Your challenge day by day
Day 1, Sat 26 Mar 2022
International departure from London
Your fundraising and training is about to pay off as the big day has finally arrived. Wave goodbye to family and friends and board your overnight flight to Beijing, where your challenge begins.
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Day 2, Sun 27 Mar 2022
Arrival Beijing and transfer to the Wall area
Ni Hao, welcome to China!
Your local Charity Challenge guide will be on hand at the airport to welcome you and organise your road transfer to the first night's accommodation. In the evening, you will gather together for a trek briefing and inaugural team dinner to prepare for your incredible adventure.
Accommodation: Lodge
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Day 3, Mon 28 Mar 2022
Jinshanling Loop (approximately 5-6 hours)
Today, after a short group warm up, your trek on the wall will begin. After just a few kilometres, you will leave behind the tourists and reach an original section of the wall. Its steep, crumbling staircases will provide a fitting introduction to the enormity of the challenge ahead. Be sure to count the watchtowers as you pass through them and take time to look back and see what you have achieved. Tonight, you will get the chance to rest your weary legs at the lodge before getting a good night’s sleep.
Accommodation: Lodge
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Day 4, Tue 29 Mar 2022
Gubeikou Gateway (approximately 7-8 hours)
This is the longest day of the challenge so get ready to push yourself to the limits! Today you will take on the demanding Gubeikou section of the wall, which begins with a steady climb on uneven ground, past several time-worn watchtowers. Gubeikou was once the site of incessant warfare and was heavily guarded leading to an interesting variety of defence structures. This part of the wall offers fantastic panoramic views over rural China so be sure to have your camera to hand. A short transfer at the end of the day will take you to your lodge where a delicious evening meal will await you.
Accommodation: Lodge
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Day 5, Wed 30 Mar 2022
Mutianyu section (approximately 5 hours)
Today follows the Mutianyu section of the wall and will see you taking on the "Heavenly Staircase".
You will begin the day with a steep climb up towards the first watchtower on this section before following this along to the Heavenly Staircase. Once at the top, you can bask in the glory of the truly breath-taking scenery around you and take advantage of being on one of the quieter sections of the wall. Given the number of stairs and the scale of the climb, today will test even the fittest of legs. After leaving the wall, you will head back to the lodge with a sense of achievement, after successfully completing one of the more demanding days of the trip.
Accommodation: Lodge
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Day 6, Thu 31 Mar 2022
Huanghuacheng (approximately 5 hours)
Challenging yet unforgettable, the Huanghuacheng section is one of the most exciting parts of the wall.
From the small village of Xishuiyu, you will take a trail through thick forest to reach the entry point onto the wall. Overgrown, undulating and steep in places, today's section boasts a spectacular backdrop of the surrounding mountains, the Xishuiyu Reservoir and the Little West Lake. You will need to take care today as this unrestored section can often be loose under foot. Once you have soaked up the view, you will head down for your transfer to your overnight accommodation and enjoy a well-earned drink.
Accommodation: Lodge
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Day 7, Fri 01 Apr 2022
Badaling (approximately 5 hours)
Today’s trek will take you to the best preserved and most complete section of the wall. With classic views of the wall winding its way over the hills and into the distance, there will be plenty of perfect photo opportunities along the way. After conquering the final watchtower of the day, it will be time to leave this impressive fortification behind you and head back to Beijing. Once settled back in the capital, you will enjoy an evening meal with your fellow trekkers and new-found friends.
Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 8, Sat 02 Apr 2022
Full day city tour of Beijing
With the hard work done, it will be time to 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
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Day 9, Sun 03 Apr 2022
Beijing to London
It’s time to bid a fond farewell to China and make your way to the airport for your morning flight home. Filled with a profound sense of pride and a wish that the adventure could continue, you will 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 03 Apr 2022
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. (B, D)
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Day 10, Mon 04 Apr 2022
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. (B, L, D)
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Day 11, Tue 05 Apr 2022
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 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. (B)
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Day 12, Wed 06 Apr 2022
Morning in Beijing, Afternoon Flight Home
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. (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 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 03 Apr 2022
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. (B, D)
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Day 10, Mon 04 Apr 2022
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. (B, L, D)
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Day 11, Tue 05 Apr 2022
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. (B, D)
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Day 12, Wed 06 Apr 2022
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. (B, L)
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Day 13, Thu 07 Apr 2022
Morning in Beijing, Afternoon Flight Home
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. (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 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.
