As warm winds blow, May is an ideal time to break a sweat and recharge. On May 24, the 2026 Mutianyu Great Wall Cross-Country Race hosted by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) officially kicked off. More than 700 UCAS students gathered at the foot of Mutianyu Great Wall, treading the grand ancient pass with their footsteps and honoring their youthful spirit with hard work.

The race course is lined with layered stone steps, interspersed with country lanes and mountain forest paths. Runners ascended to the Great Wall one after another, traversing the rolling watchtowers along the ramparts.

Spanning 5 kilometers with a total elevation climb of 470 meters, the course challenges participants’ physical strength, endurance and ability to adapt to rugged terrains at every step.

Under mild sunshine and soft breezes, the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall provided a stunning backdrop for the thrilling race. Every young runner wore a bright, joyful smile on their face.

As the sunset lingered over the grand pass, glowing Pegasus installations illuminated the mountain landscape. Traditional Chinese-style bazaars, face painting and NPC interactive entertainments continued all the way to the closing ceremony. The event concluded perfectly with the last group photo taken.

Youth is a melodious song, and time an elegant poem. The Great Wall stands as the pride and symbol of the Chinese nation, as well as a bridge for friendship and communication. Mutianyu Great Wall has hosted many high-profile sports events, forged distinctive Great Wall-themed brand activities, and realized the perfect integration of sports, tourism and culture.

In the future, Mutianyu Great Wall will further deepen the integration of culture and sports, letting this splendid regional calling card shine ever brighter.