The Destination

In May, spring is in its prime with sunny, blue skies and lush green vegetation lining the Great Wall. In recent years the weather during the Great Wall Marathon has been somewhat unpredictable, varying from a low of 16°C /61°F to a high of 35°C / 95°F.  Rain is unusual during the race, but can occur. Expect high humidity. 

You can find the visa requirements for your country here.

All participants are responsible for checking whether their nationality requires a visa or not, and responsible for obtaining the visa if so. 

Our booking directors will send you your travel voucher with your departure letter, which can be used in your visa application. 

Telephone
The international country code for China is +86. In general, mobile coverage is generally good in China's main cities, but less stable in remote and rural areas. Speak to your service provider about rates and roaming services. 

Disposable phones and SIM cards can be purchased in China.

Internet
Internet services are accessible from hotels and internet cafes in larger cities and tourist area, but is limited or non-existent in rural and remote areas. 

Make note that many popular websites are blocked in China, such as META, What's App, X, YouTube and Google. This means that the functionality of apps such as Google Maps and Gmail will be limited. Consider using a different navigational service, such as downloading offline maps. 

Electricity
On mainland China, three types of plugs are used: two narrow round pins, two flat pins of equal size and three-pronged angled pins. The types of sockets most widely used include Type A, I, C and F. Voltage is 220V/50Hz.

Many malls sell power converters and adapters for travelers. If you find yourself in need of a device, many hotels can loan you an adapter. If you are bringing a laptop or similar portable device to China, be sure to check the labeling on the power pack. 

Medical assistance in general

It's advisable to purchase medical insurance that covers one of the internationl joint venture hospitals in many of the bigger cities like Beijing or Shanghai. If you fall ill, our guides and office team will assist in locatin a suitable hospital.

Medical assistance during the marathon event

An international team of doctors and nurses is available prior to, during and immediately after the marathon event. The doctors patrol the route and can be found at the Yin & Yang square. 

Please note

If any treatment is unable to be carried out by our doctors and it is necessary to refer a participant to a local meIical facility, our medical team and travel agency will not be held liable for any treatment carried out by local medical facilities. 

Water
It is not safe to drink tap water in China without boiling it first. Most hotels will provide guests with bottled water or a kettle to boil water for drinking and brushing your teeth. It's best to avoid ice cupes and stick with bottled/canned drinks. 

Cuisine
"Anything that walks, swims, crawls or flies with its back to heaven is edible" - This famous Chinese saying tells you a lot about the rich and bold tapestry of flavors found in Chinese cuisine. Dining often occurs around large tables equipped with a turntable, making it easy to share and sample a variety of dishes. 

Dietary preferences and health requirements: 
We understand that allergies and special diets are a common concern among our guests. We do our very best to accommodate any diet for medical, allergy or religious needs; however, we cannot guarantee that all dining establishments can fulfill special requests. 

Delicious vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available at most establishments. 

If you require a special diet during your travel, please inform us no later than 45 days before your tour begins. 

In general, the people of China are friendly and welcoming to visitors. If you act kindly, and with respect, there are not many special rules to abide by. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Cuisine etiquette

In respect for Chinese beliefs and traditions, never place your chopsticks vertically into the rice bowl as this is associated with death and accidesnts. 

Bargaining

It is typically expected that shoppers haggle about the price when browsing markets and stalls. This is a very social event, and in some situations, it may even be considered rude if you do not bargain for the price.

Tipping

In general, tipping is neither expected nor required in China. However, the tourism industry has changed with the influx of Westerners, and it is considered polite to tip both local guides and bus drivers a modest amount. Tipping is never mandatory.