Conquer the Wall Marathon

10 Days 9 Nights
  • Train, Airplane
  • 4/5 Stars Hotels
  • 1.500 metres
  • Beijing
  • May
  • Trail Running, Hiking
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • English, Spanish, French, Italian
  • Easy to high
  • 5-15
  • 18
  • 80

Overview

The Great Wall Marathon is one of the most challenging and scenic marathons in the world. Held annually in China, this race takes participants through the iconic Great Wall of China, offering breathtaking views, steep climbs, and a unique cultural experience. The event attracts runners from all over the world, seeking both adventure and a test of endurance.

The marathon takes place in the Tianjin province, starting and ending in the village of Huangyaguan. With thousands of steps, rugged terrain, and varying elevation levels, it is not just a race but an unforgettable journey through history.

Highlights

  • Scenic & Historic Route: Run along one of the most famous landmarks in the world, passing through ancient watchtowers and stunning landscapes.
  • Challenging Terrain: The course features over 5,000 stone steps, steep ascents, and winding trails, making it one of the toughest marathons globally.
  • Cultural Experience: The event includes local entertainment, interactions with villagers, and a festive post-race celebration.
  • Multiple Race Options: Participants can choose from a full marathon (42.2 km), a half marathon (21.1 km), or an 8.5 km fun run.
  • International Participation: Runners from all over the world come to test their limits and experience the rich history of China.

Meeting at the airport followed by a transfer to the hotel in Beijing. Based on the group's flight itinerary, we will incorporate an afternoon activity and a welcome dinner for the group.

Night in Beijing: Howard Johnson Paragon Hotel****

We will start the day with a visit to Beijing's Forbidden City, one of the most important landmark of the Chinese dynasty. Following our day, we'll enjoy lunch before proceeding to the Great Wall, where we will spend the night in our hotel, 200 metres from the start & finish line of the race.

Night at the Great Wall: Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel****

On the day before the race, we’ll do an easy run session that includes plenty of walking, course inspection, and lots of photos at one of the modern wonders of the world.

In the afternoon, we’ll hold the race briefing, where we’ll go over the course in detail, share nutritional recommendations, and discuss strategies for the big goal.

Overnight at the Great Wall of China: Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel**.**

 

This is what we came for.

The race kicks off — it’s a course full of challenges, with technical terrain, steep climbs and descents, but nothing will ever take away the experience of having raced in one of the most incredible places on the planet. After finishing, we’ll comfortably rest and celebrate at our hotel, located just 200 meters from the finish line.

Overnight at the Great Wall of China: Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel**.**

After enjoying a peaceful breakfast with mountain views, we’ll bid farewell to the Great Wall of China with one last look. From there, we’ll head to Beijing International Airport to catch our flight to Zhangjiajie, located in the heart of China’s mountainous south.

Upon landing at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, a private transfer (or alternatively, a local train) will take us to one of the most surprising and lesser-known stops of the trip: Furong Ancient Town, a hidden gem perched dramatically above a waterfall.

Overnight in Furong Town: Ancient Dream Hotel**.**

After breakfast in Furong Ancient Town, we’ll spend the morning wandering through its cobbled streets, admiring the balconies that hang over the great waterfall, and discovering corners where the spirit of ancient China still lingers. Then, we’ll bid farewell to this village suspended in time and head toward one of the most anticipated moments of the trip: Tianmen National Park, in the city of Zhangjiajie.

Once there, we’ll experience something truly unique: we’ll take the longest cable car in the world, stretching 7.5 km, which departs right from the city center and takes us to the summit of Tianmen Mountain in about 30 minutes, passing over deep valleys and sheer cliffs covered in lush vegetation.

At the top, we’ll face the legendary “Stairway to Heaven,” a climb of 999 stone steps leading to the giant natural arch known as Tianmen Cave, a sacred formation in Chinese culture symbolizing the connection between the earthly and celestial worlds.

Those who wish can also dare to walk along the glass skywalks, suspended along cliffs more than 1,400 meters high — an unforgettable experience for the brave, and a true test for anyone afraid of heights.

Overnight in Wulingyuan: Hilton Wulingyuan Hotel**.**

Today we’ll explore one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the entire trip: Zhangjiajie National Park, famous for its more than 3,000 stone pillars that inspired the floating mountains of Avatar. We’ll enter through the east gate and follow a circular route covering the main viewpoints and elevated trails.

We’ll visit areas such as Yuanjiajie, home to the Hallelujah Mountain, the Bridge Under the Sky, and the spectacular Bailong Elevator, the tallest outdoor elevator in the world. We’ll walk along panoramic platforms, misty forests, and towering rock columns blanketed in lush vegetation.

Overnight in Wulingyuan: Hilton Wulingyuan Hotel**.**

We return to Zhangjiajie National Park, this time to explore a different and less crowded area, such as Tianzi Shan or Yangjiajie, where the landscape becomes even wilder and more peaceful.

We’ll walk among cliffs draped in vegetation, bamboo forests, and breathtaking viewpoints. Along the way, we’ll likely encounter the park’s curious wild monkeys, especially active in the early morning — watch out for backpacks and snacks!

A more relaxed day, yet filled with natural beauty and unforgettable moments.

Overnight in Wulingyuan: Hilton Wulingyuan Hotel**.**

In the morning, we’ll visit the stunning Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Dong), one of the most spectacular cave systems in China. We’ll explore its vast underground chambers filled with stalactites, subterranean rivers, and beautifully illuminated walkways that create a mystical atmosphere.

It’s a perfect half-day excursion to wrap up our Zhangjiajie adventure.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the airport to catch our 17:10 flight back to Beijing. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel near the airport.

In the evening, we’ll gather for our farewell dinner, raising a toast to the unforgettable adventure we’ve shared together.

After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to Beijing and to this unforgettable adventure through China.

We’ll transfer to the airport for our return flights, carrying with us a heart full of landscapes, stories, and unforgettable moments shared as a group.

See you on the next journey!

Cost

The Cost Includes

  • Pick-up or Drop-off service from Beijing airport
  • Transportation to and from!!
  • Food all along the trip (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
  • Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
  • First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
  • All the required permits and paperwork

The Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare
  • Visa Charges
  • Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
  • Your travel and medical insurance
  • Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
  • Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
  • Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
  • Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.

FAQs

Should I run in the Conquer the Wall Marathon?

The Great Wall of China Marathon it's a must place to visit if you are a runner. You will run in one of the most amazing places in the world. Most. 

Do they have other distances other than the 42 km

The race has 4 different distances. You can sign up for 5 km, 10 km, 21 km or 42 km distances. All distances run in the Wall.

What is the highest altitude reached in the Race

The highest altitude reached is only 700 meters. However, you will have thousands of stairs. Be ready to go up and down! The race has breathtaking views but its very hard

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Our hotel in the Great Wall is just waking distance from the start and the finish line. You can take a shower and go to the toilet in the hotel.

Are there ATMs close to the start and finish line?

Yes. There are ATMs close to the hotel

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Before arriving to China you should download a VPN to have access to different web sites in China. We recommend you to buy an eSim to have internet in China

Can we visit the Great Wall the day before the race?

Yes, we will do an easy run the day before the race to take pictures and to enjoy this amazing place

Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Conquer the Wall Marathon
From $100
/ Adult
From $50
/ Child
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    • Professional Local Guide