on the planet (with India being the other). Any trip to China offers no shortage of wonders, as the country's land mass is almost as big as that of Europe's. From the hypermodern hustle and bustle of cities like Beijing and Shanghai to the incredibly efficient bullet trains criss-crossing the country and millennia of recorded history, China is one of the most unique places you'll ever visit. 

Perhaps the biggest draw in the country, both in terms of popularity and literal size, is the Great Wall of China. One of the most ambitious construction projects ever, the Great Wall is over 3,000 years-old and runs 13,000 miles! Originally built as a series of fortifications to defend China's northern border, today the Great Wall attracts visitors from all over the world to marvel at its beauty.

The only thing more unbelievable than the Great Wall itself is the fact that you and some adventurous friends can camp on it. An opportunity like no other, camping in this unique location is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and gives you an opportunity to learn more about the history of this iconic structure.

According to seasoned travelers, the best section for camping on the Great Wall of China is Gubeikou. Gubeikou is one of the least visited parts of the wall and one of the most photogenic — a rare gem. Located a four-hour journey away from Beijing, you will have to pass through the village of Gubeikou to reach this section of The Wall, which gives you ample time to explore the charming, historic town with its narrow streets and traditional courtyard houses.

The Gubeikou section of the wall, for the most part, is still unrestored, so it's recommended that travelers watch their every step. The slight danger is more than worth it though, as the view of sunset (or sunrise) from one of the many watchtowers along this section of the Wall will stay with you forever.

If you want a more organized trip, you can book a tour through a company like Great Wall Hiking that takes you to the Gubeikou and Jinshanling sections and to the West-Five-Eye Watchtower. The walk, on a clear day, promises to offer spectacular views. The Great Wall hiking tour provides camping gear, including a twin tent, one sleeping bag, and one rolling mat per person, and also includes meals and snacks. On this tour you will also get to experience some local cuisine at a farmer's restaurant in Gubeikou. Camping season typically runs from April to October.

Before camping, it's essential to know that Chinese authorities aim to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site, and to keep it from being overrun have imposed restrictions on camping. It is forbidden on the renovated parts of the wall such as the the Badaling and Mutianyu sections, which also happen to be the busiest. As previously mentioned, it's possible to camp on the unrestored, more remote sections of the wall such as Jiankou or Gubeikou, but these parts are trickier to navigate due to their wildness, so joining a tour is highly recommended. The wall can become narrow in places, with sheer drops on both sides with no protection, so be cautious!

If you're brave enough to go at it DIY-style, there are a few things you should prepare for. If you're leaving from Gubeikou, note that there are no shops until you get to the area of Jinshanling section of the wall, so take enough food and water to get you through to the next day. There are some abandoned watchtowers that you can use as shelter to set-up your tent. Of course, it's absolutely essential to respect this UNESCO site so make sure to take all garbage out with you, and leave the wall exactly how you found it. As exciting as it might be daunting, and certainly not for the faint of heart, when well prepared, this is undoubtedly the camping experience of a lifetime.