© 2025 Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility (Faith in Families) Registered charity no.: 1095035
Great Wall of China 2026 Challenge
Join us on the adventure of a lifetime as we embark on a breathtaking trek across the Great Wall of China to raise vital funds for Faith in Families. This bucket-list challenge will take you through five stunning sections of the Great Wall, where you’ll experience a mix of rugged, wild landscapes and well-preserved historic sites.
Over five days, we will cover approximately 30km of varying terrain, staying in local farmhouses, enjoying delicious Chinese cuisine, and immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture of this iconic wonder.
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Departure & Arrival in Beijing
Your adventure begins as we depart for Beijing. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner, getting to know our fellow trekkers and learning more about the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2: Beijing Exploration & Warm-up Hike
Start the day with a guided tour of Beijing’s highlights, including the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. In the afternoon, we’ll stretch our legs with a warm-up hike at the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, known for its breathtaking views over a reservoir. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 3: Gubeikou to Jinshanling – Into the Wild
Our first full trekking day begins! We’ll follow an unrestored section of the Great Wall, with stunning, rugged terrain and panoramic mountain views. This less-visited area offers an authentic experience, free from large crowds. We’ll overnight in a traditional farmhouse.
Day 4: Jinshanling to Simatai West – Ancient Watchtowers
Today’s trek takes us through one of the most scenic parts of the Great Wall, with its well-preserved watchtowers and stunning mountain backdrops. We’ll traverse a mix of restored and wild sections, capturing incredible photos along the way before resting at a local guesthouse.
Day 5: Mutianyu – Iconic Beauty
Mutianyu is one of the most famous and beautifully restored sections of the Wall. Expect steep climbs and rewarding views. A thrilling optional toboggan ride awaits those looking for a fun descent! We’ll spend the evening in a nearby village guesthouse.
Day 6: Jiankou – The Ultimate Challenge
A truly wild and dramatic section of the Wall, Jiankou is famed for its steep, untamed beauty. This is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding trek, leading us through dense forest trails and exposed ridges. Overnight in a cozy farmhouse.
Day 7: Final Trek & Return to Beijing
Our last day of trekking takes us through a final stretch of the Wall, allowing us time to soak in the accomplishment of this incredible journey. We’ll then return to Beijing for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Day 8: Free Time & Departure
Enjoy some leisure time in Beijing for shopping or exploring before transferring to the airport for our flight home. Depart with unforgettable memories and a huge sense of achievement!
This trek is both a physical and personal challenge, but with the right preparation, it is achievable for anyone with a good level of fitness. Your efforts will help us continue to support children and families in Swansea who are facing poverty, crisis, and trauma.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a real impact while creating unforgettable memories.
Why Take on This Challenge for Faith in Families?
✨By taking part in this incredible adventure, you’ll be making a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Swansea who need it most. Faith in Families provides essential support through Community Cwtches and Wales’ first Multibank, helping those facing poverty, crisis, and trauma. Our services include parent and toddler groups, 1-2-1 child therapy, parental and child support, outreach work, and home support—transforming lives every single day. Your fundraising will help us continue to provide these crucial services, ensuring children have access to the care, resources, and opportunities they deserve. Every step you take on the Great Wall will be a step towards a brighter future for those in need.
Interesting Facts About the Great Wall of China:
- The Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles (21,196 km), making it the longest man-made structure in the world!
- It was built over 2,000 years ago, with construction starting as early as the 7th century BC.
- Contrary to popular belief, you cannot see the Great Wall from space with the naked eye!
- The wall was built to protect China from invasions but also served as a trade route and communication network.
- Some of the most scenic and untouched sections of the wall remain hidden from mainstream tourism—exactly where our trek will take you!
