Your challenge day by day
Day 1, Sat 19 May 2018
International departure from London
Embrace the uncertainty as you head to the airport to begin this incredible adventure. A Charity Challenge representative will be on hand to answer any last minute questions, and quell any last minute nerves, as you join the rest of the group for this trek of a lifetime.
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Day 2, Sun 20 May 2018
Arrival Beijing and transfer to the Wall area
Ni Hao. Welcome to China, and the start of your Charity Challenge.
Your local Charity Challenge guide will be on hand at the airport to welcome you and oversee the road transfer to your first night's accommodation. Gather for a trek briefing and inaugural team dinner in the evening, and prepare for your incredible adventure.
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Day 3, Mon 21 May 2018
Jinshanling Loop (approximately 5-6 hours)
Today your trek on the Great Wall starts on an original part of the structure. Its steep, crumbling staircases and watchtowers provide a fitting introduction to the enormity of the challenge ahead. Take your mind off the endless steps and enjoy the incredible views over both China and Mongolia.
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Day 4, Tue 22 May 2018
Gubeikou Gateway (approximately 7-8 hours)
The longest day of the challenge, get ready to push the limits. Take on the demanding Gubeikou section of the wall beginning with a steady climb up past a number of time-worn watchtowers. Enjoy the expansive views over rural China, before continuing along the renovated Jinshanling section of the wall.
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Day 5, Wed 23 May 2018
Mutianyu section (approximately 5 hours)
Today follows the Mutianyu section of the Wall, and the challenging trek down the appropriately named "Heavenly Staircase".
Driving out to the village of Xihazi, the day begins with a stiff climb up towards the tower of Zhenbeilou; the pinnacle of our challenge. Basking in the glory of some truly breathtaking scenery, you then begin the hike down towards Mutianyu, tackling the steep staircase that leads onto the more popular renovated section of the wall. Today will test even the fittest of legs which will make the sense of achievement all the greater.
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Day 6, Thu 24 May 2018
Huanghuacheng (approximately 5 hours)
From the small village of Xishuiyu, the trail meanders through thick forest to the tree-line and the start of our scramble along one of the most exciting yet challenging parts of the old wall at Huanghuacheng. Against the spectacular backdrop of the Xishuiyu Reservoir and the surrounding mountains, battle your way along a series of overgrown and steep ascents and descents, before the final section of the day tests nerves and legs.
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Day 7, Fri 25 May 2018
Shixia Pass (approximately 5 hours)
The day starts with a winding path up through woodland and gradually ascends up to today’s section of the wall. This section of the wall is not renovated and is authentic, striking and wild. Terrain underfoot on the wall is loose and steep in sections with the final descent off the wall being the most challenging, but together with support from the leader and guides, you will complete the day’s challenge. The final stretch through the oak and beech woodland leads to a small village where your transport will be waiting.
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Day 8, Sat 26 May 2018
Full day city tour of Beijing
With the hard work done, relax and enjoy some of the cultural highlights of China's historic capital, Beijing.
Today’s city tour of Beijing includes a visit to Tiantin Park and the Temple of Heaven, where you can join the locals as they enjoy a morning of Tai Chi, Mah Jong and their own unique version of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’! An opportunity for some shopping at the local market is followed by a tour around Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City, before a final group dinner of traditional Peking Duck or a vegetarian alternative.
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Day 9, Sun 27 May 2018
Beijing to London
Bid a fond farewell to China make your way to the airport this morning for the flight home. Filled with a profound sense of pride and a wish that the adventure could continue, you return home armed with stories and memories that will last a lifetime...or at least until the next challenge.
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Day 9, Sun 27 May 2018
Free day in Beijing and Board the Overnight Train to Xian
The day is yours to explore Beijing. Take an optional tour to the splendid Summer Palace or visit one of the city’s markets for some last minute souvenirs. After an early dinner, catch the overnight train to Xian. Please note that the four-berth cabins are air-conditioned and for both men and women together. (B, D)
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Day 10, Mon 28 May 2018
Arrive Xian. Visit Terracotta Warriors & Xian Grand Mosque
Upon arrival in Xian, transfer to a nearby hotel. After breakfast, you visit the Grand Mosque in Xian city before your transfer to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Lunch and a dumpling dinner are included today and in the evening you will be taken to the famous Tang Dynasty cultural show. Overnight at hotel. (B,L,D)
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Day 11, Tue 29 May 2018
Yangling Tomb & Afternoon in Beijing
After breakfast, visit the Yangling Tomb which dates back 2,000 years. Later in the day, you will fly back to Beijing and transfer to your. Please note that dinner is not included tonight, so you are free to dine wherever you choose and explore all that Beijing has to offer at night. (B)
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Day 12, Wed 30 May 2018
Morning in Beijing, Afternoon Flight to UK
Depart for international flight back to the UK arriving the same day. (B)
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Important information about the Terracotta Warriors extension
Included:
- Overnight train to Xian. You will be booked in cabins of 4 and may require you to be in a cabin of mixed sex. To pay a supplement to secure single sex cabins a supplement will apply. Please enquire with challenges@charitychallenge.com for the additional supplement subject to availability.
- All transfers
- Accommodation on twin share basis in Xian at the 4* Le Garden hotel and in Bejing at the 3* Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven*
- All sightseeing, entrances and meals as mentioned in the above itinerary
Excluded:
- Additional optional sightseeing in Beijing on Day 9
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Any tips for local team (guides, drivers etc.)
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 14 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
Day 9, Sun 27 May 2018
Free day in Beijing and Board the Overnight Train to Xian
The day is yours to explore Beijing. Take an optional tour to the splendid Summer Palace or visit one of the city’s markets for some last minute souvenirs. After an early dinner, catch the overnight train to Xian. Please note that the four-berth cabins are air-conditioned and for both men and women together. (B, D)
9
Day 10, Mon 28 May 2018
Arrive Xian. Visit Terracotta Warriors & Xian Grand Mosque
Upon arrival in Xian, transfer to a nearby hotel. After breakfast, you visit the Grand Mosque in Xian city before your transfer to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Lunch and a dumpling dinner are included today and in the evening you will be taken to the famous Tang Dynasty cultural show. Overnight at hotel. (B,L,D)
10
Day 11, Tue 29 May 2018
Train to Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Today you take the 3-hour express train from Xian to Chengdu, home to the world-renowned Giant Panda. On arrival, you will be transferred to a centrally located hotel and take a tour to Kuan and Zhai Alley or the Jinli Market Street which showcases the Chengdu folk culture including the Sichuan embroidery and shadow play. (B,L,D)
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Day 12, Wed 30 May 2018
Visit Pandas. Fly back to Beijing
It’s a short drive to the world renowned panda project. Set in 92 acres, the centre has created and imitated the pandas' natural habitat in order to rear and breed them. You will spend two to three hours here, then head to Chengdu for some free time before flying back to Beijing. A free evening to explore. (B, D)
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Day 13, Thu 31 May 2018
Fly back to UK
There is some free time this morning before transferring to Beijing International Airport for the return flight to London, arriving later that day. (B)
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Important information about the Warriors & Pandas extension
Included:
- Overnight train to Xian. You will be booked in cabins of 4 and may require you to be in a cabin of mixed sex. To pay a supplement to secure single-sex cabins a supplement will apply. Please enquire with challenges@charitychallenge.com for the additional supplement subject to availability.
- Bullet train from Xian to Chengdu
- All transfers
- Accommodation on twin share basis in all hotels 4* in both Xian and Chengdu and Beijing 3*
- All sightseeing, entrances, and meals as mentioned in the above itinerary
Excluded:
- Additional optional sightseeing in Beijing on Day 9
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Any tips for local team (guides, drivers etc.)
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 14 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.
*Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
Day 9, Sun 27 May 2018
Flight from Beijing to Hong Kong
Today you will fly to Hong Kong and continue your own travel plans.
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Day 10, Mon 28 May 2018
Hong Kong
Spend time in Hong Kong having made your own travel and accommodation arrangements.
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Day 11, Tue 29 May 2018
Hong Kong
Spend time in Hong Kong having made your own travel and accommodation arrangements.
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Day 12, Wed 30 May 2018
Hong Kong to UK via Beijing
Today you'll take your flight from Hong Kong back to Beijing and then onwards back to the UK.
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Important information about the Hong Kong extension
Included:
Return flights Beijing to Hong Kong
Excluded:
- Time spent in Hong Kong
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Any tips for local team (guides, drivers etc.)
Day 9, Sun 27 May 2018
Flight from Beijing to Hong Kong
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Day 10, Mon 28 May 2018
Hong Kong
Hong Kong own travel arrangements
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Day 11, Tue 29 May 2018
Hong Kong
Hong Kong own travel arrangements
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Day 12, Wed 30 May 2018
Hong Kong to Beijing and overnight train to Xian
Return back to Beijing in time to board the overnight train to Xian. Please note: You will be occupying four-berth, air-conditioned cabins on the train. These will be unisex. Breakfast and dinner are included.
12
Day 13, Thu 31 May 2018
Arrive Xian. Visit Terracotta Warriors & Xian Grand Mosque
One of the oldest cities in China, Xian once lay at the start of the famous Silk Road. Arriving in the city this morning, you will be transferred on to your hotel in time for breakfast and a chance to freshen up. After paying a visit to Xian's Grand Mosque, you'll then continue on to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, without doubt one of China's most revered archaeological sites. Lunch and a dumpling dinner are included today and this evening you will enjoy a performance of the renowned Tang Dynasty cultural show. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
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Day 14, Fri 01 Jun 2018
Yangling Tomb & Afternoon in Beijing
Following breakfast you will pay a visit this morning to the 2,000 year old Yangljng Tombs, the final resting place of the fourth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty. Later you will then fly back to Beijing, to spend your final night in the Chinese capital. Dinner is not included this evening, affording you an opportunity to make your own plans to enjoy some of the rich culinary diversity the city has to offer. Breakfast included.
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Day 15, Sat 02 Jun 2018
Morning in Beijing, Afternoon Flight to UK
Depart on international flight back to the UK, arriving at London Heathrow the same day. (B)
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Important information about the Hong Kong & Terracotta Warriors extension
Included:
- Overnight train to Xian. You will be booked in cabins of 4 and may require you to be in a cabin of mixed sex. To pay a supplement to secure single sex cabins a supplement will apply. Please enquire with challenges@charitychallenge.com for the additional supplement subject to availability.
- All transfers
- Accommodation on twin share basis in Xian at the 4* Le Garden hotel and in Bejing at the 3* Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven*
- All sightseeing, entrances and meals as mentioned in the above itinerary
Excluded:
- Time spent in Hong Kong
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Any tips for local team (guides, drivers etc.)
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 14 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
Day 9, Sun 27 May 2018
Flight from Beijing to Hong Kong
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Day 10, Mon 28 May 2018
Hong Kong
Hong Kong own travel arrangements
10
Day 11, Tue 29 May 2018
Hong Kong
Hong Kong own travel arrangements
11
Day 12, Wed 30 May 2018
Hong Kong to Beijing and overnight train to Xian
Return back to Beijing in time to board the overnight train to Xian. Please note: You will be occupying four-berth, air-conditioned cabins on the train. These will be unisex. Breakfast and dinner are included.
12
Day 13, Thu 31 May 2018
Arrive Xian. Visit Terracotta Warriors & Xian Grand Mosque
One of the oldest cities in China, Xian once lay at the start of the famous Silk Road. Arriving in the city this morning, you will be transferred on to your hotel in time for breakfast and a chance to freshen up. After paying a visit to Xian's Grand Mosque, you'll then continue on to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, without doubt one of China's most revered archaeological sites. Lunch and a dumpling dinner are included today and this evening you will enjoy a performance of the renowned Tang Dynasty cultural show. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
13
Day 14, Fri 01 Jun 2018
Train to Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Today you take the 3-hour express train from Xian to Chengdu, home to the world-renowned Giant Panda. On arrival, you will be transferred to a centrally located hotel and take a tour to Kuan and Zhai Alley or the Jinli Market Street which showcases the Chengdu folk culture including the Sichuan embroidery and shadow play. (B,L,D)
14
Day 15, Sat 02 Jun 2018
Visit Pandas. Fly back to Beijing
It’s a short drive to the world renowned panda project. Set in 92 acres, the centre has created and imitated the pandas' natural habitat in order to rear and breed them. You will spend two to three hours here, then head to Chengdu for some free time before flying back to Beijing. A free evening to explore. (B, D)
15
Day 16, Sun 03 Jun 2018
Fly back to UK
There is some free time this morning before transferring to Beijing International Airport for the return flight to London, arriving later that day. (B)
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Important information about the Hong Kong, Terracotta Warriors & Pandas extension
Included:
- Overnight train to Xian. You will be booked in cabins of 4 and may require you to be in a cabin of mixed sex. To pay a supplement to secure single sex cabins a supplement will apply. Please enquire with challenges@charitychallenge.com for the additional supplement subject to availability.
- Bullet train from Xian to Chengdu
- Internal flight from Chengdu to Beijing
- All other transfers
- Accommodation on twin share basis in all hotels 4* in both Xian and Chengdu and Beijing 3*
- All sightseeing, entrances and meals as mentioned in the above itinerary
Excluded:
- Time spent in Hong Kong
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Any tips for local team (guides, drivers etc.)
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 14 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.
*Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.