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Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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Walking the Great Wall

127 Reviews

4.6 out of 5

Reviewed November 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

As my 8th trip with Exodus this ranks as one of the best. Walking on the more remote parts of the wall and overnighting at the homestays was such an amazing contrast to Beijing and Xi’an and offered a real opportunity to feel close to real rural life in China.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to single out just one......Seeing the Great Wall stretching out before us, especially on the Gubeikou to Jingshanling sectionVisiting the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an and cycling the 14km of the Xi'an city walls The homestays (particularly at Gubeikou) and the lovely fresh food

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry (Wei Wei) was absolutely brilliant. He imparted so much knowledge about the places we visited including the Beijing hutongs where he shared memories of his own childhood. To have a guide with so much local knowledge, and such an excellent command of the English language, is exceptional. On the trickier sections of the Great Wall he was very watchful of all members of the group and was quick to lend a helping hand where necessary. We felt safe in his hands, not just with the walking on the wall, but with all the logistical arrangements of the trip, such as airport transfers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Always read the trip notes! Some sections of the wall are very steep and uneven but always worth the scramble.Some of the homestays may lack home comforts but what an opportunity to experience real rural life.Sign up for the Xi'an extension and visit the Terracotta Warriors and take the opportunity to cycle the 14km of the Xi'an city walls. If you have time in Beijing don't be afraid to use the Metro. It's easier than you might expect.

Reviewed November 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

Excellent holiday on the whole with Jerry in particular being a real plus. The only let down was the guiding piece at Xian.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the wall and entering the Forbidden City.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry was excellent. The Xian guide was disappointing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely book the Xian extension to see the Terracotta Warriors.

Reviewed November 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

The days spent trekking were simply fantastic, drinking in the grandeur of the wall and spending the evenings in remote home stays getting a glimpse of what China looks like outside of the cities. As the trip takes you away from the main tourist areas so you get to enjoy the experience with your own thoughts. Also the food was absolutely brilliant – assuming you like spicy Chinese food! I normally tend towards independent travel, but I can’t see how you could easily replicate this experience independently. I thought Exodus did very well with the trip structure though personally I would have liked longer days trekking and more time on the wall The Xian Extension was disappointing, though the Terracotta Army visit was amazing. Knowing what I know now, I’d have gone to Xian independently after the main trip ended. I don’t think for this part of the trip that Exodus really added to the experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Towards the end of the first day on the wall when you leave the tourist section behind you gain a better perspective of its enormous scale as you see wall snaking off into the distance perched at the top of impossibly steep ridges (and the following day when you come back and try to climb those impossibly steep sections)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry for the Great Wall section was very good, answering questions and offering encouragement. I could have done without his ‘specially arranged tour’ which was accommodated by merging two days into one. I don’t begrudge him the extra income, but I’m less of a fan of the organised tours when it’s more than possible to navigate yourself round the same sites without sitting for several hours in traffic. Despite protestations that it’s difficult to get around Beijing, it’s actually very easy

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fitness - It was challenging at times though no more so than trekking in the Peak or Lake Districts. Heights - If you don’t like heights (as I don’t) you may find yourself challenged by the 2nd day on the wall. It was on the edge of what I, and many in the group, found acceptable and I would be uncomfortable tackling that day’s walking in wet conditions. However, having overcome my fears, the sense of achievement on completing the climbs was amazing. Essentials Items –The old Favourite - Toilet Paper, and Poles (when wet) – I found the poles invaluable, as to get off the wall you need to descend down the very steep sides of the hills and that’s often a very muddy and slippery experience. Packing advice - people in the group received different advice i.e. whether to bring a sleeping bag or not (not necessary). I don’t know if the temperature was unseasonal for my early September Trip but I personally didn’t need the fleece or thermals I was advised to bring, though some people did wear fleeces in the evening, keeping cool was more of a problem that getting cold.

Reviewed October 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

China’s Great Wall looked just like it does in the books, but what the books don’t capture is the sight of the wall stretching as far as the eye can see in either direction, i.e. its massive scale. Imagining life as it might have been in the days when the wall was manned by soldiers and with the trees cleared away on the Mongolian side was a real step back into history.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sheer scale of the Great Wall, stretching mile after mile through glorious scenery and bathed in sunshine was a sight to behold. Seeing the Terracotta Warriors and cycling round the 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles) of the immense city walls of Xi An were also truly memorable experiences.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was extremely likeable, enthusiastic, knowledgable and catered efficiently for the diverse requirements of a group of 16 people. He could not do enough for us and was even available on the phone to assist on our free day in Beijing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Never say you'd like to do this trip (or any other) one day, as all too often that one day never comes. This is a great trip, if it appeals to you then do it soon.

Reviewed October 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

The treck leader Kevin was superb very thoughtful and helpful credit to his trade,fantastic treck my 6th one and the best.

Most Inspirational Moment

Their was more than one thing the whole experience was tremendous.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin was superb and went far above his job very helpful and first class highly recomended

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get it booked now.

Reviewed October 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

The itinery worked well never a dull moment. Everything went smoothly. Fantastic guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

We first entered the wall at Mutian Yu by walking up through the fields and trees from a small village. This was a great way to experience anticipation and then the wow factor.Leaving the restored wall and continuing onto the crumbling parts being taken over by nature and having long sections to ourselves, breath taking beauty of the scenery. Beyond Gubeiku toward Jinshinling a thundery sky bringing the mist to settle in the valleys and the wall peeking above with layer upon layer of purple peaks-magical!

Thoughts on Group Leader

A great big thankyou once more to Kevin Wang (Wang Shengrong) our local guide who was fun to be with and funny, patient and caring, informative and did his utmost to make everyones holiday special. Well done Kevin you succeeded in making my holiday memorable! The itinery worked well never a dull moment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are expecting some time to yourself theres not a lot."Shopping" opportunities are rushed alsoIf you like English style tea (ie. Tetley/Builders type) bring Teabags and powdered milk. However, Jasmine tea does grow on you! If you fear using the chop stick bring a spork but its mighty good fun getting to grips with them.The Chinese massage is almost torture, the Kungfu show a mixture of martial art demonstration, acrobatics and ballet dance to a story and music- fabulous and the opera exactly as I knew it would be an experience! Other members of our group that went to the Acrobatic show were well impressed. I would have gone to them all if I could have. You should try at least one.

Reviewed October 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

EXCELLENT TRIP WELL ORGANISED. THE LOCAL GUIDE WAS VERY TOP CLASS.

Most Inspirational Moment

SEEING THE GREAT WALL AND NOT JUST THE TOURIST PARTS TO SEE IT IN ITS RUINED STATE WAS FANTASTIC A REALLY GOOD WAY TO SEE THE WALL.

Thoughts on Group Leader

TOP CLASS COULD NOT OF BEEN BETTER

Advice for Potential Travellers

IF YOU ARE A VEGETARIAN AS I AM. IT IS BEST TO TAKE FOOD SUPPLEMENTS WITH YOU, I ATE RICE AND VEGETABLES FOR THE WHOLE TIME. SO RAN OUT OF ENERGY UNTIL I COULD FIND SOME NUTS TO BUY.

Reviewed October 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

The trip exceeded my expectations but I would have liked to spend more time walking the Great Wall.This was my first trip with Exodus and on the basis of this experience I would be happy to travel with Exodus again and also to recommend it to my friends.

Most Inspirational Moment

Enjoying the views from places on the wall in some of the more remote areas and imagining what it must have been like 1000 years ago.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin did an excellent job as a leader, organiser, guide, historian, and conversationalist, and he was very good company during the entire trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be physically prepared for the trip. It is described as Challenging - Moderate. Understand exactly what Exodus means by 'Challenging', and what that requires of you. Be prepared for lots of steps, some steep up and down hill sections, and I suggest that you may find a pair of trekking poles very useful.Secure your camera! I lost mine, and all of my pictures before I returned home. The camera can be replaced - but not the pictures. (Fortunately others in the group have made their pictures available to me).

Reviewed October 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

A truly amazing experience. I enjoyed the trekking so much that I would have liked to have done more. It was challenging at times, but I gained a real sense of achievement every day. The group was fantastic and we all got on well. The scenery was fabulous, with stunning views.

Most Inspirational Moment

I will never forget stepping onto the Great Wall for the very first time. Every day had a different challenge; the second day had a challenging 38-step amazingly steep, almost vertical climb - getting to the top of the climb was an unforgettable experience. It was surprising, when looking back at the end of a walk, to see how much ground we had covered, and seeing the Wall snaking away into the distance.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin, our leader, was absolutely brilliant. He was always attentive and made sure we were all OK. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He was very knowledgeable, polite, gave loads of advice, was great fun and had a really good sense of humour. A genuinely lovely person and a great leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As stated in other reviews, take toilet paper and wipes, as public toilets and a couple of the homestays did not have any. Take a towel, as these are not provided at the homestays. A walking pole is a real benefit - I had never used one before this trip and I was glad I had it. It helped with both the ascents and descents and stopped me having a nasty fall a couple of times. If you decide to do the extension to Xian, make sure you don't go when there is a Chinese National Holiday - the crowds are overwhelming! Practice using chopsticks before you go - it will make eating a lot easier (or take a fork!). You need to have a reasonable level of fitness to do this walk.

Reviewed September 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

In the main this trip was excellent. However there are a few things I need to comment on. When I arrived at Beijing Airport, I and one other person, were met by a non English speaking taxi driver who dropped us off at the hotel. We had problems booking in as we had no reference other than what had been sent to us, and there were 3 Exodus trips starting from there. We had been expecting to be met by our tour guide, but he arrived much later with the rest of our group. On another note, we were not told that we would be rock climbing on the second day. I take it that this part was the "challenging" part of the trip, but as it is not mentioned in the trip notes, it came as a surprise. However, we all rose to the challenge, and looking back, enjoyed the experience. The only other thing I need to raise is that although the tomb of Empress Dowager Cixi is mentioned in the trip notes, we don’t visit it, which is disappointing.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of our days on the Great Wall were excellent, and I wouldn't have missed the experience for the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry (Wai) is a very good tour guide, and does his best to accomodate everyone in the group, and goes out of his way to do it.Jackey, our tour guide in Xian did his best to accomodate the two of us while we were there, but as there were demonstrations, the Drum and Bell Towers, and City Wall were closed, so we were unable to do what we really wanted, while there. However, our trip to the Terracotta Warriors was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for rock climbing on the second day on the wall.

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