After all your preparation and fundraising efforts, the adventure finally begins! Upon arrival in Beijing, a group transfer will be provided. If you are arriving separately from the main group, please make your own way to the group hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore the heart of this vibrant city—perhaps browse the colourful silk markets for a bargain or join the locals by hiring a bike to navigate the bustling backstreets. This evening, we’ll gather in the hotel lobby at approximately 6:00pm for a welcome meeting (please confirm the time with reception). Afterwards, we’ll head out to enjoy our first meal together and toast the beginning of an unforgettable journey. Overnight: Dong Fang Hotel Beijing or similar

Meals:  D

This morning, we leave Beijing behind and travel by bus to Gubeikou, located at the border of Hebei Province, where our Great Wall adventure begins. One of the most ambitious engineering feats in human history, the Great Wall stretches over 5,000 kilometers—from the Bohai Gulf in the east to Gansu Province in the west. After lunch in Gubeikou, we set out to explore a striking section of the Wall that winds along a high ridge above the township. Dotted with prominent watchtowers, this portion offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. As this section remains unrestored, it retains a rugged, untamed character with few tourists—providing an authentic and atmospheric experience. We’ll walk at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to soak up the scenery and enjoy the peacefulness of the setting. Overnight: Yeshufang Guesthouse

Meals:  B,L,D

After a hearty, locally prepared breakfast, we set off to explore a spectacular section of the Great Wall overlooking the Gubeikou Valley. Today’s walk follows the “inner circle” of the Wall—an additional line of defense built behind the main wall to bolster protection in case of attack. This unrestored stretch is rarely visited and, in parts, overgrown with wild vegetation, adding to its raw, authentic character. As we ascend, we’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the rugged, mountainous landscape surrounding us. Our route takes us to the junction with the Ming Dynasty Wall, where we’ll have time to explore and appreciate the historic structure before descending via a small trail to the village for overnight. Overnight: Guesthouse

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s trek connects the wild, unrestored Gubeikou section with the strikingly scenic Jinshanling Wall. You’ll begin with a challenging hike over uneven terrain and weathered watchtowers before briefly diverting off the Wall through rural farmland due to military restrictions. Rejoining the Wall near Jinshanling, you’ll tackle steep climbs and descend past a series of dramatic watchtowers, with panoramic views throughout. This is a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding day on one of the most beautiful sections of the Great Wall. Overnight: Jianxia Guesthouse

Meals:  B,L,D

We climb back onto the Great Wall to begin today’s journey toward Lao Dong Po, near the Simatai region. Our route takes us along the beautifully restored Jinshanling section, originally built in the 15th century. The meticulous restoration work has brought this stretch back to its former glory, offering a vivid sense of the Wall’s original scale and purpose. As we walk, the grandeur of this mighty structure becomes strikingly apparent—an awe-inspiring barrier that once stood firm against Mongol invasions. As with every day on the trek, we’ll move at a comfortable, steady pace, with plenty of time to explore, take photos, and fully absorb the remarkable history and setting of this iconic landmark. Overnight: Guesthouse

Meals:  B,L,D

We set off early this morning for a challenging hike to Wang Jing Tower—also known as Beijing Tower—perched at the summit of Mt Simatai. The climb is rugged and demanding, but our efforts are richly rewarded with sweeping views across the surrounding mountains and back towards Hebei Province. As we trek along this ancient, weathered section of the Wall, it's humbling to reflect on the sheer determination and engineering brilliance of the more than one million people—soldiers, villagers, and prisoners—who labored to build this monumental structure. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of China’s enduring history and resilience. After lunch, we transfer back to Beijing for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Dong Fang Hotel Beijing or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we enjoy a full day in Beijing, exploring some of the city’s most iconic and historically rich landmarks. We begin at the vast Tiananmen Square before entering the legendary Forbidden City—so named because it was closed to the public for over 500 years. Once the imperial residence of the Ming and Qing dynasties, this sprawling complex offers a glimpse into centuries of royal history as we wander through its grand halls and expansive courtyards. We’ll then head to the traditional courtyard district near the Bell Tower in the Hou Hai area of northern Beijing, where we’ll enjoy an authentic local lunch. Please note: If the Forbidden City is unexpectedly closed for an official visit—something that can occur with little notice—your tour leader will adjust the itinerary to ensure the site can still be visited later without missing any of the day’s planned activities. Tonight we'll celebrate the end of our incredible journey with a traditional roast Peking duck dinner at the renowned Dawanju Restaurant. Overnight: Dong Fang Hotel Beijing or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport. Thank you for supporting Barnardos Australia —your efforts will help change young lives. We hope you leave with lasting memories and a deep appreciation of the Great Wall.

Meals:  B