Jinshanling Great Wall Trail Race
RunEast Rating
The Good
- best-preserved sections of the Great Wall in China
- Great Scenery of Yan mountain
About the Race
The Jinshanling Great Wall Trail Race takes place on one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall in China. Located in Hebei province, the course combines steep stair climbs, challenging mountain terrain, and breathtaking views of the Yan Mountains. Runners experience both natural beauty and historical immersion, with the race typically held in spring when apricot blossoms are in full bloom.
| Category(Usually) | Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTWS Amateur 22km Group | 22.31km | +1,117m | 7 hours |
| 50km | 49.08km | +2,231m | 14 hours |
| GTWS World's Elite 24km Group | 23.58km | +1,495m | 3.5 hours |
1 / 4
1 / 6
The Experience
- Scenery: The Great Wall sections offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, while the off-wall trails wind through scenic valleys.
- Course: The course features the iconic Jinshanling Great Wall, with its steep, uneven stairs that challenge even elite runners. Terrain includes rocky paths, sandy descents, and continuous short climbs.
- Services: Aid stations had fruit, hot food, and drinks. One issue: in hot weather, some runners reported water running low on the final stretches.
- Great Wall Jinshanling is one of the less-restored sections of the Great Wall,the stones are weathered and the watchtowers still have their original features, unlike the rebuilt sections closer to Beijing
Getting There
Jinshanling is about 2-3 hours from Beijing by car or shuttle bus. The race organizer usually provides shuttle services from the city.