The 2026 Danxiashan Marathon will be held in the northern Guangdong city of Shaoguan on December 12, with a route that runs past the city's landmarks and along its riverbanks. Beyond the course, the surrounding region offers ginkgo-lined villages, mountain trails, hot springs and historic temples for a post-race getaway.
The race will start and finish at Shaozhou Sports Center, with the course connecting several of Shaoguan's best-known urban landmarks. Registration opened on October 20 and is scheduled to close on November 15, with 10,000 places available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Here are some places to explore before and after the race.
1. Shaozhou Sports Center (韶州体育中心)
The starting and finishing point is one of Shaoguan's modern sports landmarks. The complex features a 6,000-seat indoor arena, a 400-meter running track and facilities for various ball sports. On race day, runners will gather here before setting off through the city.
2. Shaole Plaza (韶乐广场)
Pink blossoms provide a seasonal highlight at Shaole Plaza, where silk floss trees lining the roads bloom in late autumn and early winter.
Their clusters of pink flowers create a striking contrast against the surrounding urban landscape. For runners passing through the area, the flowering trees offer a colorful break from the rhythm of the race.
3. Zhang Jiuling Memorial Park (张九龄纪念公园)
Located on Huilong Mountain, near the junction of Zhenjiang, Wujiang and Qujiang districts, Zhang Jiuling Memorial Park commemorates Zhang Jiuling, a celebrated Tang Dynasty statesman and poet.
Its landmark, Fengdu Pavilion, is an 81-meter-high tower inspired by Tang Dynasty architecture. Visitors who have time before or after the race can climb Huilong Mountain to take in views across Shaoguan and the rivers running through the city.
4. Tongtian Pagoda (通天塔)
Standing on Zhouxin Island near the confluence of the Zhenjiang and Wujiang rivers, Tongtian Pagoda is one of Shaoguan's distinctive historical landmarks.
Built in 1556 during the Ming Dynasty, the octagonal, nine-story pagoda was once listed among the scenic attractions of the former Qujiang area. Its silhouette is especially striking against the river landscape in the cooler months.
5. Sun Yat-sen Park (中山公园)
For a glimpse of everyday life in Shaoguan, Sun Yat-sen Park offers a quieter stop amid the city's streets.
The park features mature trees, landscaped gardens, a traditional-style entrance gate with glazed roof tiles, a statue of Sun Yat-sen and an outdoor performance stage. Visitors may see residents walking, exercising or dancing together, making it a good place to experience the city beyond its tourist attractions.
6. Fengcai Building (风采楼)
Fengcai Building is one of Shaoguan's most recognizable historic structures. Built during the Ming Dynasty to commemorate Yu Jing, a prominent official of the Northern Song Dynasty, the approximately 22-meter-high building features three tiers of upturned eaves.
Its traditional architecture offers a reminder of the city's long history. Passing beneath the building is also a chance for runners to see how Shaoguan's heritage remains woven into its modern streetscape.
7. East Street (百年东街)
Stretching along the Zhenjiang River, East Street preserves memories of Shaoguan's former commercial port, with rows of arcaded buildings influenced by Southeast Asian architectural styles.
Today, old façades sit alongside cafés, snack stalls and creative shops. After the race, visitors can stroll beside the river, sample local food or relax over a drink while taking in the historic neighborhood.
With an urban route showcasing the city's landmarks and a wide choice of mountain scenery, historic sites and hot springs nearby, the 2026 Danxiashan Marathon offers an opportunity to turn a single race into a longer trip through northern Guangdong.
Runners planning to visit should check the organizers' final race route and the opening hours of individual attractions before departure.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photos | Nanfang Plus
