Press Trip - Great Wall of China Charity Trek
Beijing, 8th-15th May, 2013
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| Press trip - Great Wall Charity Trek_2013.pdf |
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1/Wednesday/8th May, 2013: Beijing
Take your international flight to Beijing and catch a taxi or airport express train to hotel. A welcome dinner will be organised at a local restaurant near the hotel.
Meals: dinner
Accommodation: King Parkview Hotel
Day 2/Thursday/9th May, 2013: Beijing-Huangyaguan (3 hours, 4km hiking)
Early in the morning at 8 am we will depart to Huangyaguan, a 3-hour journey. We will hike for 2-3 hours on the wall from Taipingzhai to Huangyaguan, and have a late lunch afterward. You’re free to explore the village in the afternoon.
The wall is completed unreconstructed at Huangyaguan section, so requires good negotiation and careful attention. It is quite solid and rough going scrambling through various scrubs and berry plants and scramble on the wall’s rubble. Originally built in 557 AD, the Huangyanguan Great Wall was repaired for the first time in Ming Dynasty with bricks and then restored again in 1985. It is 41 kilometres in length with its walls and towers built on mountain ridge with an average altitude of 738 metres. The name Huangyaguan translates to “Yellow Cliff Pass” and is named after the yellowish hills and rocks nearby. It is unique in that it has various different-shaped watchtowers. There are not many tourists in this area, as it is a remote and seldom visited location. The most unique feature here is the Street of the Eight Diagrams, an architectural wonder of the Ming Dynasty lying just below the pass. A labyrinth set up to confuse and entrap invading armies, this fortification design is based on the ancient trigrams of the Book of Changes. UNESCO placed Huangyaguan Great Wall on the UN list of the World heritage. In May each year marathon runners from around the world come here to participate in one of the world’s most demanding courses, with exhausting ascents, steep descents and more than 3,700 steps. We only walk this section once, rather than completing the circuit twice as is required of the marathon runners.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: local farmer’s guesthouse at Huangyaguan
Day 3/Friday/10th May, 2013: Great Wall at Gubeikou – Jinshanling (5 hours, 10 km hiking)
We drive for two hours to our next section of the wall, Gubeikou, from where we trek to Jingshanling (5 hrs). We will drive back to Gubeikou and stay at a local farmer's guesthouse.
Gubeikou is located 146 kilometres north of Beijing. It has the Panlong (Coiling Dragon) and Wohu (Crouching Tiger) mountains in the background and is linked to the Qingfeng (Green Wind) and Dicui (Piled Verdure) peaks. The Chaohe River runs across the foot of the wall from north to south. In 1378 (the 11th year of Emperor Hongwu's reign in the Ming Dynasty), General Xu Da ordered this section of the Great Wall rebuilt. Gubeikou has seen probably more battles than any other part of the Great wall, including some of the most famous in Chinese history. On the southern slope of Gubeikou stands a temple dedicated to Yang Ye, a famous Great Wall garrison general of the Song Dynasty. There are quite a few temples in China dedicated to this general, but this one is perhaps the oldest. Our walk takes us eastward along the old city wall, passing numerous watchtowers and other parts of the wall that have not yet been restored.
We will stay at a traditional local farmer's courtyard guesthouse at Gubeikou village which played important role in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) to defend the capital. The accommodation is twin-shared. There are 2 shared toilets and showers. We have chance to walk around the village and try home-made local farmer's food.
Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Accommodation: local farmer's guesthouse at Gubeikou village
Day 4/Saturday/11th May, 2013: Great Wall at Jinshanling - Simatai West (3 hours, 5km hiking)
We will drive to Jinshanling in 20 minutes after a typical farmer's breakfast, and start the hike at 8am. Walking eastward along the old city wall, passing numerous watchtowers and walls that have not yet been restored. Due to the recent closure of Simatai East section, we cannot walk through all the way to Simtai East. We will get off the Wall by Kylin Tower. We will come back to the same farmer’s guesthouse.
Jinshanling is the name given to an 11-kilometre section of the wall situated on the Jinshan Mountains. The earliest bit of this structure was built in the 6th Century AD, but most of what you see now dates from the Ming Dynasty. This section of the wall has 67 watchtowers, each built in a different style of architecture. The walkway along the top is paved with square bricks providing a level surface wide enough to construct or erect batteries. Poems and tablet writings can be found on the Jinshanling Great Wall left from the time General Qi Jiguang directed building of this section of the Great Wall. Barrier walls were built leading to the enemy towers to protect the towers. Some of the towers were storerooms for food, hay and weapons.
If you still feel energetic in the afternoon, we will walk another section of the Wall at Gubeikou West (Crouching Tiger Hill) for 2 hours. If the Simatai East section opens to public in May, we will walk directly from Jinshanling to Simatai (4 hours) and stay in a local farmer’s house near Simatai.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: local farmer’s guesthouse at Gubeikou village
Day 5/Sunday/12th May, 2013: Great Wall at Jiankou (4 hours, 3 km hiking)
In the morning after breakfast we will drive to Jiankou (2 hours). We will walk the Wall at Jiankou section today, and it will take about 4 hours hiking on the wall. We will start the hiking from Jiankou and then continue the hike westward to the foot of Ladders to the Heaven (or the Sky Stairs and we will skip this section). We will stay a local farmer’s guesthouse near the Wall tonight.
The Great Wall at Jiankou is completely untouched, original and authentic. The Wall was built on the narrow mountain ridges with large pieces of dolomite as basement. The superstructures are mainly bricks which were baked in the kilns in nearby villages. These watchtowers were abandoned after the Manchu people took over the power in 1644. It has superb scenery, dense vegetation and many fine watchtowers. The most difficult section of the climb is a 15-20 meter descent. The stone steps are the width of your foot and there is only a single balustrade of wall here for balance. You will be rewarded by the breathtaking scenery for your great effort. As it’s not easy to access, there are just a few hikers at weekend and holidays.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: local farmer’s guesthouse at Jiankou
Day 6/Tuesday/14th May, 2013: Jiankou - Mutianyu - Olympic Venues-Beijing (5 hrs, 10 km hiking)
Start the hiking at 8 am, and it will take 5 hours hiking on the wall. You will hike on both restored and original walls. Shorts are not recommended since you will meander through jungles and bushes. On the way back into Beijing we drive by the Olympic venues and you stop to take photos.
Jiankou to Mutianyu section offers a wonderfully satisfying experience of the Wall. It has superb scenery, dense vegetation and many fine watch-towers in an excellent restored section which is about six metres broad. The brickwork is elaborate, with crenellations on both sides and finely curved eaves on some watch-tower roofs. There are decorative gables with animal statues, and tablets bearing calligraphy above some entrances. The first one hour is going straight up and reaches the wall, and then hikes unrestored towers. The wild Wall to the west is the original Ming Dynasty with fine stonework, and there are almost no other people. You will be rewarded when you approach Zhengbeilou Tower, where you will have a breathtaking view of Jiankou section. There will be a sharp contrast when you arrive at Mutianyu with the restored wall and towers.
We will organize a unique Hotpot lunch when back to the city. Hotpot is originally from Sichuan Province and now is popular all over China. You can choose Plain or Spicy one as you like. This is also a good opportunity to practice your chopstick skills. After lunch you will refresh your tired feet with a traditional reflexology foot massage. This is sure to leave you completely relaxed after this active adventure on the Great Wall of China. Our guide will escort you back to hotel by 5pm and you’re free to organise your own dinner.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: King Parkview Hotel
Day 7/Tuesday/14th May, 2013: Beijing
In the morning we will walk to Tian’anmen Square & Forbidden City. Built in early 15th century, Forbidden City served as royal palace for almost 500 years (1421-1911) in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It covers 72 hectares and is the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. The size might surprise you, but what makes it fascinating is that every square meter is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colorful, painted ceilings.
We will finish the visit by noon. You’re free to explore some places on your own, or you may do a last minute shopping at Silk Street.
A farewell dinner is arranged at local restaurant near the hotel at 7pm.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: King Parkview Hotel
Day 8/Wednesday/15th May, 2013: Beijing
You’re free to leave anytime after breakfast in the morning.
TRIP NOTES
Trip name: Great Wall of China Charity Trek 2013
Trip code: GWCT
Trip length: 8 days
Hiking route: Huangyaguan, Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Simatai West, Jiankou, Mutianyu
Meeting point and time: 6pm at King Parkview Hotel on May 8th, 2013
King Parkview Hotel 北京华育宾馆
Tel: 86-10-58757888 电话：010-58757888
Add: No. 55, Shatanhoujie, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 10009 China. 地址：北京市东城区沙滩后街55号
Hiking duration: 3 hours on Day 1, 5 hours on Day 2, 3 hours on Day 3, 4 hours on Day 4, 5 hours on Day 5
Physical rating: ★★★★★
Group size: maximum of 12
Included:
1. air-con vehicle with experienced driver
2. personal English-speaking hiking tour guide
3. entrance fee of Great Wall & Forbidden City
4. twin-shared accommodation at hotels and local farmers’ guesthouses
5. unlimited bottled water; meals as listed in the itinerary
6. foot massage
7. a certificate of completion for hiking on the Great Wall of China
Not included:
1. travel insurance
2. cable car, chairlift, toboggan (slideway), flyingfox (zipline) or any other additional local facilities
3. personal expenses
What to take:
comfortable shoes or boots, water, snacks, sunscreen, sun-glasses, pocket knife, first aid kit, lip balm, cap
Notes:
1. You will hike the Wall from A to B every day and your belongings will go with the can/van directly to the accommodation, and you need a day pack to carry water, snacks and other stuff.
2. Travel insurance is optional and is the sole responsibility of travellers. It is strongly encouraged to have coverage of injury or accident.
3. There is no toilet along the path on the Wall. There are toilets at the entrance of Great Wall. Please prepare before hiking and always carry toilet paper by yourself.
4. Unlimited bottled waters are stored in our car/van.
5. We will bring trekking poles in our van/bus and please tell your guide if you need one.
6. Since this trip will go through jungles and bushes, then long pants with zip-off legs will be the best in summer time and shorts are not recommended.
7. You will be followed by local farmers when starting the hike on Day 3. The farmers will give you help along the way, as a reward they will sell some souvenirs. If you don’t like this, you have to say NO firmly at the beginning (MAYBE LATER does not work in Chinese culture) or just ignore them and not speak a word with them; otherwise they can be persistent and follow you all the way on the Wall.
8. It’s recommended to prepare some snacks before your departure from Beijing.
9. As responsible travelers, we “take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprint”.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY:
There’s no cost for the press trip. We will cover the ground cost as listed in the itinerary here in Beijing. However, you need to pay your international flight to Beijing.
The spaces are limited to 12 as small group will ensure the trek experience on the Great Wall.
We will require a deposit of USD100 though the trip itself is free. The deposit is required by March 15th, 2013 via Paypal. We will refund the deposit once you arrive at Beijing on May 8th, 2013. Those who cancel the trip after March 15th will lose the deposit. We want the serious people to experience the Great Wall of China.
Participants’ requirements:
1. Fundraising event organiser or manager working at charities or non-profit organisation based in UK or Australia
2. The organisation had fundraising events to Peru, Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro etc. in the past 2 years
3. The organisation is planning to find more destination for their fundraising events in future (though taking this press trip does not commit a fundraising event to the Great Wall with us)
China visa
Both British and Australian passport holders do need a visa to China. We will provide you with necessary information when applying individual visa to China as tourist.
Day 1/Wednesday/8th May, 2013: Beijing
Take your international flight to Beijing and catch a taxi or airport express train to hotel. A welcome dinner will be organised at a local restaurant near the hotel.
Meals: dinner
Accommodation: King Parkview Hotel
Day 2/Thursday/9th May, 2013: Beijing-Huangyaguan (3 hours, 4km hiking)
Early in the morning at 8 am we will depart to Huangyaguan, a 3-hour journey. We will hike for 2-3 hours on the wall from Taipingzhai to Huangyaguan, and have a late lunch afterward. You’re free to explore the village in the afternoon.
The wall is completed unreconstructed at Huangyaguan section, so requires good negotiation and careful attention. It is quite solid and rough going scrambling through various scrubs and berry plants and scramble on the wall’s rubble. Originally built in 557 AD, the Huangyanguan Great Wall was repaired for the first time in Ming Dynasty with bricks and then restored again in 1985. It is 41 kilometres in length with its walls and towers built on mountain ridge with an average altitude of 738 metres. The name Huangyaguan translates to “Yellow Cliff Pass” and is named after the yellowish hills and rocks nearby. It is unique in that it has various different-shaped watchtowers. There are not many tourists in this area, as it is a remote and seldom visited location. The most unique feature here is the Street of the Eight Diagrams, an architectural wonder of the Ming Dynasty lying just below the pass. A labyrinth set up to confuse and entrap invading armies, this fortification design is based on the ancient trigrams of the Book of Changes. UNESCO placed Huangyaguan Great Wall on the UN list of the World heritage. In May each year marathon runners from around the world come here to participate in one of the world’s most demanding courses, with exhausting ascents, steep descents and more than 3,700 steps. We only walk this section once, rather than completing the circuit twice as is required of the marathon runners.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: local farmer’s guesthouse at Huangyaguan
Day 3/Friday/10th May, 2013: Great Wall at Gubeikou – Jinshanling (5 hours, 10 km hiking)
We drive for two hours to our next section of the wall, Gubeikou, from where we trek to Jingshanling (5 hrs). We will drive back to Gubeikou and stay at a local farmer's guesthouse.
Gubeikou is located 146 kilometres north of Beijing. It has the Panlong (Coiling Dragon) and Wohu (Crouching Tiger) mountains in the background and is linked to the Qingfeng (Green Wind) and Dicui (Piled Verdure) peaks. The Chaohe River runs across the foot of the wall from north to south. In 1378 (the 11th year of Emperor Hongwu's reign in the Ming Dynasty), General Xu Da ordered this section of the Great Wall rebuilt. Gubeikou has seen probably more battles than any other part of the Great wall, including some of the most famous in Chinese history. On the southern slope of Gubeikou stands a temple dedicated to Yang Ye, a famous Great Wall garrison general of the Song Dynasty. There are quite a few temples in China dedicated to this general, but this one is perhaps the oldest. Our walk takes us eastward along the old city wall, passing numerous watchtowers and other parts of the wall that have not yet been restored.
We will stay at a traditional local farmer's courtyard guesthouse at Gubeikou village which played important role in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) to defend the capital. The accommodation is twin-shared. There are 2 shared toilets and showers. We have chance to walk around the village and try home-made local farmer's food.
Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Accommodation: local farmer's guesthouse at Gubeikou village
Day 4/Saturday/11th May, 2013: Great Wall at Jinshanling - Simatai West (3 hours, 5km hiking)
We will drive to Jinshanling in 20 minutes after a typical farmer's breakfast, and start the hike at 8am. Walking eastward along the old city wall, passing numerous watchtowers and walls that have not yet been restored. Due to the recent closure of Simatai East section, we cannot walk through all the way to Simtai East. We will get off the Wall by Kylin Tower. We will come back to the same farmer’s guesthouse.
Jinshanling is the name given to an 11-kilometre section of the wall situated on the Jinshan Mountains. The earliest bit of this structure was built in the 6th Century AD, but most of what you see now dates from the Ming Dynasty. This section of the wall has 67 watchtowers, each built in a different style of architecture. The walkway along the top is paved with square bricks providing a level surface wide enough to construct or erect batteries. Poems and tablet writings can be found on the Jinshanling Great Wall left from the time General Qi Jiguang directed building of this section of the Great Wall. Barrier walls were built leading to the enemy towers to protect the towers. Some of the towers were storerooms for food, hay and weapons.
If you still feel energetic in the afternoon, we will walk another section of the Wall at Gubeikou West (Crouching Tiger Hill) for 2 hours. If the Simatai East section opens to public in May, we will walk directly from Jinshanling to Simatai (4 hours) and stay in a local farmer’s house near Simatai.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: local farmer’s guesthouse at Gubeikou village
Day 5/Sunday/12th May, 2013: Great Wall at Jiankou (4 hours, 3 km hiking)
In the morning after breakfast we will drive to Jiankou (2 hours). We will walk the Wall at Jiankou section today, and it will take about 4 hours hiking on the wall. We will start the hiking from Jiankou and then continue the hike westward to the foot of Ladders to the Heaven (or the Sky Stairs and we will skip this section). We will stay a local farmer’s guesthouse near the Wall tonight.
The Great Wall at Jiankou is completely untouched, original and authentic. The Wall was built on the narrow mountain ridges with large pieces of dolomite as basement. The superstructures are mainly bricks which were baked in the kilns in nearby villages. These watchtowers were abandoned after the Manchu people took over the power in 1644. It has superb scenery, dense vegetation and many fine watchtowers. The most difficult section of the climb is a 15-20 meter descent. The stone steps are the width of your foot and there is only a single balustrade of wall here for balance. You will be rewarded by the breathtaking scenery for your great effort. As it’s not easy to access, there are just a few hikers at weekend and holidays.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: local farmer’s guesthouse at Jiankou
Day 6/Tuesday/14th May, 2013: Jiankou - Mutianyu - Olympic Venues-Beijing (5 hrs, 10 km hiking)
Start the hiking at 8 am, and it will take 5 hours hiking on the wall. You will hike on both restored and original walls. Shorts are not recommended since you will meander through jungles and bushes. On the way back into Beijing we drive by the Olympic venues and you stop to take photos.
Jiankou to Mutianyu section offers a wonderfully satisfying experience of the Wall. It has superb scenery, dense vegetation and many fine watch-towers in an excellent restored section which is about six metres broad. The brickwork is elaborate, with crenellations on both sides and finely curved eaves on some watch-tower roofs. There are decorative gables with animal statues, and tablets bearing calligraphy above some entrances. The first one hour is going straight up and reaches the wall, and then hikes unrestored towers. The wild Wall to the west is the original Ming Dynasty with fine stonework, and there are almost no other people. You will be rewarded when you approach Zhengbeilou Tower, where you will have a breathtaking view of Jiankou section. There will be a sharp contrast when you arrive at Mutianyu with the restored wall and towers.
We will organize a unique Hotpot lunch when back to the city. Hotpot is originally from Sichuan Province and now is popular all over China. You can choose Plain or Spicy one as you like. This is also a good opportunity to practice your chopstick skills. After lunch you will refresh your tired feet with a traditional reflexology foot massage. This is sure to leave you completely relaxed after this active adventure on the Great Wall of China. Our guide will escort you back to hotel by 5pm and you’re free to organise your own dinner.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: King Parkview Hotel
Day 7/Tuesday/14th May, 2013: Beijing
In the morning we will walk to Tian’anmen Square & Forbidden City. Built in early 15th century, Forbidden City served as royal palace for almost 500 years (1421-1911) in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It covers 72 hectares and is the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. The size might surprise you, but what makes it fascinating is that every square meter is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colorful, painted ceilings.
We will finish the visit by noon. You’re free to explore some places on your own, or you may do a last minute shopping at Silk Street.
A farewell dinner is arranged at local restaurant near the hotel at 7pm.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: King Parkview Hotel
Day 8/Wednesday/15th May, 2013: Beijing
You’re free to leave anytime after breakfast in the morning.
TRIP NOTES
Trip name: Great Wall of China Charity Trek 2013
Trip code: GWCT
Trip length: 8 days
Hiking route: Huangyaguan, Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Simatai West, Jiankou, Mutianyu
Meeting point and time: 6pm at King Parkview Hotel on May 8th, 2013
King Parkview Hotel 北京华育宾馆
Tel: 86-10-58757888 电话：010-58757888
Add: No. 55, Shatanhoujie, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 10009 China. 地址：北京市东城区沙滩后街55号
Hiking duration: 3 hours on Day 1, 5 hours on Day 2, 3 hours on Day 3, 4 hours on Day 4, 5 hours on Day 5
Physical rating: ★★★★★
Group size: maximum of 12
Included:
1. air-con vehicle with experienced driver
2. personal English-speaking hiking tour guide
3. entrance fee of Great Wall & Forbidden City
4. twin-shared accommodation at hotels and local farmers’ guesthouses
5. unlimited bottled water; meals as listed in the itinerary
6. foot massage
7. a certificate of completion for hiking on the Great Wall of China
Not included:
1. travel insurance
2. cable car, chairlift, toboggan (slideway), flyingfox (zipline) or any other additional local facilities
3. personal expenses
What to take:
comfortable shoes or boots, water, snacks, sunscreen, sun-glasses, pocket knife, first aid kit, lip balm, cap
Notes:
1. You will hike the Wall from A to B every day and your belongings will go with the can/van directly to the accommodation, and you need a day pack to carry water, snacks and other stuff.
2. Travel insurance is optional and is the sole responsibility of travellers. It is strongly encouraged to have coverage of injury or accident.
3. There is no toilet along the path on the Wall. There are toilets at the entrance of Great Wall. Please prepare before hiking and always carry toilet paper by yourself.
4. Unlimited bottled waters are stored in our car/van.
5. We will bring trekking poles in our van/bus and please tell your guide if you need one.
6. Since this trip will go through jungles and bushes, then long pants with zip-off legs will be the best in summer time and shorts are not recommended.
7. You will be followed by local farmers when starting the hike on Day 3. The farmers will give you help along the way, as a reward they will sell some souvenirs. If you don’t like this, you have to say NO firmly at the beginning (MAYBE LATER does not work in Chinese culture) or just ignore them and not speak a word with them; otherwise they can be persistent and follow you all the way on the Wall.
8. It’s recommended to prepare some snacks before your departure from Beijing.
9. As responsible travelers, we “take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprint”.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY:
There’s no cost for the press trip. We will cover the ground cost as listed in the itinerary here in Beijing. However, you need to pay your international flight to Beijing.
The spaces are limited to 12 as small group will ensure the trek experience on the Great Wall.
We will require a deposit of USD100 though the trip itself is free. The deposit is required by March 15th, 2013 via Paypal. We will refund the deposit once you arrive at Beijing on May 8th, 2013. Those who cancel the trip after March 15th will lose the deposit. We want the serious people to experience the Great Wall of China.
Participants’ requirements:
1. Fundraising event organiser or manager working at charities or non-profit organisation based in UK or Australia
2. The organisation had fundraising events to Peru, Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro etc. in the past 2 years
3. The organisation is planning to find more destination for their fundraising events in future (though taking this press trip does not commit a fundraising event to the Great Wall with us)
China visa
Both British and Australian passport holders do need a visa to China. We will provide you with necessary information when applying individual visa to China as tourist.
CONTACT US
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Gary Lee
Founder and Director Email: info@greatwallcharitytrek.com travelchinagroup@gmail.com
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