Chongli, China, isn't just a venue—it's an epic destination challenge that demands careful preparation. Hosting two Championship weekends, the 2026 Kids World Championship and the 2026 APAC Regional Championship, whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time international traveler, a former Olympic venue like Chongli requires insider knowledge. This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion to deliver everything you need to know: from securing the perfect, strategically located accommodation near the main venues to understanding the essential China Visa requirements for your passport and, crucially, all the nuts-and-bolts of the Race Day information. We'll make sure your focus stays on the finish line, not the logistics. Let the countdown to Chongli begin.
1) Genting Snow Park Location & How To Get There
Genting Snow Park is located within Wutong Avenue, Taizicheng Village, Sitaizui Township, Chongli District, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province. It was the competition venue for Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Here are the details:
Overview & Highlights
Skiing Experience: The park has 45 trails with a total length of 31 km and a skiable area of 1.04 million square meters. It features beginner trails like Jindaihua, intermediate trails like Mandala and Lanticetou for progression, and advanced trails for experts. Night skiing is also available in Zones 1 and 22, offering up to 10 km of interconnected skiing across two mountains.
Terrain Parks: The park features slope-style parks, banked slalom terrain parks, etc., equipped with various features like jumps and rollers. There are beginner-friendly zones and areas suitable for intermediate riders to practice and advance.
Event Spectating: It hosts numerous high-level competitions like the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Big Air World Cup, FIS Freeski & Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup, etc., offering chances to watch top athletes like Eileen Gu and Su Yiming.
How to Get There: High-Speed Rail / By Car / Etc.
High-Speed Rail from Beijing (Recommended)
Arrival Station: Taizicheng Station.
Based on train schedules, Genting provides a complimentary shuttle service. Upon exiting the station, follow the signs to the "Bus Waiting Area" and look for the sign marked "Genting Snow Park" to board.
Self-Driving
Route: Via Jingzang Expressway / Jingli Expressway to Genting Snow Park.
If driving from Beijing, you can transfer to the Jingli Expressway from the Beijing 6th Ring Road, exit at the Taizicheng toll gate, turn onto Wutong East Road at the Olympic Village intersection, and arrive at Genting in about 2 hours.
Navigation Destination: Genting Hotel / Secret Garden太子 Hotel.
Alternatively, you can choose from our prepared transportation options – buses, coaches, or Buick vehicles (rental fee applies) – to reach Genting, saving you the hassle of driving and taking you directly to Genting, your secret garden of fun.
2) Accommodation
Genting Snow Park has more than 2,000 hotel rooms in the complex, ranging from 5-star hotels to youth hostels.
Genting Grand Hotel has 348 rooms and suites, all equipped with kitchen facilities, and 81 youth hostels.
Secret Garden Prince Hotel & Apartments has 1,893 rooms and suites.
Dining Options
Chiti Hunan Restaurant: Located on B1 level of the Hillside Hotel, serving Hunan cuisine with moderate spiciness, suitable for most palates.
Han Representative Korean Barbecue: Located downstairs of Building 9 in Taizi Town, offers good Korean BBQ, ideal for post-skiing gatherings.
Secret Garden Genting Mandula Tripe & Lamb Spine Hot Pot: Located on the 3rd floor of Genting Hotel. Their lamb spine is not gamey, and set meals offer good value.
Saila Palace Beef Noodles (Genting Taizi Branch): Their hand-pulled noodles and lamb skewers are tasty. The Egg & Sweet Fermented Rice Soup is highly popular, blending creamy, eggy, and fermented rice flavors into a warm, comforting drink.
Food Court: Located in the ski service hall on the 2nd floor of the Genting Hotel. Offers Zhangjiakou specialties like Youmian (oat noodles), baozi, jiaozi, as well as Malatang, Mala Ban, bubble tea, etc. Prices are relatively affordable, and there's live music at noon.
Inquiries about Genting Snow Park hotel booking and customized transportation service between Beijing and Genting, please contact Genting travel services through wangying@sgemail.cn or zhangyanan@sgemail.cn
3) China Visa Information
Foreign nationals falling under the following categories may be exempt from obtaining a visa for China:
Bilateral Agreements: Based on bilateral agreements or understandings between China and certain countries, citizens from specific countries meeting particular criteria may be exempt from visa requirements for China. For details, please refer to the List of China's Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/zlbg/bgzl/lhqz/.
Visa-Free Entry for up to 30 Days: Citizens holding ordinary passports from the listed countries may enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting relatives, cultural exchanges, or transit, for a stay not exceeding 30 days. Please refer to the link below: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/gyls/lsgz/fwxx/202411/t20241130_11535783.shtml; (Compiled based on information released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of September 15, 2025)
Europe (33 countries): France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovenia, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Russia.
Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand.
Asia (7 countries): Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain.
South America (5 countries): Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay.
Note: Citizens from the above countries holding ordinary passports may enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting relatives, cultural exchanges, or transit, for a stay not exceeding 30 days. The stay duration is calculated from 00:00 on the day following entry.
Transit: For specific information, please refer to the National Immigration Administration website: 24-Hour Direct Transit Visa Exemption: https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741577/c759334/content.html144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption: https://www.nia.gov.cn/n897453/c1688948/content.html
Holders of valid Residence Permits issued by Chinese public security authorities: Foreign nationals coming to China for study, work, employment, family reunion, long-term visits to relatives, or as resident foreign journalists must apply for a residence permit from the public security authorities after entry. Within the validity period of the residence permit, they may reside in China and make multiple entries and exits without needing a separate visa.
Holders of valid Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards of the People's Republic of China.
Holders of valid APEC Business Travel Cards (including virtual cards).
4) Chongli: An Ice and Snow Destination Nurtured by the Winter Olympics
Chongli, meaning "Esteeming Etiquette," is located in Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province. Chongli is 200 kilometres northwest of Beijing and is renowned as a primary venue for snow sports during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
It boasts exceptional ice and snow resources – average annual snowfall exceeds 60 cm, the snow cover period lasts up to 150 days, and the snow is soft and dry, earning it the nickname "Snow Capital of China." During the Olympics, core venues like the Genting Snow Park and Guyangshu Venue Cluster successfully hosted over 20 snow events, including freestyle skiing, snowboarding, and ski jumping. The unique architecture of venues like the "Snow Ruyi" not only served the competitions but also became iconic landmarks.
Beyond the Olympic legacy, Chongli's appeal lies in its comprehensive skiing facilities. The area now has 8 major ski resorts with over 300 km of total ski trails, catering to everyone from beginners to professional athletes.
Beyond winter, Chongli is equally captivating in summer. Lush forests and fresh air attract many visitors for summer escapes, hiking, and cycling, achieving a transformation into a "four-season tourism" destination. With an average summer temperature of only 18.4°C and a negative oxygen ion concentration reaching 10,000 ions/cm³, it's a natural summer retreat.
Summer in Chongli is rich with events, most notably the Spartan Race. Furthermore, Chongli has hosted numerous other sports events like the National Freestyle BMX Championships, successfully organizing 131 summer sports events in 2025 alone..
From an Olympic venue to a popular vacation and summer retreat, Chongli, connected by its winter sports and summer coolness, continues to radiate vitality and passion, making it an ideal choice for experiencing snow fun and embracing nature.
5) Chongli: Host City of the Spartan Kids World Championship & APAC Regional Championship 2026
This August, Spartan invites you to Genting Snow Park in Chongli, China, for two weekends celebrating endurance, culture, and achievement. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience where the best young and adult athletes come together amid the stunning scenery of majestic mountains and challenging terrain.
Save the date:
Aug 8-9, 2026: Spartan Kids World Championship
Aug 15-16, 2026: APAC Championship
Race Day Information
Pre-Race Preparation
Course Familiarization: A pre-race course walkthrough will be organized to help participants gain a systematic understanding of the World Championship course layout and obstacles.
Race Briefing: A detailed race briefing session will be held to review important information, rules, and safety reminders related to the event.
Parade of Nations & Elite Athlete Meet-and-Greet: Before race day, there will be a Parade of Nations and an Elite Athlete Meet-and-Greet to celebrate the international spirit of the Championship.
Exact times and details for these activities will be provided in the official World Championship Race Guide distributed before the event.
Environment
Altitude: The Chongli race venue is located at approximately 1,500 meters (4,921 ft) above sea level.
Weather Conditions: It rains frequently in Chongli in August, and there is often a large difference between day and night temperatures. Participants are advised to prepare appropriate clothing and gear for potential weather changes.
Race Characteristics
Course Terrain:
The Chongli course features diverse terrain, including grass fields, gravel paths, muddy trails, paved roads, and ski slopes ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Elevation & Distance:
The course includes significant elevation gain, with numerous steep ascents and descents that require both strong physical conditioning and technical ability.
Obstacle Design:
Obstacles are designed based on the natural features of the venue, providing both challenge and enjoyment. Participants can expect new obstacle elements and adjustments to existing formats compared to previous races.
The 2026 Spartan Kids World Championship will continue the legacy of previous editions, offering an epic, world-class course that combines challenge, adventure, and teamwork.
This course represents more than just competition; it’s a platform for every young Spartan to push their limits and make their mark on the world stage.
Before You Go...
With your China Visa secured, your accommodation booked, and the Race Day information firmly etched in your mind, you are officially ready to take on the challenge. Remember, while the logistics are crucial, the true essence of Chongli is the unforgettable experience of competing in a stunning, world-class venue.
Arrive prepared, stay flexible, and focus on delivering your best performance. We look forward to seeing you cross that finish line!
SPARTAN EDITORS help people develop the systems, psychology and game plan they need to get their minds and bodies into peak condition.
