10 Great Adventure Races in China

Want to combine a vacation with some serious sporting activity? Consider China the perfect adventure challenge.

It’s probably comes as no surprise that tourism is big business in China. Although foreign tourism has slowed somewhat in the last couple of years due to the slowing global economy, when combined with domestic tourism figures, tourism revenues in China still generate around 1.92 trillion yuan per year.

There are countless and compelling reasons to visit this ancient country, however adventure sports are one of the more intriguing tourism trends in China. In recent years, China has emerged as a favorite among sports enthusiasts keen on combining traditional tourist interests with more active pursuits. Thanks to an ever-expanding calendar, China presents some fantastic opportunities for amateurs and professionals alike to take part in a variety of action-packed events followed by some quality down time enjoying the nation’s cultural charms.

Here’s our pick of 10 great adventure races to challenge and inspire:

1. The Great Wall Marathon

A big favorite with serious marathon runners from across the globe, and attracting some 2,000 participants from more than 50 countries, the Great Wall Marathon has been running (literally) since 1999 and presents a unique opportunity to combine a spectacular ‘bucket list’ setting with a seriously challenging race. The event offers three distances: a marathon, a half marathon and a 7.5 km fun run. Whichever you opt to enter, a breathtaking view and a truly memorable experience is guaranteed.

Date: The third Saturday of every May.

2. Shanghai International Marathon

This is a huge urban marathon for a huge city, with around 28,000 runners from 66 countries opting to take part in either a semi or full marathon. Starting in the iconic Bund area, organizers listened to criticism in previous years, and the route now offers more thrills and huge crowds to spur on even the most jaded of runners.

Date: Late fall.

3. Huangshan Mountain Bike Festival

Since its inception in 1996, this event has grown to be what organizers describe as “the premier XC race in China.” Held in the picturesque and historic Yixian County, this is a big event attracting 6,000 competitors from all over the country and more than 60 other nations. The location has also served as a training base for the national cycling team, so serious riders can be assured of its pedigree.

Date: Every April.

4. Tour of Qinghai Lake

This internationally recognized road cycling race, approved by the UCI, has been held at Qinghai Lake, in Western China, since 2002. The race ranks a 2.HC grade and is considered one of the top road cycling events in the world, with around 20 teams of more than 100 competitors attending the race each year. With a total distance of 1,300 km, and average altitude of 3,000 km, the race lasts nine days and the winner takes home 250,000 dollars.

Date: July or August.

5. Xiamen International Marathon

Another recognized name on the international marathon circuit, the Xiamen International Marathon consists of a full marathon, a half marathon, and 10 km and 5 km races. The event, now an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, normally attracts some 20,000 participants including world-class competitors.

Date: First Sunday of January.

6. The Gobi March

Part of the “4 Deserts” series, this event is situated in Kashgar, in the northwest of China. The Gobi March has attained legendary status as one of the world’s most testing endurance races. Taking in some truly spectacular scenery such as the Turpan Depression - the second-lowest exposed elevation on earth - competitors will be challenged to the max in a variety of temperature extremes in this seven day, six stage, 250 km foot race. Runners will cover a variety of terrains including dirt tracks, sand dunes and dry river beds; traversing over hills and through ancient villages and ruins. On the way, there’s even an old Silk Road oasis containing an ancient Buddhist Stupa.

Date: First week of June.

7.The Genghis Khan MTB Adventure & Grassland Marathon

Held alongside the Genghis Khan Festival, which has been running since 2007, this event offers mountain bikers and cross-country runners the opportunity to test their endurance levels across the wide, majestic grasslands surrounding Xiwuqi in Inner Mongolia. The mountain bike stage offers a three day competition with a total length of 200 km, while runners get the chance to go a full marathon distance. Both events cater to all levels of athletes and shorter distances are also available. Afterwards, competitors have the opportunity to attend a Mongolian dinner banquet and outdoor bonfire party at Mongolian Yurt City; this event and accompanying festival presents a unique opportunity for participants of all ages and abilities to experience Mongolian culture while challenging themselves in the stunning verdant countryside.

Date: July 5th to 7th, 2013.

8. China Tour De Ski

Finally; something for the winter sports enthusiasts! This is an FIS organized series of skiing events has been variously held since 2008 in inner Mongolia, Yunnan Province, Jilin Province and Beijing's Bird's Nest. The two day sprint and medium distance events take place on the same grasslands that play host to the aforementioned Genghis Khan Festival. The aim is to promote Nordic style cross-country skiing within China, and the event attracts FIS top100 skiers, along with the China National Ski Team.

Date: January.

9. Vasa Cross Country Running Festival

This festival was conceived as the Chinese version of the Lidingoloppet, a major annual cross country running event taking place each year in Sweden since 1965. Vasa presents runners with a tough 30 km cross-country race around Jingyue Lake, situated at Changchun in Jilin Province. There are shorter distances which are open to all levels, including a children’s race for the youngest.

Date: 23 June 2013.

10. The Genco Mongolia Mountain Bike Challenge

Another biggie for mountain bikers, this epic race consists of seven stages over 850 km and includes a staggering 14,000 meters of climbing. The Challenge is rightly billed as “a tough physical and psychological test of perseverance.” Indeed, only 73 percent of participants finished the inaugural race. Competitors will experience something akin to ‘glamping’ in traditional-style yurts at various camps along the route, all situated in stunning national parks and reserves.

Date: August 30th to September 7th, 2013.

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