FUTURE2 STEPS CHALLENGE | WALK THE WALL
Location: Great Wall of China
Dates: 21 – 28 March 2026
Cost to participate: $2,890 + $200 registration fee (see below for inclusions)
Fundraising Target: $2,000pp
Max participants: 16 (don’t miss out!)
Walk the Great Wall for Future2
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure along one of the world’s most iconic landmarks – the Great Wall of China – and help raise funds for the Future2 Foundation.
This exclusive itinerary takes you beyond the tourist trail to a remote section of the Wall in Hebei Province, just outside Beijing. Over five incredible days, you’ll trek between traditional villages, winding through tall cornfields and lush green river valleys, with the awe-inspiring Great Wall as your constant backdrop.
You’ll camp in comfort at secluded sites and experience genuine rural hospitality, staying with local host families who offer a rare insight into life in the ‘real China’. Enjoy home-cooked meals, meaningful cultural exchanges, and visits to family homes that few travellers ever get to see.
The adventure continues in Beijing, where we explore some of China’s most famous historic landmarks — including the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square – and indulge in the vibrant flavours of authentic Chinese cuisine. From ancient wonders to culinary delights, this unforgettable journey is as rich in culture as it is in purpose.
Why Join?
This is more than a trek. Every step you take will help Future2’s Make the Difference Grants Program fund grassroots projects across Australia that provide financial education, mentoring, and support for those who need it most.
SPONSORED BY
A big thank you to AIA Australia for supporting the Future2 Hiking Challenge.
ITINERARY
Day 1 | Arrive in Beijing
After all your preparation and fundraising efforts, the adventure finally begins! Upon arrival in Beijing, a group transfer will be provided. 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 6:30pm for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, we’ll head out to enjoy our first meal together and toast the beginning of an unforgettable journey.
Inclusions –
- Meals Included: Dinner
- Accommodation (in Beijing)
Day 2 | Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City
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.
Inclusions –
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation (in Beijing)
Day 3 | Gubeikou Great Wall trek
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, enjoy the peacefulness of the setting, and capture memorable photos of this extraordinary monument. The highest beacon tower is 670m in elevation.
Walking Distance: 9km / Total ascent: 515m
Inclusions –
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Gubeikou tented camp
Day 4 | Trek the Inner Great Wall
After a hearty, locally prepared breakfast at our campsite, 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 back to our campsite. As evening falls, our crew will prepare a delicious meal of fresh, local dishes for us to enjoy under the stars.
Walking Distance: 11km / Total ascent: 709m
Inclusions –
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Gubeikou tented camp
Day 5 | Trek Gubeikou to Jinshanling
Today, we return to the main outer section of the Great Wall, continuing our journey through remote, unrestored stretches surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes. Far from the crowds, this wild and rugged terrain offers a more authentic and peaceful experience of the Wall. We’ll pause midday to enjoy a picnic lunch right on the Wall, soaking up the incredible views and atmosphere. In the afternoon, we reach a military restricted zone, requiring us to briefly leave the Wall and detour through a nearby village—a welcome opportunity to observe rural life and connect with a different side of China. As we rejoin the Wall, we approach the Jinshanling section, known for its careful restoration. This area offers a striking contrast, showcasing the Wall as it would have appeared in its original glory, complete with imposing watchtowers and sweeping views.
Walking Distance: 15.4km / Total ascent: 866m
Inclusions –
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Jinshanling tented camp
Day 6 | Hike Jinshanling to Lao Dong Po
After breaking camp, 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.
Walking Distance: 8km / Total ascent: 697m
Inclusions –
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lao Dong Po village tented camp
Day 7 | Hike to Beijing Tower, return to Beijing
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, where we’ll celebrate the end of our incredible journey with a traditional roast Peking duck dinner at the renowned Dawanju Restaurant.
Walking Distance: 6.5km / Total ascent: 539m
Inclusions –
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation (in Beijing)
Day 8 | In Beijing, trip concludes
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport. Thank you for supporting Future2. We hope you leave with lasting memories and a deep appreciation of the Great Wall.
Inclusions –
- Meals Included: Breakfast
Register here