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Trekking in china with Across the Divide

About China

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China is a spectacular country composed of a vast variety of highly different landscapes, with plateaus and mountains in the west, and lower lands in the east. The Great Wall of China is one of the world's most impressive historical sites. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The Chinese people are proud of their heritage and are eager to share what China has to offer. They are also politely curious about those who come to visit from far away places, and are always willing to share a smile and call you a friend. In order to maximise the opportunities for interaction and learning about the local history and culture, a team of local translators support all our charity challenges in China.


And more...
you can raise much needed funds for a charity of your choice by joining a charity trek or bike ride in China on an Across the Divide Open Challenge event. Find out more here

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Day2-32-5A(1).
It was the trip of a lifetime, the trip was so well organised. Now I feel like I can achieve anything I set my mind to! Shelley, China trekker.

I had the most fantastic time trekking along the Great wall. It was an experience I will never forget. I have not laughed and enjoyed myself so much for a long time. Andrea, China trekker

The Great Wall of China Charity Trek

Our China trek offers a truly unique experience. Aside from the spectacular scenery of the Great Wall and the surrounding countryside, one of the most rewarding aspects of this trek is the rare opportunity to trek and camp in a remote part of rural China and to experience local life in its most unspoilt state. The Great Wall attracts over a million visitors each year. However, the vast majority of tourists visit a small section of the wall near Beijing. We have planned a route that will take us beyond the regular tourist trail and onto sections of the wall that have only been seen by a handful of westerners over the last hundred years.

To hear all about the Great Wall of China Trek first hand click here to view Don Mullan's article. Don recently went to China with Children In Crossfire.

The Great Wall of China Charity Bike Ride

Our unique charity bike ride takes us off the beaten tourist track and follows the Great Wall all the way to the point where it dramitically finishes at the sea. It is not only a beautifully scenic bike ride, but also offers you a chance to immmerse yourself in Chinese culture and experience the warmth and enthusiasm of the Chinese people.

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...It has been reported that if the bricks used to build the wall were made into a single wall five metres high and one metre thick, it would more than encircle the earth.

staff in china.

Responsible Tourism

In China our charity expeditions have contributed a great deal to both the local community and impacted positively to the conservation of the fragile eco-system.

It is a fact that the benefits of your charity walk or challenge are far more widely reaching than you can ever imagine.
The Great Wall of China

Built to ward off enemies in ancient times, today the Great Wall brings together people from all corners of the world. A 'must-see' for anyone going to China, even a few hours along the fabled Great Wall is the experience of a lifetime. Hiking along the Great Wall, however, is substantially different than simply making the usual short visit. You will not only accept a challenge physically, but also obtain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese history and culture, as well as man's creative power. In addition, you have the chance to visit and explore beautiful sections of the Great Wall that most people will never see.

One of the most amazing constructions in the world today...
The Great Wall of China is listed among the great wonders of the world. This colossal structure stretches more than 4,000 miles over the undulating terrain of northern China. The construction of the Great Wall involved tens of millions of people over a period of more than 2,000 years. The wall we see today, dating basically from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is the culmination of these centuries-long efforts. The best-preserved part of the Ming Great Wall lies in the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin, and in Hubei Province. These sections of the wall stretch almost 700 miles from the ocean at Shanhai Pass to the section at Mutianyu.

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Other highlights include:

The Terracotta Army
Located in the city of Xi'an in China is perhaps the most significant archaeological find of the 20th century. Here, the Army of Terracotta Warriors has been loyally standing guard over Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb for over 2000 years (he was the first Chinese Emperor). The warriors were found in an underground vault in 1974 by peasants sinking a well. So far, thousands of statues of warriors and horses have been unearthed, and it is thought that there may be more vaults yet to be discovered. It is now possible for visitors to inspect the ranks of soldiers from close quarters via raised walkways. What is astonishing about the figures is that they are life size, and incredibly life-like. Each soldier has different facial features and expressions, and all are wearing knee length battle tunics.

Raft the Yangtze
Head to the city of Wushan, grab a raft, and jostle your way through a lesson in Chinese mythology. Rent a boat to take you through the Wu Xia (Witches) Gorge, which straddles the border between Sichuan and Hubei provinces. As you jostle down the 25-mile stretch of the Yangtze River (also navigable from the deck of a cruise ship) en route to the town of Peishi, you'll pass 12 peaks partially hidden by swirling clouds — each of which represents a story in ancient Chinese mythology. Interested parties should act fast. By 2010, China's Three Gorges Dam will flood 570,000 acres of farmland along with this, the most beautiful stretch of the Yangtzi River, near Wushan.

Walk with Pandas
Witness wildlife preservation at its best. Head 85 miles beyond Sichuan's capital of Chengdu to the Wolong Nature Reserve, a 770-square mile tract of forest that is the last remaining home of China's Giant Panda. China's Giant Panda population has declined to below 1,000, but the Hetaoping breeding station — home to two species of bamboo favoured by pandas — hopes to reverse the trend. Lying on the banks of the fast-flowing Pitiao River, Wolong is the only place in the world where it is possible to walk freely among pandas. Your search will take you wandering through river gullies, fields of rhododendrons and birch, maple, and fir forests where protected pandas roam freely. Bring sturdy hiking boots and a telephoto lens. You can hire a guide at the park entrance to guide you to the big guys.

 

Useful Links

See China. The official site of the China Tourism Office.

Chinese Embassy in London

Lonely Planet Guide to China

GORP guide to China. After a few initial views you have to sign up for free membership - a bit annoying but lots of useful info.

Expedition Medicine Training. Comprehensive medical training for medical professionals or people working in remote locations far from medical help.

Corporate Social Responsibility Projects. Programs that act to remove team barriers contribute proactively to the wider community and challenge the individual

Contact us to see how we can help you organise your overseas charity expedition.
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