Guangdong has recently emerged as a sought-after destination for marathon enthusiasts. The 2023 Guangzhou Marathon, held last week, attracted around 30,000 participants, and there are more marathon events scheduled in the province in the coming days. These marathon routes wind through local landmarks and scenic wonders, promising a delightful journey to explore the natural beauty of the region.
2024 Shenzhen Dapeng New Year Marathon
Nestled amidst mountains and facing the sea, the Dapeng Peninsula in Shenzhen is hailed as an "outdoor sports paradise". The 2024 Shenzhen Dapeng New Year Marathon will kick off on the morning of January 1 at the Shenzhen Dapeng Peninsula National Geopark Museum. One of the standout sections of the course is the trail that stretches from the Yangmeikeng area to Luzui Greenway, providing a visual feast of the mountains and the sea.
Yangmeikeng area (Photo: Dapeng New Area Culture, Television, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Luzui Greenway (Photo: Dapeng New Area Culture, Television, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Meanwhile, runners can also explore the Jiaochangwei area, a popular resort spot in Dapeng, where a variety of stylish guesthouses and a long stretch of sandy beaches await. In addition, don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the 600-year-old Dapeng Fortress, which features a stone city gate, traditional dwellings, and captivating intangible cultural heritage art performances.
Jiaochangwei area (Photo: Dapeng New Area Culture, Television, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Dapeng Fortress (Photo: Dapeng New Area Culture, Television, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
2023 Dongchu Shantou Marathon
The 2023 Dongchu Shantou Marathon is set to begin at 7:30 am on December 24. The marathon route will traverse several renowned landmarks in Shantou, such as the Overseas Chinese Park, People's Square, the Small Park, Donghai Coast Avenue, and Jinwan Park.
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Television, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
One of the highlights of the course is the cluster of arcade houses in the Small Park, which boasts the largest area of its kind on the Chinese mainland and features a distinctive pattern. These architectures blend Chinese and Western styles, interspersed with modern public buildings such as department stores, post offices, and schools. This year, the route through the Small Park has been extended, providing participants with an immersive cultural experience in this century-old commercial port.
(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Television, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
(Photo: Official website of the 2023 Dongchu Shantou Marathon event)
2023 Danxia Mountain Marathon
The 2023 Danxia Mountain Marathon is just around the corner, scheduled for December 17. Danxia Mountain is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, a national geological park, and a 5A-level tourist attraction in China. With its fiery red cliffs, deep gorges, and lush green pine forests, Danxia Mountain will offer a mesmerizing backdrop for participants.
(Photo: Shaoguan Municipal Culture, Television, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
2023 Heyuan Marathon
On December 17, the 2023 Heyuan Marathon will kick off at the Heyuan Sports Center. The route follows the meandering river, passing through the Dongjiang River, Guifeng Tower, Heyuan Museum, and the Chinese Dinosaur Fossil Heritage Park, among other landmarks.
Dongjiang River (Photo: Heyuan Daily)
Perched atop Guifeng Mountain alongside the Dongjiang River, Guifeng Tower was built in 1132 AD and has long been hailed as one of the "Eight Scenic Spots in Heyuan." Moreover, the Heyuan Museum is an absolute must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts. It boasts an extraordinary collection of over 20,000 dinosaur egg fossils, earning it a well-deserved place in the Guinness World Record.
Guifeng Tower (Photo: Heyuan Daily)
Dinosaur fossil in Heyuan Museum (Photo: Heyuan Daily)
2023 Jiangmen Marathon
On December 17, runners will hit the pavement for the 2023 Jiangmen Marathon, commencing at the cultural landmark of Wuyi Overseas Chinese Square. This stop is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, offering a glimpse into the rich overseas Chinese culture and intangible heritage of Jiangmen.
Wuyi Overseas Chinese Square (Photo: Jiangmen Municipal Culture, Television, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
The marathon route winds its way through the Jiangmen Sports Center, Jiangmen Performing Arts Center, and other urban landmarks, as well as several enchanting greenways. The Marathon Park, situated on the Xijiang-Pengjiang greenway, treats you to a panoramic view of the river and features a sprawling lawn. Meanwhile, the Chengyang Green Corridor houses the Baishuidai Scenic Spot, often referred to as the "city's green lung."
Marathon Park (Photo: Jiangmen Municipal Culture, Television, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Chengyang Green Corridor (Photo: Jiangmen Municipal Culture, Television, Radio, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
2024 Xuwen Marathon
This marathon event will officially start on January 14 in Xuwen County, Zhanjiang City, which is renowned as the "hometown of pineapples in China". Along the course, participants can immerse themselves in the enchanting landscapes of Xuwen and experience its unique charm.
(Photo: Official WeChat account of the 2024 Xuwen Marathon event)
The entire race course will encircle the lush "Pineapple Sea" Scenic Spot. Runners will set off from the pineapple trading market, accompanied by the sweet fragrance of pineapples permeating the air. Along the route, colorful farmland, dotted with villages, old streets, and a vast array of mesmerizing white windmills, paints an alluring picture of subtropical ecological agriculture.
(Photo: Zhanjiang Fabu)
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Reporter | Holly
Poster | Mia
Editor | Nan, Monica, James
