Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Choose Jinshanling for quieter crowds and higher photo opportunities; book a self-guided option if you want flexibility and time to soak in the views. (00:47)
- Tip 2Get to the pickup point early; Beijing traffic can be heavy, and subway/bus options may save time if you’re tight on schedule. (06:01)
- Tip 3Prepare for wind and cold; layered clothing and sturdy footwear with good grip are essential on both restored and unrenovated sections. (09:50)
- Tip 4Be ready for the hardest parts: some ramps are nearly vertical and unprotected. Use hands for balance and take breaks as needed; stay mindful of weather and fatigue. (21:30)
- Tip 5Consider a didi/taxi return for comfort and timing if a long bus ride isn’t appealing; factor travel time back to Beijing into your day. (34:00)
Jess and Jay kick off their Beijing adventure with a vow to conquer the Great Wall, specifically the Jinshanling section, known for its quieter, more remote vibe and stunning scenery. What follows is not just a hike but an epic physical test: steep, uneven steps, wind-swept towers, and sections that feel almost untouched by renovation. The couple openly documents the challenge, from the moment they ride a tiny bus to the wall, to the moment they realize how quiet and expansive the views can be when you’re far from the crowds. Their humor keeps the energy up—comical hats, drones buzzing above restored sections, and the adrenaline of navigating unrenovated paths with sheer cliffside drops. The trek isn’t just about scenery; it’s a test of stamina, footwear, and map-reading, punctuated by moments of awe at sweeping mountain vistas and the sun breaking through windy, chilly air. After hours of climbing, the pair reach the Flower Tower and a five-window tower, push through cramped, steep, r
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Jess and Jay set out to conquer the Jinshanling stretch of the Great Wall, choosing a quieter section to escape crowds. The film follows their self-guided, roughly 3–4 hour hike on a wall that alternates between restored and unrenovated segments. They navigate steep ramps, wind-whipped towers, and uneven paths, sharing candid reactions to the physical exertion and the breathtaking, panoramic views that unfold with every turn. The couple reflects on the wall’s history, the solitude they found, and the sense of accomplishment after reaching notable landmarks like the Flower Tower and the five-window tower. They also share logistical notes: meeting point logistics, the 3–hour return bus ride, the Get Your Guide package vs. a private didi, and practical tips on footwear, safety, and staying nourished. Interludes with drone footage and light humor punctuate the ascent, while moments of tension—hornets, wind, and the sheer verticality of some sections—ground the experience in reality. Jess and Jay cap the day with a vegan feast at Veggie Tiger in Beijing, praising the breadth of vegan options and the calm, well-managed service. They close by encouraging viewers to chase bucket-list experiences but to realistically assess fitness levels and time commitments for such a demanding, once-in-a-lifetime hike. The overall tone is celebratory and reflective, underscored by gratitude for the chance to stand atop one of the world’s most iconic monuments without the usual crowds. Traveler Jess and Jay sign off with plans for more China adventures ahead, inviting viewers to subscribe for the journey ahead and to consider Jinshanling for a quiet, awe-inspiring Great Wall experience with ample photo and video opportunities for every pace.
Note: The video also cross-promotes a vegan dining stop at Veggie Tiger in Beijing, praising its all-you-can-eat vegan spread and attentive staff, which complements the day’s physical exertion with a restorative meal.
The Jinshanling portion is described as more remote, with a 2.5–3.5 hour hike depending on pace, and the couple emphasizes the wall’s history, the lack of crowds, and the rewarding sense of achievement after hours of climbing and pausing to soak in the views.
