Embark on a four-day trek along the iconic Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and help improve outcomes for head and neck cancer patients.
18 – 24 September 2025
Travel Dates
NZD$430 $265
Registration Fee
NZD$2,840
Trip Cost
Paid upfront or in instalments
3/5
Challenge Grade
NZD$3,000
Fundraising Target
Early bird offer: sign up before 11 November 2024 and save $165 on your registration fee!
The Difference You'll Make
Head and neck cancers are the sixth most common cancer worldwide, significantly impacting quality of life due to harsh treatments that can lead to disfigurement and lifelong difficulties with eating and speaking.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, these cancers are on the rise, making advancements in research crucial for better prevention, detection, and treatment.
Join us on an unforgettable trek along the Great Wall of China, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together. Explore unrestored sections of the Wall, visit iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, and enjoy scenic hikes through Jinshanling and Mutianyu —while raising vital funds for the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation Aotearoa.
Your participation will support groundbreaking research, providing resources for prevention and care, and advocating for strategies that improve patient outcomes. By taking part, you’ll help fund innovative research, promote awareness, and make a meaningful difference in the fight against head and neck cancers.
How it works
FLEXIBLE BOOKINGS
Make a difference
Commit to raising the minimum fundraising target and make a positive difference to worthwhile causes.
You'll be supported by our team of fundraising experts to reach and exceed your fundraising goals.
Be part of a team
Join like-minded travellers, and representatives from the charity, all united in their adventurous spirit and commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Make lifelong friends during a shared challenge experience.
Trip notes
PLEASE NOTE: The travel team recommends that you arrive into Beijing International Airport no later than 4 pm on Day 1 so you can make it in time for the welcome briefing in the evening.
On your descent into Beijing Capital International Airport or Daxing international airport, you are treated to a birds-eye view of this ever-expanding city. Upon arrival, please make your own way to the hotel. Today is free for your leisure to relax after your long-haul flight or to explore this bustling city. We will gather in the evening at 7pm in the hotel lobby for our welcome briefing.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Nil
After breakfast, we transfer to the western square of Ming ancient city wall relics for some morning Tai Chi - the perfect immersion into traditional Chinese culture. Then, we set off to visit Tiananmen Square, which is the cultural and political center of China and continue on to the Forbidden City. This is a great complex that served as the Chinese Imperial Palace for 600 years during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After lunch, we will trek up to Jingshan hill which offers a bird’s eye view of the yellow roofed Forbidden City.
The Hutong Tour will be our last activity for the day, where we learn about daily life in Beijing followed by our first group dinner together.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: B L D
Today skyscrapers make way for fields and farmlands, as we bid farewell to Beijing and head to the Great Wall at Taipingzhai Gate. En route, we stop at The Dule Temple (Temple of Solitary Joy), which is a Buddhist temple located in Jizhou District of suburban Tianjin. The temple is of historical and architectural significance. Its oldest surviving buildings are two timber-frame structures - the front gate and the central hall (pavilion) that houses a colossal clay statue of the Eleven-Headed manifestation of the Bodhisattva Guanyin (Avalokiteśvara). Both structures date back to the Liao dynasty (984 AD) and are among the oldest surviving wooden buildings in China.
After an early lunch, it’s time to begin our trek! From Taipingzhai Gate, we follow the winding back of the Great Wall to Huangyaguan, one of the most strategically important sections of the wall, as Huangyaguan is almost entirely unrestored. We will trek slowly, paying close attention to every step, especially when we reach Eight Diagram Street, a maze-like structure originally designed to confuse and eventually capture invading armies. This evening, we enjoy dinner together and an early night after our first day on the wall.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Transfer time: 2.5 hours
Trekking distance: 2.5km
Meals: B L D
This morning we wake to the Great Wall towering high above us. After breakfast, we transfer to our starting point at Gubeikou, the most invasion-prone section of the wall during the Ming Dynasty. Originally built in 1378, Gubeikou was designed to assist in repelling the Mongols from the north. We begin our trek amidst the Woho (Crouching Tiger) and Panlong (Hidden Dragon) mountains and pass numerous watchtowers and garrisons, before making a diversion through dense forest to bypass a military area. When we reach Gubeikou, we begin hiking from the village next to the main road, then continue on the trail up to the Great Wall. We walk along the wall towards Jinshanling, following some steps down to a village where we will rest for the night.
Accommodation: Homestay
Transfer time: 2 hours
Trekking distance: 6-10kms
Meals: B L D
Today we head up a trail to the Great Wall and follow one of the best-preserved sections of the Wall along a high mountain ridge. As we trek, we are treated to spectacular views of villages below and mighty mountains in the distance, while admiring the several watchtowers that dot the undulating path. We climb a steep section of the wall known as the Sky Ladder, being rewarded with incredible views. Once we reach the eastern end of Jinshanling, we leave the wall and descend the mountainside to meet our private vehicle transfer to Huairou District of Beijing.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Transfer time: 2 hours
Trekking distance: 7-10km
Meals: B L D
This morning, we transfer about an hour to Xizhazi Village, well known for its surrounding of the Great Wall. Our first hour of hiking is uphill to Zhengbeilou, which is one of the highest watchtowers in the section, where we can enjoy the stunning view of the Great Wall. Then, we head east to Horn Tower, followed by lunch at a scenic point along the way. Once we reach the end of the Mutianyu Great Wall, we will take a sideway downhill trail to Beigou village to avoid the mass of tourists. This section is mainly rocky and steep, so we must be cautious and take care. We will arrive in Beigou village in the afternoon, where we hop on our bus and drive back to Beijing.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Transfer time: 3 hours
Trekking distance: 8-10kms
Meals: B L
This morning we bid farewell to our team and guides after an adventurous week together! You are free to further explore Beijing or relax until your flight back home. Please make your own way to the airport, as transfers are not included.
Meals: B
Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • Accommodation in 3-star hotels and homestays based on twin share • Meals as per itinerary • Water on trekking days • Local English-speaking guide • Entrance fees as per itinerary
Doesn’t Include: Airfares • Airport Transfers • Travel insurance (compulsory) • Visas • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Personal expenses • Tips and gratuities
Why you'll love this adventure
- Climb the Sky Ladder and be rewarded with spectacular views. You can see the Wall stretching endlessly in both directions, with the valleys and peaks below.
- Discover the contrasts of ancient and modern Beijing, including Tiananmen Square and the grand imperial architecture of the Forbidden City.
- Lose yourself in a maze of overgrown trees as you navigate some of the most remote parts of the Great Wall.
- Make friendships and memories to last a lifetime while making a difference to Head and Neck Cancer Foundation Aotearoa.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find the answer to your question? Get in touch via email (info@inspiredadventure.com.au
How challenging is this adventure?
This adventure is ranked 3/5. While no extensive trekking experience is required prior to registering, our adventures are specifically designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train.
The Great Wall of China trek is a physical challenge, and the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience. You will need to navigate a variety of terrain, including some steep ascents and descents - and of course thousands of steps! There will be times when you might have to use your hands to scramble over uneven terrain, and maybe even your backside to slide down.
You will be well supported on the adventure, with the guides and your team all cheering you on. You are free to move at your own pace and we will take frequent breaks.
How many people will be on my adventure?
We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. Our adventures average between 10 - 20 participants, connected by their commitment to the greater good.
Can I join an Inspired Adventure on my own?
Of course, most people do! Throughout your adventure journey, we will connect you with your fellow adventurers so you can get to know each other before you hit the road.
What is the general age range of participants?
The minimum age for this adventure is 18, however younger ages are considered on application. We have had participants aged 16–84+ take part in our challenges, all united by their sense of philanthropy and adventure.
I have dietary requirements, will I be catered for?
Of course, we will happily arrange for any dietary requirements you’ve noted during booking to be catered for. Please advise your local guide on Day 1 as well. You will be fed very well while you’re on the adventure, but if you have a very specific dietary requirement or severe allergies, often it’s best to pack some extra things as back-up.
Who is Inspired Adventures?
Head and Neck Cancer Foundation Aotearoa has partnered with Inspired Adventures to bring you this adventure of a lifetime. Over the last 19 years, Inspired Adventures has taken over 8,000 people, just like you, on adventures all around the world, raising over AUD$49 million (NZD$53 Million) for important causes. When you choose to travel with Inspired Adventures and Head and Neck Cancer Foundation Aotearoa, you can be confident you’re in the best hands.
How do I train for this adventure?
It is essential that you prepare for this challenge. We will provide you with a training guide when you register, but we recommend that you consult your GP and a personal trainer to develop a personalised training plan that will prepare you for the challenge.
You should aim to make walking up and down hills and stairs the main part of your training. Take regular and increasingly long walks to develop your muscles. You should aim to be able to walk in hilly country for 6-8 hours and get up to do it again the following day comfortably. Practice walking with your walking boots, day pack, and walking poles, if you plan to use them.
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation on this adventure is twin-share in 3-star hotels and homestays.
In Beijing, hotels will be similar to Western standard—clean and centrally located. While on the Great Wall, especially the more remote sections, accommodation is basic but clean and will usually have Western-style toilets. It is rural China so keep an open mind, don’t expect perfection, and remember to have a laugh.
Will I be sharing accommodation?
Accommodation on this adventure is based on twin-share. You will be paired with a teammate of the same gender and, whenever possible, age group. Single rooms are available at an additional cost and subject to availability.
I’m travelling with a friend, can we stay together?
Absolutely! If you’re travelling with a friend, please make note of this and we will pair you together.
How do I fundraise?
Never fundraised before? Not sure where to start? No worries, we don’t expect you to do it alone. You will have regular support from the Inspired Adventures fundraising team, who will help you make a fundraising plan to meet your target. Alongside personalised coaching, we will also send you lots of ideas and resources on how to fundraise. From online fundraising to trivia nights, to bake sales and out-of-the-box ideas, we have years and years of tried and tested tips to make your fundraising a success.
What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising target?
It’s normal to worry you won’t meet your fundraising target, but we know you can do it. In fact, with the support of Inspired Adventures, almost everyone goes on to raise far more than they imagined.
By registering for the adventure, you agree to raise the minimum fundraising amount specified. Like you, we are looking to make a significant impact for our charity partners, so the goal is for each person to have met their fundraising target before departure. If you fail to raise the minimum fundraising target by this time, we will review the situation on a case-by-case basis.
I’m travelling with a friend, can we fundraise together?
Absolutely! Fundraising with a friend is a great idea. Just remember the fundraising target is per person, so you will each need to meet the minimum fundraising goal to participate. We know you can do it.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
The funds raised for Head and Neck Cancer Foundation Aotearoa are tax-deductible (conditions apply).
How much does it cost to participate in this adventure?
The total cost to participate in this adventure is NZD$3,270 which is inclusive of:
- Registration fee: NZD$430 (non-refundable)
- Travel cost: NZD$2,840 (includes a NZD$1,040 non-refundable travel deposit)
In addition, you are also committing to raising NZD$3,000 (per person) for Head and Neck Cancer Foundation Aotearoa
What happens if I need to cancel?
If you find yourself unable to attend, please notify us as soon as possible.
- Cancellation within 5 days of registration will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations more than 90 days prior to departure will receive a full refund minus the NZD$1,040 deposit.
- Cancellations within 90 days of departure will receive no refund. Where applicable, we can provide assistance in making a travel insurance claim.
Do I need to have insurance?
Travel insurance is required for international travel to cover cancellation, hospital, emergency evacuation and lost luggage. We recommend purchasing your policy as soon as possible. It is up to you to ensure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance and you will need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information.
What happens if there is a medical emergency?
Providing the safest possible environment is our highest priority and we have an outstanding safety record. All Inspired Adventures guides are first aid trained. Our guides carry satellite phones to be used if further assistance is required.
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Yes, it is a requirement that Australian and New Zealand passport holders have a valid visa to enter China. For the most current requirements, refer to the Smartraveller website.
Take this new and exciting corporate social responsibility initiative and see your staff and brand take on this adventure as a team.
An Inspired Adventure with Head and Neck Cancer Foundation Aotearoa offers the following benefits:
- Employee engagement opportunities to attract and retain staff
- Long-term partnership with Head and Neck Cancer Foundation Aotearoa and increased community engagement
- Improved employee wellness through the impact of paying it forward
- Increased brand value through unique PR opportunities
- Improved workplace mental and physical health with a focus on fitness and training for the challenge
- Increased visibility through an innovative approach to corporate social responsibility
- Team building opportunities across departments through the achievement of a common goal
- Great networking opportunities
Find out more by downloading our corporate sponsorship pack HERE.
All information is subject to change and will be confirmed upon your registration.
Testimonials
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