- Dates: January 1-10, 2027
- Location: Changchun, China
- Marathon: 25 km / 50 km classic tehnique
- BONUS: Olympic city Beijing
- REGISTER >>>
Vasaloppet China was held for the first time in 2003, and the ski festival has taken place more than 20 times. It is one of the oldest and largest ski events in China, a country with population of 1.3 billion.
After the marathon, we will visit China’s capital, Beijing, which, as a population of about 22 million. And while in China, it is definitely worth visiting the Great Wall of China and the Temple of Heaven. Of course, we will also taste the famous Peking duck!
Travel Description
Our journey in China begins in Beijing, where we arrive on January 2. From there, we immediately take a night train to Changchun, the marathon location, arriving the next morning. Over three exciting days in Changchun, we will experience the marathon, visit a snow festival, and take part in several excursions.
Changchun is a very large city by our standards, with around 8 million residents. The city is known for its film and automotive industries—brands like Audi, Volkswagen, and Toyota are produced in various factories there. The famous movie The Last Emperor, which won nine Oscars in 1988, was filmed in Changchun.
After the marathon experiences, we return to Beijing, a city rich in culture and well known in the sports world for hosting both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, and it will also host the 2027 World Athletics Championships. Estonians have fond memories from the 2022 Winter Olympics—our own Kelly Sildaru won a bronze medal in slopestyle in Beijing.
In Beijing, we will go on several excursions, visiting the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Qianmen Street, and the Temple of Heaven. One evening, we will definitely enjoy the famous Chinese dish—Peking duck. We will spend four nights in Beijing at the luxurious five-star Regent Beijing hotel. From this hotel, it is easy to access all major attractions and explore the city independently.
During the first three days, excursions organized by our partner (with an English-speaking guide) as well as lunches and dinners are included. On the last two days, you can decide for yourself what else to explore in Beijing. Our tour leaders will help you make choices.
We will head to the airport late in the evening on January 9. Our return flight departs on January 10 at 00:50. All organized excursions and transfers between the railway station and airport are arranged by our partner.
About the Ski Marathon
Vasaloppet China originated from the royal 90 km Vasaloppet in Sweden. Visiting orienteers from Sweden found China’s nature and landscape similar to Northern Europe and saw it as an excellent location for cross-country skiing events. Thus, in cooperation between the Swedish Vasaloppet organizers and the Chinese Ski Association, the annual Vasaloppet China tradition was established.
Marathon day is January 4, with 25 km and 50 km classical-style races. While the first Vasaloppet China had 750 participants, the highest number of finishers in the longer distance was recorded in 2015. In 2027, we will also contribute to bringing even more ski enthusiasts to China!
The races are part of the Worldloppet series and can be recorded in your Worldloppet passport. This is your chance to stay motivated in skiing for years and collect experiences from international marathons.
The marathon takes place in northeastern China, on the outskirts of Changchun. The course is located in Jingyuetan National Forest Park, which covers about 100 square kilometers.
What makes the marathon special are the massive snow sculptures lining the course, part of the Changchun Winter Festival. Weather conditions are stable and cold in winter. Even if natural snow is not always available, artificial snow production begins in November, ensuring a prepared 25 km course—hence the organizer provides a “snow guarantee.”
Over the years, several world-class long-distance skiers have participated, including Oskar Svärd, Jörgen Aukland, and Stanislav Rezak. Swedish skier Anders Högberg has won the race three times. In 2024, the title went to Czech skier Fabian Stocek.
Accommodation and Catering
In Changchun, we stay for two nights at the five-star Sheraton Changchun hotel, where other international participants and organizers are also accommodated. The expo takes place here, and on marathon day evening, there is a grand gala dinner, award ceremony, and performances. It will be one of the most memorable evenings, including the awarding of Worldloppet Master titles.
Transportation to the course (January 3) and the marathon (January 4) is organized by buses departing from the hotel.
In Beijing, we stay four nights at the five-star Regent Beijing hotel. Accommodation is in double rooms, and both hotels offer rich buffet breakfasts. Lunches and dinners are included (except January 8–9). During this trip, you will have the chance to try all the most famous Chinese dishes.
A festive dinner reception will follow the Vasaloppet China marathon at the hotel.
Flight tickets
You can choose between two trip packages. A package that includes flight tickets if you are departing from Tallinn, Estonia, or a package without flight tickets if you are traveling from another country.
If you choose the second option, please arrange your own flights to and from Munich airport, Germany, as this will be our meeting point. Specific meeting times will be shared with registered participants.
Package with flights:
The start and the end of the trip in Tallinn airport, Estonia.
- Flight tickets from and to Tallinn, Estonia
- Local transportation (trains, buses)
- Ski transporton the plane
- Transport to/from marathon start and finish
- Accommodation in twin room for 6 nights in 5-start hotels with breakfast
- Night train tickets
- Lunches and dinners (except January 8-9)
- All excursions with a local guide
- Grand gala dinner on January 4
- Travel organization service and a supportive group leader
The package price is 2995 EUR.
If you register after September 11, 2026 (incl.), the price of the package is 3095 EUR. If you don’t want to participate in any marathon distances, the package is priced at 2955 EUR.
Additional costs: Chinese visa and marathon entry fee. You can indicate your participation in the registration form. Visa information will be sent closer to departure. Please note your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip.
Package without flights
The start and the end of the trip in Beijing airport, China.
- Local transportation (trains, buses)
- Transport to/from marathon start and finish
- Accommodation in twin room for 6 nights in 5-start hotels with breakfast
- Night train tickets
- Lunches and dinners (except January 8-9)
- All excursions with a local guide
- Grand gala dinner on January 4
- Travel organization service and a supportive group leader
The package price is 2075 EUR.
If you register after September 11, 2026 (incl.), the price of the package is 2175 EUR. If you don’t want to participate in any marathon distances, the package is priced at 2075 EUR.
Additional costs: Chinese visa and marathon entry fee. You can indicate your participation in the registration form. Visa information will be sent closer to departure. Please note your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip.
Flexible payment options: after registration, we will send you the booking invoice (€600 per person). Payment of this invoice confirms your spot in the group. You can choose how to pay the remaining balance of the package on the registration form: you can pay the full amount of the remaining cost 75 days before the trip or in two installments. In the two-installment option, 50% of the cost is due 75 days before the trip, and the remaining amount is due 40 days before the trip.
Group leader Jüri Marcinkevicz
Jüri is an active recreational athlete whose experience includes over 150 international marathons in various sports (skiing, running, mountain biking, road cycling, and more). He is not driven by achievements, but by the experience of pushing his limits and the opportunity to discover different countries through active movement. You can be sure that after every Worldloppet marathon, he has his own tips and useful recommendations to share.
