Gear & Packing

This is a trail running holiday, but proper gear is still essential. Being well-equipped ensures your safety and gives you the freedom to enjoy the trails with ease and confidence.

  • Trail run shoes
  • Road run shoes
  • Running apparel
  • Waterproof/windproof jacket with hood
  • Hydration pack or running vest
  • Soft flasks/bottles (min. 1 litre or 33.8 oz)
  • Headlamp
  • Running poles (optional)
  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

Major global brands like GU and SIS are available in China, but not guaranteed everywhere.  During our runs, Run the Trails supports and supplies local brand nutrition only, such as CPT, M-Action and Winsports.

If you have strict preferences, we strongly suggest bringing your own:

  • Gels and chews
  • Electrolytes / salt pills
  • Protein bars or recovery fuel
  • Any specialty fueling items you rely on
  • Your personal medication
  • Epi-pen (if needed)
  • Blister care & anti-chafe
  • Sports tape / supports
  • Pain relief or anti-inflammation meds

Connectivity & Payments

  • China uses Type A, C, and I plugs 
  • Bring your own adaptors and voltage converters
  • Power banks (If you don’t want to pack one, power banks are extremely affordable in China and can be delivered the same day.)

You can freely use Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Netflix, TikTok and other blocked apps if you stay on your home SIM card with international roaming.

However, if you:

  • connect to local WiFi, or
  • switch to a local Chinese SIM card,

you will need a  working VPN installed before arrival.

China is mostly cashless.

  • WeChat Pay or Alipay is essential
  • Foreign cards can be linked inside both apps (depending on bank)
  • Small shops may not accept physical credit cards

Visa & Insurance

Many nationalities now have visa-free entry for short-term tourist stays in China, so please check with your embassy or immigration authority.

If you need a visa, Run the Trails will provide:

  • Itinerary
  • Invitation letter
  • Required support documents

All participants must provide a valid personal travel and accident insurance before arrival or RTT will reject participation.

Your insurance must cover:

  • Emergency medical coverage for China and your home country
  • Evacuation and repatriation to your home country
  • Coverage for non-competitive running, trail running, and hiking (cannot be excluded)
  • Coverage for elevation activities 

Run the Trails’ Complimentary Coverage for Participants:

We provide a complimentary, supplementary China-only medical coverage for all listed runs (road or trail).
This does not replace your personal travel insurance.

Food & Diets

We do our best to accommodate dietary needs, but options vary by region.

More easily supported:

  • Halal
  • Vegetarian
  • Lactose-free

More challenging and not always guaranteed:

  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Highly specific allergy-controlled diets


For highly specific diets, we recommend bringing your own familiar snacks or supplements.

There is often a misconception that China offers only Chinese food.

In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou, you’ll find abundant familiar options:

  • Coffee shops and bakeries
  • Burgers, pizzas, falafel, pasta
  • Yogurt, smoothies, shakes
  • Cakes, pastries, pies
  • International fast food and affordable delivery everywhere

Urban centers have fast, easy, often low-cost delivery for almost any cuisine. Great for cravings, downtime, or additional snacks.  In fact, try local snacks as well too.

However, in rural or heritage areas where some runs take place (e.g., Great Wall), options will lean toward local and traditional fare.  Expect simple, fresh Chinese meals tailored to the region.