Major sporting events in Lijiang - from world-class marathons to international tournaments. Complete guide with past results and future outlook.
High-altitude marathon at 2,400m in Lijiang. Course passes Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views, and Yi minority villages. Challenging but spectacular high-altitude running. Usually June or October.
Full name: Lijiang International Marathon (丽江马拉松)
Ultra marathon and trail race at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山). One of China's most beautiful mountain marathon venues. Multiple distances including 100km ultra. Usually October.
Full name: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Marathon (玉龙雪山马拉松)
Technical mountaineering race up Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) near Lijiang. China's closest snow peak to a UNESCO World Heritage city. Challenge category for experienced mountaineers. Usually May.
Full name: Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Challenge (哈巴雪山登山挑战)
Half marathon through UNESCO World Heritage Lijiang Old Town. Narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and Sifang Street crowds. Unique urban running experience. Usually June.
Full name: Lijiang Old Town Half Marathon (丽江古城半程马拉松)
Road cycling event around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Challenging climbs through Yi and Naxi minority villages. Longest route reaches 3,000m altitude. Usually August.
Full name: Jade Dragon Cycling Challenge (玉龙雪山骑行挑战)
Ultra trail running through Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) - one of world's deepest river canyons. Technical terrain along cliffs above the Yangtze River. One of China's most spectacular trail running events. Usually October.
Full name: Tiger Leaping Gorge Trail Running (虎跳峡越野跑)
Looking back at recent years and what to expect in 2026-2027
Tiger Leaping Gorge Ultra 2026 was the largest edition with 2,000 participants from 30 countries. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Marathon attracted 8,000 runners in 2026. Lijiang successfully hosted its first UCI Asia Tour cycling event.
Lijiang Marathon 2026 aims to grow to 15,000 runners with expanded international participation. The Tiger Leaping Gorge Ultra is expanding with a new 100-mile category. New events including a Lijiang high-altitude training camp are planned.
Lijiang is becoming China's premier high-altitude sports destination. New facilities are under development for year-round mountain sports training. The city is in discussions to host China's national mountain biking championships.
Our licensed English-speaking Lijiang guides can help you attend major sporting events and combine sports with cultural tours.
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