Beijing is a city that needs very little introduction. Its historical landmarks, which include the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, are must-see stops on any visit to China’s capital. But the outskirts and countryside of both Beijing and Tianjin are perhaps even more interesting. Away from the hoards of tourists at the rebuilt Badaling section sit thousands of kilometers of intact, authentic great wall, empty except for the occasional squirrel, and quiet except for the sound of wind rustling through the pines.

Keystone Adventures facilitates programs in Baihe (Miyun), Yanqing, Huairou, Sidu (Fangshan), Jizhou (Tianjin), and Qinhuangdao (Hebei). We have chosen these particular locations because they are relatively close to schools in greater Beijing, and blend access to nature with opportunities for culture and service projects.

Our programs in this region typically begin at an outdoor base, with on-site ropes courses, water sports, camping facilities, and more. Where possible, we also aim to include a hike on the Great Wall, featuring both restored and original parts. We can incorporate scavenger hunts in one of the region’s numerous old towns, as well as traditional DIY handicrafts projects. There are also numerous opportunities for genuine service projects, involving tree-planting, village beautification work, and social activities with the elderly.