Bucket List
A once-in-a-lifetime challenge experience.
Overview
Difficult
October
7 days
China
China Wild Wall 2027
AED 9,600
About The
Challenge
9–17 October 2027 | 9 Days | 4 Trekking Days | Moderate to Challenging
AED 9,600 per person
You know the Great Wall.
But probably not like this.
This nine-day challenge takes you beyond Beijing and away from the busiest tourist sections to explore some of the Great Wall of China's quieter, wilder and more spectacular stretches on foot.
Across four trekking days, you'll hike approximately 27–34km, following ancient Wall through open mountain landscapes, original watchtowers, restored and semi-restored sections and rugged trails.
The journey begins at Gubeikou, continues along the spectacular ridges around Jinshanling and Simatai, and builds towards the finale at Jiankou — one of the most dramatic and adventurous sections of the Wild Wall.
Expect around 3–5 hours of trekking each day, with ascents, descents, uneven surfaces and plenty of steps.
But China is much more than the Wall.
You'll also have time to discover Beijing, with visits including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, before stepping away from the city for several nights near the Wall.
A dedicated day has also been reserved for Gulf for Good's charity/community project, with the partner and programme currently being finalised.
Then it's back to Beijing for a final day and planned celebration dinner before heading home.
Nine days. Four days on the Wall. And a side of China most visitors never experience.
Challenge Highlights
Trek approximately 27–34km on the Great Wall
Explore the quieter Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Simatai and Jiankouareas
Walk wild, original, semi-restored and restored sections of the Wall
Pass ancient watchtowers and follow spectacular mountain ridges
Stay in local guesthouses near the Great Wall
Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park
Dedicate a day to Gulf for Good's charity/community project
Travel with an English-speaking guide and experienced local trekking support
Challenge Details
Itinerary
Day 1 | Saturday 9 October — Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, where you'll be met at the airport and transferred privately to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is deliberately easy, giving you time to rest after your journey.
Depending on arrival times and how everyone is feeling, there may be an opportunity for a gentle evening walk before meeting the group for dinner.
Day 2 | Sunday 10 October — Beijing Cultural Day
Before heading for the mountains, spend a day discovering some of Beijing's most important cultural landmarks.
Visit Tiananmen Square before exploring the extraordinary Forbidden City, once the imperial palace at the heart of China. Continue to Jingshan Park, offering a very different perspective over Beijing and the Forbidden City.
Depending on timings, there may also be an opportunity to experience one of Beijing's traditional hutong neighbourhoods.
Day 3 | Monday 11 October — Great Wall Trek 1: Gubeikou → Jinshanling
Leave Beijing behind and travel towards Gubeikou, where your Great Wall trek gets underway.
Today's route offers a wonderful introduction to the challenge, combining quieter trails, original watchtowers and expansive mountain views.
Walk towards Jinshanling, experiencing a much less developed side of the Wall than the sections most visitors encounter around Beijing.
Approximate trekking: 8–10km / 4-5 hours and elevation gain of 400–500m
Tonight you'll stay in a local guesthouse near Jinshanling.
Day 4 | Tuesday 12 October — Great Wall Trek 2: Jinshanling Ridge
Wake up close to the Wall and head out for another day on foot.
Today's trek follows the spectacular Jinshanling ridge, combining restored and semi-restored sections with watchtowers and long views across the surrounding mountains.
It's one of the most scenic and photogenic parts of the challenge — and another full day of Great Wall walking.
Approximate trekking: 8–9km / 4-5 hours with an elevation gain of 450–550m.
Overnight near the East Gate in a local mountain guesthouse.
Day 5 | Wednesday 13 October — Great Wall Trek 3: Jinshanling / Simatai Area
Day three of the trek is deliberately a little gentler.
You'll continue exploring the Jinshanling/Simatai area, with another beautiful stretch of Wall, mountain scenery and plenty of opportunities to stop, look around and appreciate where you actually are.
The shorter distance gives your legs a slightly easier day ahead of tomorrow's Wild Wall finale.
Approximate trekking: 5–7km / 3–4 hours with an elevation gain of 300–400m.
Spend another night near the Wall.
Day 6 | Thursday 14 October — Great Wall Trek 4: Jiankou | General Guard Pass → Sky Stairs
Your fourth trekking day takes you to Jiankou, one of the more rugged and adventurous sections of the Wild Wall.
Today's route runs from General Guard Pass towards the Sky Stairs, taking you across steeper, rougher terrain and providing a fitting conclusion to four days of Great Wall trekking.
Experienced local trekking support will accompany the group, with safety the priority throughout.
The exact route may be adjusted if weather or local conditions require.
Approximate trekking: 6–8km / 4-5 hours and elevation gain of 500-650m.
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
After completing the trek, transfer back to Beijing.
Day 7 | Friday 15 October — Charity & Community Project Day
Gulf for Good is currently working to identify an appropriate charity/community partner and project in or around Beijing.
Transport and local logistics will be arranged once the project is confirmed.
Full details will be shared once the 2027 charity partnership has been finalised.
Day 8 | Saturday 16 October — Beijing & Celebration
Today may include additional sightseeing, a local neighbourhood or food experience, or simply some free time to explore Beijing at your own pace.
In the evening, the plan is to bring everyone together for a celebration dinner and certificate presentation — a chance to look back on nine days of adventure, impact and quite a lot of Great Wall steps.
Final Day 8 programme and celebration dinner arrangements will be confirmed before departure.
Day 9 | Sunday 17 October — Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your private transfer to Beijing airport, scheduled around the group's flight arrangements.
The Charity & Your Impact
For the China Wild Wall Challenge, Day 7 has been deliberately reserved for the charity/community project connected to the challenge.
Further information will be shared with participants once the partnership and project have been finalised.
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