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Trek Great Wall of China 2026

Take on a global adventure across an ancient wonder — all for your local hospice.

The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure in the world—a monumental feat of engineering and endurance. Stretching an astonishing 8,850 km (5,500 miles) across the rugged landscapes of northern China to the sea, it winds through mountains, valleys, and rolling hills.

This unforgettable trek takes you along a remote and less-travelled section of the Great Wall of China, from Gubeikou to Jinshanling and Simatai. You’ll walk on centuries-old pathways, some painstakingly restored and others left wild and rugged, offering a truly immersive experience of one of the world’s greatest wonders.

Throughout the trek, you’ll stay in traditional guesthouses, offering a deeper connection to local life. It’s a chance to experience authentic Chinese hospitality, learn about rural culture, and enjoy incredible home-cooked meals that showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage.

What's included?

  • Return flights from London (inc. airport taxes)
  • All transport in China
  • Accommodation (hotel in Beijing for 3 nights, guesthouses on trek for 4 nights)
  • Meals
  • English-speaking guides and support crew
  • Trek permits
  • UK Different Travel tour manager.

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Fundraising

In your fundraising journey, we will support you every step of the way, including setting up your JustGiving page and helping you find the fundraising strategy that works best for you. You will receive a fundraising pack filled with tips and advice to boost your efforts, as well as the support of your fellow Great Wall trekkers. We are immensely grateful for anyone who decides to support the hospice and want you to have a positive experience raising funds for us.

The difference you’ll make

  • Helping us to provide vital care and support services to our patients in Greenwich and Bexley, who are living with a terminal illness
  • Ensuring our community hospice can continue to deliver the highest standard of care to everyone in our community who needs it

An information evening will take place at the Community Hospice on the 11 June at 7pm. To register your interest, please email Simon.

Downloads

The trek is accompanied by local English-speaking guides who have excellent knowledge of trekking in the region. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey. You will also be supported by an excellent team of assistant staff, cooks and drivers, a Different Travel Company UK tour manager and a representative from the hospice.

The trek is rated moderate to challenging. There are many steep uphill and downhill sections to contend with, and you must be prepared to carry a daypack weighing 6-7kg. Although the distances trekked may appear short, due to the hilly terrain, it can take 6-7 hours to trek just 5km, as the ascent and descent profile each day ranges from 515m-866m.

The terrain is hilly and undulating with steep sections. You will not trek on the wall the entire time, often you will walk next to it through the countryside so be prepared for a variety of ground underfoot from the grassy, dry terrain of the countryside to the stone steps of the Great Wall. The Great Wall has been restored in some sections so you will find smooth paved ground with steps built up the hillside. In the original sections, the Wall may be crumbling, with earth and stone rubble that shifts underfoot like scree, making it challenging to climb. In general, you should expect to climb a lot of steps during the challenge so you must train with this in mind and ensure you do plenty of hill walking to prepare for the hills.

Each trek day begins with a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventure—expect a spread of hot drinks, noodles, rice, eggs, Chinese dumplings, and fresh fruit. You’ll also prepare your own packed lunch each morning, with options like sandwiches (jam or peanut butter), fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, and sweet treats such as Oreos or similar snacks. We recommend bringing a few of your favourite snacks to keep you going throughout the day.

In the evenings, you’ll return to your guesthouse for a freshly cooked traditional Chinese meal. These delicious dinners typically include a variety of rice and noodle dishes, along with meat, tofu, and seasonal vegetables—perfect for refuelling and relaxing after a day on the trail.

  • Visiting the Great Wall is a powerful journey into the past—a chance to witness the ingenuity of China’s dynasties and honour the resilience of those who once stood guard along its stone pathways.
  • Originally constructed as early as the 7th century BC, the Wall was built, rebuilt, and fortified over centuries to protect the Chinese empire from invasion.
  • China is an immense and diverse country, home to everything from sun-soaked beaches and lush jungles to towering mountains and rich wildlife.

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