How It All Started
It looked fun, and I didn’t have anything exciting booked for 2025. “I’m going to China,” I thought. Fast forward to September 2025.
Will they like me? Will I fit in? Will they all be in pairs and I’ll be on my own like a spare part? Will they talk to me? Will I manage it? OMG…what have I signed up to?
These questions were going through my head more and more as the leaving day got closer. “I’m a big girl,” I thought… “I’ll be fine.”
Arrival and First Impressions
I arrived on time at Heathrow Airport, having opted for the complete package including flights. I checked my phone and found a message telling me exactly where the group was meeting. Phew! I lugged my massive bag over and sheepishly said hello. They all responded warmly—I let out a small sigh of relief. They looked like a friendly bunch.
We checked in, went through security, and split up for breakfast—it was 7am after all. We boarded, flew, landed, boarded again, flew again, and finally landed in China.
Welcome to China
Arriving in China was an experience in itself. We followed the crowd and somehow found each other again after disembarking. In a large room, we had to do our fingerprints (again), fill out a form with our details and accommodation info, and queue for about an hour before showing our passports, getting fingerprinted again, and having a photo taken.
There were 15 of us, including Kristina, our guide/medic. We met our Chinese guide, Louis, who explained it was quite a drive to the hotel, so we’d stop for lunch first. The food was lovely, and we began to get acquainted. Chopsticks were suggested—ha ha! I opted for a fork. Top tip: either learn to use chopsticks before you go or bring your own spoon and fork.
Hotel and First Dinner
The hotel was lovely and had a swimming pool—so glad I brought my swimming costume. I was paired with Kirsty, who seemed nice. After unpacking, I went to find the pool. I got some funny looks—Sunday afternoon, swimming lessons in progress, and here comes a tattooed white woman with colourful hair!
Dinner was at a Chinese café where we had “Hotpot”—not what I expected. It’s a pot of spicy water with uncooked food you cook yourself. Not a fan, but thankfully the rest of the week’s food was great.
Day 1: First Trek (Originally Day 2)
After a great night’s sleep it was breakfast at 7am and ready to leave by 8am. Louis announced a change for today. We’re doing day 2 walk today and day 1 tomorrow due to the weather forecast. My first proper look at the Wall—wow! It’s steep and endless. It’s impressive, but I suddenly realised this might be harder than I thought. The views were incredible. Just before lunch, it started raining. Good waterproofs are a must.
Shelter was a watchtower where we ate lunch. Thunder and lightning started—great, I thought. I’m on top of the Great Wall, wind blowing, thunder roaring… did I make a mistake?
The rain stopped, sun returned, but the path was wet and slippery. Slab bricks were tough going up and like ice coming down. Top tip: take walking poles—they’re worth their weight in gold.
Day 2: Rough Path Trek
We tackled the previous day’s scheduled trek. After a flat walk, we looked up—gasp! A rough, broken path in the wall. I wondered if I was fit enough. I was! It was craggy all day, but I preferred it to the previous day. It was easier to place my feet and not slip.
I was volunteered to give the second guide his tip envelope and ended up doing all the tip handovers. Good thing I’m not shy! The bus ride to the next hotel/farmhouse was about 2.5 hours—perfect for a snooze.
Day 3: Epic Trek – Spider-Man Wall
Today was totally unrestored wall—craggy, rough, narrow in places. I loved the challenge. Some parts were so narrow I went down on my bum—safer for my short legs!
The highlight was “Spider-Man Wall”—almost vertical. It was optional, but I knew I’d regret not trying. I ditched my poles and bags, handed my phone to someone for photos, and went for it.
The steps were massive. I’m 5’2” and had to pull myself up with my hands. I focused on each step. My hands were shaking, but I made it to the top—wow! Then came the descent. My legs turned to jelly, but I did it. The group cheered—I was buzzing!
Day 4: Fragmented and Scenic
A longer day with fragmented, unrestored sections and varied scenery. After lunch outside a tiny gift shop (with ice cream!), we continued on a different path. There’s a military section of the wall that’s off-limits, so we walked beside it.
Later, we rejoined the wall and found a small gift stall in a tower. The area became more commercialised—people, stalls, toilets. No more wild wees! It was hot, and I was ready for a shower.
Day 5: Restored Wall and 1456 Steps
Although amazing, this was my least favourite day. We started by climbing 1,456 steps—you’re joking! My legs were aching, but I made it.
This part of the wall is the one you see in adverts—smooth, restored, and crowded. Most other days we didn’t see anyone else. The towers and views were stunning, but I preferred the rough parts.
We ended the day at a nice hotel in Beijing—luxury at last!
Sightseeing in Beijing
We visited Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It was great to see the sights and go shopping. I love to haggle and got some bargains. It was hot and surprisingly tiring.
Evenings included optional group activities like paper cutting, calligraphy, and dumpling making. I preferred some quiet time.
Final Thoughts and Tips
The trip flew by. Here are my top tips:
- Enjoy it – soak up the atmosphere. It’s an incredible place.
- Haggle – they expect it.
- Take walking poles – even if you don’t usually use them. Practice beforehand.
- Fitness – not essential, but some stair prep helps.
- Who can do it? – People of all ages. Most of our group were over 40!
- Would I recommend it? – Definitely. It’s so much more than you expect.
- What’s next? – Nothing yet… but I want to do them all!
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