All About The Great Wall of China Challenge

We have been working with Faith in Families Swansea (who are taking on this challenge next April) for several years, and we know what their participants want. They are generally a pretty fit, hillwalking bunch, looking for a challenge (they are going to be training on Swansea's Constitution Hill!). 

When the idea of the Great Wall of China was floated to them, the initial response was 'maybe, but is that *really* a challenge?'. The distances seem fairly short compared with other Tribal Tracks itineraries. Think the 32 km trek on day two of our Sahara 100km trek, versus the 5- 10 km days in this Great Wall itinerary. These are both challenges for different reasons. That 32km is a long day on hard, flat ground - the China Great Wall 8km could consist of large steps up and down. One section of the Great Wall consists of 107 steep steps up, followed by 120 steep steps down. Imagine walking up 8 flights of (big!) stairs at home, then immediately 9 flights down - you won't have gained much distance, but your legs are sure to be feeling the burn. Now do this for the remaining 4-9km of your walk, and you can see where we're coming from. Of course, some days are easier than others, and much of our trek is on the ancient/unmaintained sections of the wall, where steps are replaced with loose stones and broken rocks, where walking poles are essential.

The wall has little shade or cover, aside from the watchtowers and some sections of forest, so there is little shelter from the wind, or shade from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat will really help you out here, and we advise you to carry at least two litres of water per day plus essentials like suncream, a cooling towel/buff and some snacks in your bag.

So in short, yes, this is a challenge that you will need to prepare for — you are going to be doing a lot of ascents and descents in weather that could be a still 25 degrees one day or a windy 5 degrees the next. The climbs can be steep and long and some sections require some scrambling and careful footwork. You can be safe in the knowledge that you will earn every penny of your sponsorship money and that your training will all be worthwhile.

• We removed the Mutiyanu section of the wall from the trek - it's now too busy to be part of a 'challenge' trek, although we might finish here on our final day
• We shifted some of the trek days around so we don't have to do as many timely police checkpoints
• Upgraded the 'challenge level' from less challenging to intermediate. Anyone who has trained can do it, but you'll fail without putting in prior effort
• Ensured the treks were challenging enough - for the most part, they already were, but now they are an achievable but real challenge
• Added some additions to the Beijing days that bookend the trek, including an Acrobatics show and a traditional Beijing hotpot
• Upgraded the hotel in Beijing on the last two nights in Beijing to something a little more luxurious (you deserve it after the trek!) at no extra cost to our clients
• Amended one of the guesthouses that we didn't feel met our client's standards to a more suitable guesthouse 
• Updated the kit list to make walking poles and a wide-brimmed hat essential, removed sleeping bag (camping no longer allowed anywhere on the wall)
• Generally learnt a lot more about 'how things work' now in terms of Chinese visa application (see our guide here), security protocols/ airport checks, techhy tips etc.

I'll level with you, before this trek, I was never 'excited' about trekking on the Great Wall. I prefer quiet destinations, and my preconceived idea of The Great Wall is that it just full of people looking for a quick snap of the wall to tick it off their bucket list and not a lot else. Records have indicated that one particular section of the wall receives up to 70,000 visitors a day - nightmarish! Thankfully, I was proved very wrong. Yes, those places exist, but Tribal Tracks has a carefully planned route that took me (and will take our clients) to the quieter and wilder parts of the wall for a more authentic experience, with sections of the wall that have either been respectfully maintained (or not maintained at all!). On my five-day trek, I could count the number of other travellers I saw on one hand, no, really! We can't promise it will be this quiet when all of our groups travel, but we can guarantee it won't be too far off. The distances and timings below are approximate, they will change depending on the speed of the group and factors like the weather and overgrowth on the path.

The Great Wall Trek takes place over five different sections of the Great Wall in two different provinces and several districts. The wall is not one continuous wall, rather sections between natural landmarks (that already acted as natural 'walls') so there is some driving between sections, and to and from daily start and end points. A continuous walk of the wall does not exist.

As mentioned above, post recce, we upgraded this trek from 'less challenging' to intermediate — suitable for fit regular walkers who may or may not have prior trekking experience. There will be consecutive days spent in basic guest house accommodation, but you will have all the facilities you need (including western toilets). There are few to no toilet facilities on or next to the wall during trek days. The ones that are there are generally best avoided - see our 'When Nature Calls' blog for alternative 'arrangements'.

Trek day 1: Taipingzhai to Quiangang ancient village via Huangyaguan. Trek 10km/6.5-7 hrs. The longest day distance-wise, starting at a maintained section of the wall with lots of steps down and up (including the 302-step Sky Ladder, which we ascend). After which we break for lunch. We descend to an ancient 'wild' and unmaintained section of the wall (where it is hard to imagine it being the Great Wall at all!). 

Trek day 2: After a private transfer, we tackle the Xi Gou section of the Great Wall 4.6 km/4 hrs, the shortest distance day on the oldest section of the Great Wall from the Ming Dynasty. It is completely unrestored and wild. The challenge here is a long, steep ascent at the start of the day, with lots of loose rocks on the descents. It's unlikely you will see anyone else. 

Trek day 3: Jinshanling West to East- 8km / 5 hours - one of the most beautiful sections of the wall with many watch towers and barrier walls (walls within the wall). Because of its beauty, it is one of the more popular 'wild sections', but it is a three-hour drive from Beijing, so still comparatively (to the likes of Mutiyani and Badaling), far fewer tourists.

Trek day 4: Another long day - Gubeikou to Nr Jinshanling West 5.5 km, 4 hrs approx & Wangjinglou Tower 3.1 km, 3 hrs approx. Gubeikou (originally named 'Beikou' - 'Northern Pass') is known for its rugged beauty. It traverses a rugged and mountainous landscape and has never been reconstructed. After lunch, we will climb to Wangjinglou Tower (tower 16), the highest tower at Simatai. You will have stunning views and be able to look into the distance to some of the Great Wall that you've already trekked.

Trek day 5: Jianko to Beigo (8km/4hrs to Beigou or 10km/5hrs if continuing to Mutianyu). Today's trek, which runs along the top of jagged mountain, features rugged terrain and some steep sections. It is often considered the most precarious section of the Great Wall, but it is also one of the most scenic.

The first couple of nights will be spent in a basic but comfortable hotel in Beijing. It has everything we need we need to get a good few nights rest after exploring the sights. There is a communal courtyard for relaxing in in the evening.

Throughout the trek, you will stay in guest houses (sometimes known as farmhouses). Most of the guesthouses belong to farmers or local villagers. They are basic but have western toilets and showers. Expect the beds to be harder than you are used to (this is how the locals like them!). They certainly aren't uncomfortable, though. The food in the homestays is delicious throughout. Remember to give us plenty of notice of any dietary requirements. Everything can be catered for, as long as we know well in advance.

For the last two nights in Beijing, we have booked a more upmarket (Chinese 4*) hotel for a little bit of well-deserved luxury after your trek.

This expedition is to trek the Great Wall of China, however, when you've gone all the way to China, we're sure you want to see some of the typical highlights.

On your first night (flight time dependent), you'll see an acrobatics show in a local theatre. On your full city tour day, we have included a visit to Tiananmen Square first thing, then Forbidden Palace then Jinshang Park. Lunch in the locals' favorite noodle restaurant followed by a visit to the Temple of Heaven complex.

The day after you return to Beijing, we will take you to see The Summer Palace and you'll have a traditional Beijing Hotpot in the city.

Note that the above are all the 'typical' sights, so will likely be very busy - unlike your experience on the wall.

On your final day, you will have time to explore at leisure.

Read the full itinerary and book here!