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I will be traveling on my own to Beijing & Shanghai in mid November and I have a question regarding visiting the Great Wall in winter. I’ve heard something about backpacker tours that offer good pricing to get to the Great wall and explore for a couple of hours for a good price. Does anyone know about these groups or have a recommendation? I know I can take a taxi from Beijing but I don’t like the idea of being for long in a cab on my own, I experienced this in the Middle East and even though I didn’t have any problems I didn’t like the experience.
Im trying to avoid big groups that visit Badaling for half an hour and then left, so I was thinking in visiting Simatai. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Great Wall options for solo traveler
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I was in China in July and did a tour to Jinshanling/Simatai through Beijing Downtown Backpackers Accomodation. You don't need to stay there to take the tour, although you do need to reserve ahead.
We (about 25 people total) left in two minibuses around 7 a.m. for the three hour drive to Jinshanling. Upon arrival, they gave us our tickets and pointed us in the right direction. After that, we were on our own to walk to Simatai to get the bus back. Take your own food and water.
All in all, it couldn't have been easier. Aside from our small group and the legions of peddlers, the wall was almost totally devoid of tourists, even in July. I didn't go to Badaling but imagine the crowds are oppressive.
You'll have to check to make sure the tour is still running in November.