Great Wall of China Cycle Challenge: Bike challenge to China

Great Wall of China Cycle Challenge

The Great Wall of China was originally constructed to keep out nomadic tribes who raided China’s northern frontier. As you ride alongside the Great Wall, your imagination will take you back several centuries to when the wall was the frontline defence of Imperial China.

Your cycling challenge starts in the village of Changping, north of Beijing city. Each day you will cycle approximately 75kms - 85kms in the shadows of the Great Wall, with the opportunity to set foot on the Wall itself.

This incredibly scenic challenge covers a route along one of the world’s best known UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a demanding yet rewarding expedition, as you enjoy the vast and beautiful mountain ranges all around and witness the rural life of northern China from your saddle.

On completion of your challenge you will return to Beijing to explore some of the many attractions of China’s capital city: the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square.

To view the Great Wall of China Cycle Charity Challenge photo album click here

10 days | China | Tough

Your challenge day by day

Day 1, Sat 13 Apr 2013

International Departure from London

The countdown is over as we meet at London Heathrow for the long-awaited adventure. A Charity Challenge representative will meet the group to assist with check-in.

Day 2, Sun 14 Apr 2013

Transfer from Beijing airport to Changping

A local Charity Challenge agent will meet you at the airport and oversee the 2.5 hour transfer to the lodge in the Ming Tomb Reservoir area of northern Beijing. The afternoon is free to fit your bike and spend at your leisure. The first team dinner tonight will be followed by a challenge briefing. Overnight at lodge.

Day 3, Mon 15 Apr 2013

Changping to Xiushui Village, Yanqing (approx 85kms)

Set off along the Ming Tomb Reservoir to the mausoleum area where 13 Ming emperors are buried. It’s a gentle start, but two tough hills follow, affording the first glimpse of the Great Wall. Later, the ride passes the ancient town of Yongning, before the final 33km. Overnight in lodge.

Day 4, Tue 16 Apr 2013

Yanqing to Yunmeng Mountain (approx 85kms)

The day begins with a ride into the ‘landscape corridor’, between Yanqing and Tanghekou in Huairou County. The landscape changes over 50km. from a flat country road to Yunmeng Mountain. The rest of the day is spent on the National Road, climbing up the mountain through tunnels on the way. Ultimately we arrive at Yunmeng, China’s Grand Canyon, for a night in a nearby lodge.

Day 5, Wed 17 Apr 2013

Yunmeng Mountain to Jinshanling Great Wall (approx 80kms)

Tiredness may be setting in by now, but the stunning surroundings will spur you on as you pass through the canyon. After about 15km, the route turns off onto a typical rural Chinese road. From here it’s a long and somewhat uphill ride on a main road, bringing you to your home for the night – a lodge alongside the Great Wall.

Day 6, Thu 18 Apr 2013

Jinshanling Great Wall (approx 75kms)

This morning you’ll have the opportunity to walk on the wall. It’s then back in the saddle for 35km until you reach the Miyun Reservoir. From here you will the course of the water, passing by family-run fish restaurants and fields of fruit as you ride. The final leg will be faster on a newer and wider road, leading to your lodge for the night.

Day 7, Fri 19 Apr 2013

Miyun to Huanghuacheng Great Wall through Mutianyu Great Wall (approx 80kms)

Starting on rural pathways, you join the National Road after two hours. Head for the lush Yanqi Lake, before approaching the Hongluo Temple and World Heritage Site at Mutianyu Great Wall. After a brief stop, it’s onwards to a rarely visited village at the foot of the wall in Huanghuacheng. Climb up to a watchtower for the spectacular views, before returning to a lodge for the night.

Day 8, Sat 20 Apr 2013

Huanghuacheng Great Wall to Ming Tombs (approx 20kms)

The final 20kms of the ride are on an undulating path to the Ming Tombs, from where the ride began. After some victory selfies, we pack up the bikes and then have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Time permitting, we will stop at a jade factory en route back to Beijing. And then it’s time for a celebratory dinner before staying overnight in a centrally-located hotel.

Day 9, Sun 21 Apr 2013

Full day city tour of Beijing

Now the adrenaline has stopped pumping, it’s time for a day touring China’s fascinating capital city. Led by a local guide, we will explore the Forgotten City, Tiananmen Square and The Temple of Heaven before navigating our way around the city’s market for some last minute souvenirs. The day ends with a sumptuous Chinese banquet – the perfect way to round off our unforgettable journey.

Day 10, Mon 22 Apr 2013

Arrive Home

After breakfast, you will have a few hours to explore, before being transferred to Beijing Airport for the return journey to London.

Important information

N.B. The itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group and so on. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary; however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your expedition leader will have the final say.

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