🏁 Trail Races in China — Your Complete Guide

The opening race of the World Trail Majors series, this iconic event winds through the rugged trails of Hong Kong's Sai Kung Peninsula. With 60+ nationalities represented and €82,500 in prize money, it's the most international trail race on China's calendar. The course features dramatic ridgeline running, technical descents, and stunning ocean views.

Asia's largest single trail race event, drawing 12,000 runners from 26 countries across 9 different distances. Set in the former 2022 Winter Olympics venue area, the course traverses alpine meadows, pine forests, and rolling mountain terrain at 1,500–2,000m elevation. The summer timing offers cool temperatures perfect for endurance racing.

An ITRA-sanctioned championship event set in the stunning Wuyi Mountains — a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Danxia landforms and Da Hong Pao tea. National teams from 20+ countries compete in the championship distances, while open races welcome all levels. The course weaves through bamboo forests, ancient temples, and dramatic red-rock formations.

Run along and across one of the most photogenic sections of the Great Wall of China. As a Salomon Golden Trail World Series stop, this race offers world-class competition with live broadcasts reaching 100+ countries. The course combines ancient Wall trails, forested mountain paths, and traditional village sections.

Part of the prestigious UTMB World Series, this race in subtropical Xiamen draws 5,000+ runners from 30+ countries. The course traverses lush mountain trails near the coast, offering warm early-spring racing through tea plantations and Buddhist temple grounds. Xiamen's international airport makes it easily accessible from across Asia.

The newest addition to UTMB's World Series, this inaugural 2026 event drew 5,000 runners to the bamboo-covered hills of Moganshan. Set in a popular retreat destination near Shanghai and Hangzhou, the race features rolling green mountains, tea villages, and centuries-old hiking paths. Its proximity to major cities makes it ideal for international runners combining racing with tourism.

A UTMB World Series race at the historic Dajingmen gate — one of the four great passes of the Great Wall. Known for its unique 70K night running option, racers traverse moonlit ancient walls and mountain ridges. The course blends Silk Road history with challenging trail running through northern China's dramatic landscape.

UTMB's 6th China event follows the ancient Shu Road (蜀道) — one of history's most legendary trade routes through the Qinling Mountains. Top-3 finishers in the 100K earn direct entry to the UTMB Finals in Chamonix. The course connects Jian'ge Pass to Zhao Hua Ancient City, following 2,000-year-old stone pathways through deep gorges and primeval forests.

Race in the shadow of Mt. Gongga (7,556m), the highest peak in Sichuan. This international event attracted runners from 34 countries with 136 foreign competitors in its latest edition. With ¥300,000 in prizes and high-altitude terrain up to 4,500m, it offers both stunning Himalayan scenery and serious athletic challenge. Tibetan cultural encounters along the route add a unique dimension.

China's only Skyrunning World Series event, set in one of Asia's most breathtaking alpine landscapes. Runners race at 4,000–5,000m elevation with views of three sacred snow peaks. Athletes from 15 countries compete in this extreme high-altitude challenge. The scenery — turquoise lakes, prayer flags, and towering peaks — is unmatched anywhere on the trail running calendar.

One of China's most popular ultras — registration sold out in just 2 hours. This ITRA-certified event circles the magnificent Four Girls Mountain (6,250m), with nearly 20,000 global participants across its history. The 99.4K route is a true mountain challenge with spectacular alpine scenery, while shorter distances offer accessible introductions to high-altitude trail running.

Set on sacred Mount Emei — a UNESCO World Heritage site — this unique biweekly format event spreads races over two weekends. With 8,000+ runners from 15 countries and ¥300,000 in prizes, it's one of China's most lucrative trail events. The 102K course climbs through subtropical forests, ancient Buddhist temples, and cloud-wrapped mountain trails with wild macaque encounters.

A pioneering Chinese trail race that has broken free from the UTMB system to forge its own identity. KOLON Sport signed a 5-year sponsorship deal, signaling its independence and growing prestige. The course follows ancient hiking paths through bamboo forests and traditional Zhejiang villages. It's considered one of China's most professionally organized independent events.

Part of the XTERRA global off-road series, this race runs through the otherworldly sandstone pillars that inspired the movie Avatar. With 2,000+ participants from 27 countries, it offers a complete trail running experience through the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan scenic area. Multiple distances mean everyone from beginners to ultra runners can participate.

China's first high-altitude 100-miler, set in the backpacker paradise of Dali. The course circles the stunning Cangshan mountain range with views of Erhai Lake below. Skyrunning certified, it combines Bai ethnic minority culture with challenging mountain terrain. Dali's laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect race-cation destination for international runners.