Great Wall Marathon, Half & 8.5K

(Note: this package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff with a minimum of 10 participants)

Arrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  Scheduled transfers to The Kempinski Hotel will be provided during these times.  If your flight does not correspond to the transfers included, a private transfer can be booked at additional cost. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel.

Following breakfast, we will travel to the Great Wall for a mandatory inspection of the on-Wall route. Both runners and spectators will visit the Great Wall and receive race details. All runners must walk the 3.5 km of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course.  It is very important to familiarize yourself with that specific section to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is required).  (breakfast and lunch included) 

This morning you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of Hutong, the old city of Beijing. You will travel the ancient alleyways via three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws. We then travel to the Summer Palace for a tour of the man-made lake followed by lunch & some shopping. We will return to the hotel early enough to allow you to rest before race day.  Tonight, we will gather at the hotel for a pre-race pasta dinner. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

RACE DAY!  It will be an early morning departure for the Great Wall Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8.5K fun run.  A boxed breakfast will be provided upon departure and lunch from Subway is available after the race.  You will also have the opportunity to get a massage! Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. (breakfast and lunch included)

After breakfast we will take a bus to Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. We will walk through the square from the south to the north, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum.  Next is the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, one of China’s architectural masterpieces.  Entry to the city was forbidden to the common people until the early 1900’s. We will have lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the Gala Dinner. (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) 

After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and transfer to Beijing Airport for a 90-minute flight to Xi’an. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by an English-speaking local representative who will coordinate the transfer and check in to our hotel, The Hilton Xi’an.  You will have time to find a local restaurant to enjoy lunch.  The group will meet later in the afternoon to tour the enormous Ming Dynasty city wall on bike.  Built in 1370, the Xi’an City Wall spans over 13km and is one of the best-preserved city walls of the Ming Dynasty. Big Wild Goose Padgoda, built in 652AD to house Buddhist texts from India will be a stop on this half day tour. If you would prefer not to join in on the bike ride, our guide offers the opportunity to go to a local museum to explore the art & culture of Xi’an.  Tonight, we enjoy the famous dumpling banquet at Defachang’s.  (breakfast, snack on plane and dinner included) 

Note: You must be under 65 years of age (or sign a waiver) to participate in the bike ride.

After breakfast we will visit the famous life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors who have been guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for 2,000 years and the Horse Museum. After lunch at a local restaurant, we make a stop at Wild Goose Pagoda (built 652AD during the Tang Dynasty) before returning to the hotel for the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner Banquet & Show where actors will take you back in time to an era when Xi’an, then Chang’an, was capital of China. (breakfast, lunch and Tang Dynasty Dinner Show included) 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. We will be greeted by our English-speaking guide and explore Chonqing’s Shapingba District.  Known as “Little Chongqing”, it features traditional architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and a lively atmosphere with over 1,700 years of history.  After exploring the local shops and teahouses, tasting the spicy cuisine (if you choose) and witnessing some traditional performances we will enjoy a true local specialty, a hot pot lunch, together.  Chongquing People’s Auditorium is next on our list.  This striking architectural wonder, build in 1954, stands as a symbol of the city’s history and culture.  Dominating the skyline, this grand building with intricate details is one of Chongqing’s most photographed landmarks.  After boarding the cruise ship Century Victory, later in the afternoon, you will have time to unwind in your well-appointed cabin (Deck 5 with VIP restaurant) and enjoy a delicious dinner buffet. Our ship will depart from the port around 10:00 PM. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included – VIP restaurant) 

Join us for early yoga or Tai Chi on the sunshine deck before breakfast, or sleep in. As we travel down the Yangtze River we will see dramatic landscapes along the gorge. After breakfast, take the excursion to Fengdu Ghost City where you will learn about the culture of ghosts and the integration of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism with Chinese traditions. A variety of onboard activities & lectures will be available during the afternoon.  Optional Evening show “The War Fire of Three Kingdoms” (sign up on the cruise ship in advance for additional cost) (breakfast, lunch and dinner included – VIP Restaurant)

As we continue down the Yangtze River, we will see more dramatic landscapes, including the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, carved by the mighty Yangtze River. Optional shore excursions can be added today after breakfast or spend the morning at your leisure. After lunch, a three-hour excursion on Shennv Stream is included. We will board smaller sampan boats for a short cruise down the gorge to see the famous hanging coffins. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included – VIP Restaurant) 

After breakfast, join the shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site, the largest hydro dam & water conservancy project in the world.  We will disembark in Yichang after our tour, have lunch and visit the local bungee jump site at Xiling Gorge Happy Valley & Riverside Park.  You will have time for some shopping and dinner (on own) at Wanda Plaza before heading to the airport for our late flight to Shanghai. This evening, we check into the Conrad Shanghai. (breakfast, lunch & late snack on plane included) 

After a sumptuous breakfast buffet you will visit the Yu Garden, a must see in Shanghai. This classical garden, dating back to 1559 (Ming Dynasty), is known as the “Garden of Happiness”.  Enjoy a dim sum lunch and visit the Bund/Waterfront, a “living museum of building architecture” that illustrates the colonial history of the 1800s.  You will find Gothic, baroque and neoclassical architecture side by side along this stretch of 52 buildings.  Finally, we visit the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the 2nd tallest building in the world.  Enjoy a spectacular view of the river and the many landmarks of Shanghai from the comfort of the observation deck. Our full day tour is topped off with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included) 

(Note: this package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff with a minimum of 10 participants)

Arrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  Scheduled transfers to The Kempinski Hotel will be provided during these times.  If your flight does not correspond to the transfers included, a private transfer can be booked at additional cost. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel.

Following breakfast, we will travel to the Great Wall for a mandatory inspection of the on-Wall route. Both runners and spectators will visit the Great Wall and receive race details. All runners must walk the 3.5 km of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course.  It is very important to familiarize yourself with that specific section to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is required).  (breakfast and lunch included) 

This morning you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of Hutong, the old city of Beijing. You will travel the ancient alleyways via three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws. We then travel to the Summer Palace for a tour of the man-made lake followed by lunch & some shopping. We will return to the hotel early enough to allow you to rest before race day.  Tonight, we will gather at the hotel for a pre-race pasta dinner. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

RACE DAY!  It will be an early morning departure for the Great Wall Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8.5K fun run.  A boxed breakfast will be provided upon departure and lunch from Subway is available after the race.  You will also have the opportunity to get a massage! Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. (breakfast and lunch included)

After breakfast we will take a bus to Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. We will walk through the square from the south to the north, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum.  Next is the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, one of China’s architectural masterpieces.  Entry to the city was forbidden to the common people until the early 1900’s. We will have lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the Gala Dinner. (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) 

After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and transfer to Beijing Airport for a 90-minute flight to Xi’an. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by an English-speaking local representative who will coordinate the transfer and check in to our hotel, The Hilton Xi’an.  You will have time to find a local restaurant to enjoy lunch.  The group will meet later in the afternoon to tour the enormous Ming Dynasty city wall on bike.  Built in 1370, the Xi’an City Wall spans over 13km and is one of the best-preserved city walls of the Ming Dynasty. Big Wild Goose Padgoda, built in 652AD to house Buddhist texts from India will be a stop on this half day tour. If you would prefer not to join in on the bike ride, our guide offers the opportunity to go to a local museum to explore the art & culture of Xi’an.  Tonight, we enjoy the famous dumpling banquet at Defachang’s.  (breakfast, snack on plane and dinner included) 

Note: You must be under 65 years of age (or sign a waiver) to participate in the bike ride.

After breakfast we will visit the famous life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors who have been guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for 2,000 years and the Horse Museum. After lunch at a local restaurant, we make a stop at Wild Goose Pagoda (built 652AD during the Tang Dynasty) before returning to the hotel for the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner Banquet & Show where actors will take you back in time to an era when Xi’an, then Chang’an, was capital of China. (breakfast, lunch and Tang Dynasty Dinner Show included) 

(Note: this package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff with a minimum of 10 participants)

Arrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  Scheduled transfers to The Kempinski Hotel will be provided during these times.  If your flight does not correspond to the transfers included, a private transfer can be booked at additional cost. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel.

Following breakfast, we will travel to the Great Wall for a mandatory inspection of the on-Wall route. Both runners and spectators will visit the Great Wall and receive race details. All runners must walk the 3.5 km of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course.  It is very important to familiarize yourself with that specific section to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is required).  (breakfast and lunch included) 

This morning you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of Hutong, the old city of Beijing. You will travel the ancient alleyways via three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws. We then travel to the Summer Palace for a tour of the man-made lake followed by lunch & some shopping. We will return to the hotel early enough to allow you to rest before race day.  Tonight, we will gather at the hotel for a pre-race pasta dinner. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

RACE DAY!  It will be an early morning departure for the Great Wall Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8.5K fun run.  A boxed breakfast will be provided upon departure and lunch from Subway is available after the race.  You will also have the opportunity to get a massage! Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own. (breakfast and lunch included)

After breakfast we will take a bus to Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. We will walk through the square from the south to the north, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum.  Next is the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, one of China’s architectural masterpieces.  Entry to the city was forbidden to the common people until the early 1900’s. We will have lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the Gala Dinner. (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) 

After breakfast we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a tea house, and Lama Temple with lunch enjoyed at a local restaurant.  We return to the hotel briefly before departing for a Peking Duck dinner and Chinese acrobat show. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

(Please note: This package is NOT hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff.)

Arrive at Beijing International Airport (PEK) or Daxing Airport (PKK) at your leisure and make your own way to the New World Hotel Beijing.  Transfer to your hotel is not included but a guide will be at the airport to help you navigate taxis, or hotel shuttle or the express train.  Information will be provided in advance of travel. Check into your hotel and enjoy an evening in Beijing. (no meals included today) 

Following an early breakfast, you will check out of our Beijing hotel and transfer to the Great Wall for a mandatory inspection of the on-Wall route. Both runners and spectators will visit the Great Wall and receive race details. All runners must walk the 3.5 km of the wall, which is part of the Great Wall Marathon course.  It is very important to familiarize yourself with that specific section to take proper precautions and incorporate it into your race strategy. Non-runners may participate in this strenuous walk (good physical condition is required). After the race briefing, your tour leader has arranged a transfer to your new hotel in Jizhou, located 45-60 minutes’ drive from Huangyaguan Great Wall, where you have the afternoon at your leisure and will spend two nights. (breakfast and lunch included) 

Today is yours to enjoy before your race tomorrow. Take in the local atmosphere of Jizhou, Tianjin, or go on the optional excursion that takes visitors to Qing Dynasty Tombs. Covering an enormous area and housing five of China’s emperors, 14 empresses and 136 concubines, the Qing tombs are more impressive than the famous Ming dynasty graves but are visited by relatively few.  Lunch is included in this optional tour ($130/pp purchased in advance). (breakfast & dinner included – lunch is included with Qing Tomb tour) 

Today is the big day! After an early breakfast, check out of your Jizhou hotel as all participants will leave for Beijing after the race. The race starts at 7:30 AM and departure from the hotel is approximately 5:00AM. Sandwich lunches will be provided for everyone after the race and 20-minute massages will be offered. Buses will take runners back to Beijing between 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening with your new running friends.  (boxed breakfast and sandwich lunch included) 

Today is your recovery day!  Sleep in, relax or do a bit of shopping in Beijing center. You may choose one of the two optional excursions (must be booked in advance): City of Emperors will take you to the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Pearl Market ($115 per person – includes lunch). Or opt for Hutongs by Rickshaw ($95 per person – includes lunch) where you will be offered a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and traditional lifestyle. Enjoy a traditional lunch after your rickshaw tour through the old hutong area, showcasing the historic way of life in Beijing.  In the evening, all participants will be picked up at their hotels and taken to the Gala Dinner venue.  (breakfast and dinner included) (lunch included on optional tours)