9th Li River Trail Run 2026 - Yangshuo, Guangxi

The 9th Li River Trail Run returns to Xingping Ancient Town in Yangshuo County, Guilin, on 21-22 November 2026. A round of the SKYLINE Trail Series, this event crosses the distinctive limestone-karst landscapes of the Li River valley. It is a climbing-heavy mountain challenge rather than a road race, with three competitive trail distances plus a separate recreational hiking course.

The mountain courses

The longest route is a 102.1 km loop from Xingping through villages, mountain tracks and areas around the famous Nine Horse Fresco Hill river crossing. The published course passes Luotian, Jinzishan and Wuzhishan before returning to the historic town. The 49.6 km and 20.6 km courses follow shorter circuits of the same wider landscape, including paths around Nine Horse Fresco Hill and the Li River valley.

The organiser lists approximately 4,917 metres of climbing for the longest course, 2,227 metres for the middle route and 898 metres for the short trail. Maximum course times are 30, 15 and seven hours, respectively. A separate 10 km hike carries a seven-hour time limit; its detailed route is still pending. The published ITRA points for the running courses are five, two and one, subject to confirmation. Routes and measurements may be adjusted in the final race bulletin, so rely on the latest issued maps rather than an earlier GPX.

Getting race-ready

Entry to the 100 km and 50 km races requires evidence of recent endurance-racing experience: one trail finish of at least 50 km, or two running-race finishes of marathon distance or longer, during the preceding year. The 20 km trail requires a previous running event of at least 10 km. Age restrictions vary between categories. The official competition regulations also require a medical examination from a qualifying hospital, including an ECG, so allow time to gather the documents rather than assuming an entry payment completes the process.

Race-pack collection is listed for Friday 20 November, ahead of Saturday's early starts. The official registration deadline is 21 October 2026 at 23:59 China time, unless places fill sooner. The event listing quotes standard entry prices in Chinese yuan; the earlier June promotional rates have expired.

Xingping is outside central Guilin, and the town's river-valley setting makes travel planning important. Confirm the final race-pack desk, transport arrangements, mandatory kit, route modifications and any updated safety instructions with the organiser before departure.