North of Beijing is an authentic village in the fortress with many of the original courtyard houses built a 100 years ago, located near the Erdaoguan Pass section of the Great Wall in Huairou County. Originally a garrison fort for guarding the Wall where soldiers lived, the village uses have changed today but many of the customs of the past prevail, transport by donkeys and cooking with wood fires continue.

While the younger people have moved to the city the remaining older group continue to live in the village enjoying rural life and supplement income with tourist activities including country residential stays and fine rural dining. The experience is rewarding as you enjoy the largely untouched countryside ,the Great Wall remnants and villages adapting to the new economic order and still preserving the culture traditions of the rural areas. It is good that these options remain and all do not have to move to the city.

After the visit of the village, we will walk along the ancient path in the middle of the chestnut field leading up to an arch to the Great Wall. We will climb up (medium hike) the hill and walk along the picturesque "wild" Great Wall for about 2 hours - fantastic view! - then cross the wall to another village and have a late lunch in the villagers' home on their Chinese style brick bed typical in rural China.

Driving Time: 1.5hours
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Please read two walking routes and hiking details below the pictures down at this webpage.

>> Authentic village in the fortress by the great wall just over one and half hours' drive from Beijing.
>> The customs of the past prevail, transport by donkeys and cooking with wood fires continue.
>> Visit a farmer's home and have a chat on his brick bed.
>> Easy hike through the chestnut fields (and various seasonal blossom) up to the great wall; or more brilliant views if you are willing to hike more across watchtowers!
>> Eat farmers' home-made food at their home.