Your challenge day by day
Day 1, Sat 12 Sep 2020
International departure from Glasgow
Embrace the uncertainty as you head to the airport to begin this incredible adventure and join the rest of the group for this trek of a lifetime.
1
Day 2, Sun 13 Sep 2020
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.
Accommodation: Lodge
2
Day 3, Mon 14 Sep 2020
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.
Accommodation: Lodge
3
Day 4, Tue 15 Sep 2020
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.
Accommodation: Lodge
4
Day 5, Wed 16 Sep 2020
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.
Accommodation: Lodge
5
Day 6, Thu 17 Sep 2020
Huanghuacheng (approximately 5 hours)
From the small village of Xishuiyu, the trail meanders through thick forest to the tree-line and the start of your 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.
Accommodation: Lodge
6
Day 7, Fri 18 Sep 2020
Shi Xia (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.
Accommodation: Hotel
7
Day 8, Sat 19 Sep 2020
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 Tiantan 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.
Accommodation: Hotel
8
Day 9, Sun 20 Sep 2020
Beijing to Glasgow
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.
9
Day 9, Sun 20 Sep 2020
Free day in Beijing and Board the Overnight Train to Xian
The day is yours to explore Beijing. There is a possibility of joining an optional tour to the majestic Summer Palace, described by UNESCO as a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Alternatively, you could visit one of the city's bustling markets to load up on souvenirs for family and friends. An early dinner precedes the boarding of 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.
9
Day 10, Mon 21 Sep 2020
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 to the Terracotta Warriors Museum - without doubt, one of China's most revered archaeological sites. Each superbly sculpted warrior, complete with it’s own unique and distinct expression, adds to this truly spectacular sight. In the evening, you will enjoy a dumpling dinner and a performance of the renowned Tang Dynasty cultural show. The captivating and colourful show will be sure to leave a lasting impression on you. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
10
Day 11, Tue 22 Sep 2020
Yangling Tomb & Afternoon in Beijing
Following breakfast, you will pay a visit to the 2,000 year-old Yangling 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 the freedom to enjoy the rich, culinary diversity the city has to offer. Breakfast is included.
11
Day 12, Wed 23 Sep 2020
Morning in Beijing, Afternoon Flight to UK
Now it’s time for you to wave farewell to China and return home to share your photos and stories with friends and family. After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your international flight, arriving at London Heathrow the same day.
12
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 within the itinerary
• 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 Summer Palace tour 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, flight and ground availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. Occasionally, 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. Extensions are not part of the main challenge. If we cannot offer an extension for any reason and you wish to cancel your challenge due to unavailability, Charity Challenge’s full terms and conditions will still apply.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, we will try to accommodate you in a room with someone of the same gender. If this is not possible, you will be charged a single supplement of £120.
* 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 20 Sep 2020
Free day in Beijing and Board the Overnight Train to Xian
The day is yours to explore Beijing. There is a possibility of joining an optional tour to the majestic Summer Palace, described by UNESCO as a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Alternatively, you could visit one of the city's bustling markets to load up on souvenirs for family and friends. An early dinner precedes the boarding of 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.
9
Day 10, Mon 21 Sep 2020
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 to the Terracotta Warriors Museum - without doubt, one of China's most revered archaeological sites. Each superbly sculpted warrior, complete with it’s own unique and distinct expression adds together to create a truly spectacular sight. In the evening you will enjoy a dumpling dinner and a performance of the renowned Tang Dynasty cultural show. The captivating and colourful show will be sure to leave a lasting impression on you. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
10
Day 11, Tue 22 Sep 2020
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. From there, 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. Dinner is included tonight so sit back and enjoy your evening meal before your big day visiting the pandas tomorrow. Breakfast and dinner are included.
11
Day 12, Wed 23 Sep 2020
Visit Pandas. Fly back to Beijing
Today, 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. Here, you can watch the giant pandas eat, sleep and play, whilst also getting the chance to meet other breeds such as the red panda. After spending two to three hours with your new furry friends, you will head back to Chengdu for some free time before flying back to Beijing. Once back in the capital, there will be free time for you to explore the city and pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Dinner is not included tonight, allowing you the freedom to choose your last evening meal in China. Breakfast and lunch are included.
12
Day 13, Thu 24 Sep 2020
Fly back to UK
After breakfast, there will be some free time before transferring to Beijing International Airport for the return flight to London. You will arrive back to the UK later that same day.
13
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 included in the itinerary
• 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, flight and ground availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. Occasionally, 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. Extensions are not part of the main challenge. If we cannot offer an extension for any reason and you wish to cancel your challenge due to unavailability, Charity Challenge’s full terms and conditions will still apply.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, we will try to accommodate you in a room with someone of the same gender. If this is not possible, you will be charged a single supplement of £120
*Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.