China’s Most Scenic Marathon – The 2015 China・She County 2nd Xin'an River Scenic International Marathon, part of the China Outdoor Network’s “Most Beautiful Marathons” series, will be held on May 16, 2015, in She County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. The event is organized by the Huangshan Sports Bureau and the She County People's Government, and co-hosted by the She County Sports Bureau and China Outdoor Network. It features a full marathon, half marathon, and a mini marathon (6KM), open to both professional and amateur runners.
Located in southern Anhui Province, She County borders the world-renowned Huangshan Mountain to the north, faces Hangzhou, Zhejiang to the east, and connects to Qiandao Lake to the south. It is a sparkling jewel along the golden tourism route. With a long history and rich cultural heritage, the county was established as a county during the Qin Dynasty and was historically known as Xin’an. Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, it has been the seat of state and prefectural governments, historically referred to as “Huizhou Prefecture.” As the political, economic, and cultural center of ancient Huizhou, it is reputed as the “Confucian State of the Southeast” and the “Land of Culture.” It is a major birthplace and central showcase of one of China’s three major regional cultures—Huizhou Culture—and is also famed as the “Capital of Chinese Inkstones” and the “Home of She Ink Slabs.”
The Xin'an River, often called the “Danube of the East,” flows through the region. Its scenery changes with the seasons. Drifting along the river, visitors are greeted by traditional Huizhou-style ancient houses nestled between green hills and clear waters, resembling a living scroll of landscape painting—hence the name “Hundred-Mile Gallery of the Xin'an River.”
As air quality concerns plague many domestic city marathons, China Outdoor Network has carved out a unique path by creating the country’s first “Most Beautiful Marathon” brand—a “lung-cleansing run” through the breathtaking landscapes of the Xin'an River. The bold and novel concept quickly captured the attention of numerous marathon enthusiasts. The success of the inaugural race has undoubtedly established the She Marathon as a standout in the marathon scene. Now, China Outdoor Network is back with a bang, unveiling the 2nd She County・Xin'an River Scenic International Marathon.
The race course winds around the picturesque Xin'an River Scenic Area and the ancient city of She County—one of China’s best-preserved four great ancient cities. Marathon supplies are meticulously arranged according to domestic marathon standards, with multiple beverage stations, water stations, food stations, as well as cooling sponges and towels provided. Along the long journey, runners are not only supported by volunteers but also immersed in the stunning natural scenery, vibrant local customs, and distinctive architecture including folk houses, memorial archways, academies, and ancestral halls—making this marathon a feast of mountains, waters, emotions, and sights. The medal design, crafted by a renowned designer ranked among the top ten nationally, achieves perfection in shape, color, and cultural significance. At the finish line, participants can simply scan the QR code on their bib to check their results, download their finisher certificate, and may even receive a delightful surprise—a personal scenic photo from the race. In conjunction with the marathon, the ancient city of She County will host a thousand-person camping event… These localized, thoughtful services are beyond what traditional marathon events typically offer.
This May, as summer quietly arrives, we come with great momentum—to run freely through the picturesque landscapes of the Xin'an River and to journey through time amidst the timeless pavilions of black tiles and white walls.