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Triathlon Review: Challenge Xiamen
- Rachel Faulds
- 3 days ago
- 12 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
A Comprehensive Guide To Racing Challenge Xiamen
*This is a review based on my experience at the 2025 race. I raced the middle distance event, however there are many events including kids races, Sprint and Olympic distance.
Photo by Rachel Faulds
Pre Travel:
At the time of our trip, Canadian passport holders DO require a visa to enter China. However, visa policies can change, so we highly recommend checking with your country’s official travel advisory or consular services for the most current information before departure.
To help us prepare, we found the following apps and tools especially useful:
Translation App – We downloaded both English and Chinese for offline use, which made navigating signs and conversations much easier.
Amap– For accuracy, use Amap rather than other map or GPS software
Klook – Great for booking transit, attractions, and local experiences in advance.
Alipay –Alipay is used for a lot of different things, from paying to an in-app Didi.
Didi– This is a transit app. It offers a mix of vehicles similar to Uber as well as Taxis.
WeChat: This can be used for payment, messaging, food delivery etc.
Photos by Rachel Faulds
The Race:
Venue: Xiamen, China
Photo provided by Challenge Xiamen This race was extremely well organized and had a lot of ‘extras’ - like an athlete banquet- that are not as common to experience for races that are middle distance and shorter.
With two days of racing and a wide variety of race distances from children's races up to middle distance racing it really felt like a community centered event that provided an excellent opportunity for everyone to participate - from beginners to professional athletes.
I raced in the middle distance triathlon, which was on the first day (Saturday) of the two days of racing.
Photo Provided by Challenge Xiamen
Registration & Expo:
Registration, packet pick up and bike drop off is all done prior to race day. Race packets for professional athletes were delivered at the race briefing and race packets for age group athletes were picked up at the expo/race venue.
Photo Provided by Challenge Xiamen
During the times that I visited the expo/venue site everything was clearly marked, well organized and with limited lines/wait times. There were many vendors for swim, bike, run and accessories. One of my favourites was the Waveless Sunscreen tent which had sunscreen and samples available for purchase. The sample size was great if you wanted something to bring to reapply on the run (a sample was also provided in athletes packets). I purchased a CO2 cartridge using Alipay. Reminder: Alipay is widely accepted and at the time of writing this it is heavily recommended that all visitors to China download this app and familiarize yourself with it prior to travel.
The race packet provided all of the typical race day requirements (timing chip, numbers, cap etc.) as well as a really high quality bag and some sample products (sunscreen, cooling cream, electrolyte beverage and a heiniken)
Photo Provided by Challenge Xiamen
Swim:
For the middle distance race the swim was a two loop course with an Aussie exit and a beach start. The water was really calm for the 2025 race and the beach was clean with no noticeable large rocks or safety hazards.
Water Temperature: Usually warm. Final wetsuit decisions are made by the Race Director on race morning. For the professional race it was not wetsuit legal and for the age group race it was wetsuit legal. The water temperature for the 2025 race was 24 degree celcius.
Photo Provided by Challenge Xiamen
A unique feature of this race was the additional swim safety protocols. The race had an abundance of safety personnel but the additional feature that stood out to me was the course being lined with a rope should athletes need to stop and grab it for safety purposes. This was the first time that I’ve seen this in a race and it’s a feature that - like many things I noticed in my first race in China - made a lot of sense. My subjective opinion is that I hope more races adopt this safety protocol.
Note: it is clearly stated in the race guide that athletes are required to do a swim test and receive certification of this. I competed in the professional field where athletes were exempt from this requirement, so I can not speak to how this is conducted.
Buoys and sighting markers were very clear and the course was accurately measured.
Photo Provided by Challenge Xiamen
T1:
The run out of the water had big crowds and great vibes. There was a shower/mist tent that athletes ran through which acted as a way to wash off some of the salt water. The path to T1 was carpeted.
Note: there was a small stair section (a few steps) running up into T1. So be careful of footing. This is clearly marked.
T1 was clearly marked with a clear entrance and exit. Overall it was a smooth and typical transition.The carpeting of the course was a great touch for both safety and comfort.
Photo Provided by Challenge Xiamen
Bike:
For the middle distance race the bike course was three thirty kilometer loops. Overall the course was very flat. On race day I noticed that it got progressively more windy as the race progressed.
There were two aid stations per loop for a total of 6 chances at picking up bottles. I used an aid station one time which leads to my only critique of the race. The bottles provided at the aid station were not full (I think mine would have been filled ⅓ of the way) and the lid quality was not great. I broke the lid while trying to drink from it.
Photo Provided by Challenge Xiamen
With this race (and all races) my recommendation is to plan to be as self sufficient for fueling as possible. Anything can happen in terms of fumbling a bottle pick up, aid stations running out of your desired product etc. and my experience with the bottle having insufficient fluids and the lid not working properly felt like a testament to this. All of that to say, if you are doing this race - plan to bring adequate fuel for your ride.
The bike course was closed to traffic, pedestrians were barricaded/walled off with designated crossing zones and a monitor to control crossing. Overall this led to what felt like a very safe course.
Run:
For the middle distance race the run was a four loop course with access to an aid station almost every kilometer. These aid stations provided water, red bull and cold sponges (it got hot out there). Litter zones were very clearly marked, aid stations were well stocked with many volunteers.
Photo Provided by Challenge Xiamen
There was a medical tent on the course, so athletes would pass by it 8 times should medical assistance be required as well as a bathroom, which athletes would also pass by 8 times.
Like the bike, the run was flat. It got pretty hot and there was not a lot of shade available- so it is recommended for athletes to have both a hydration and cooling plan for this course.
In Summary:
Overall, this race was absolutely excellent. The organization itself put on such a fun event. If there was a vibe score it would be off the charts. This was my first time visiting and racing in China and Challenge Xiamen has me eager to return.
Photo Provided by Challenge Xiamen
The athlete banquet, energy of the announcer and on the ground LOC crew really set this race apart.
It is worth noting that I am not sure about the post race food/what is provided.Since the hotel is right at the venue I immediately returned to the hotel post race.
Unique Feature: Challenge Xiamen provided event and course photographers. All photos were available shortly after the race on their website free of charge. This is in direct contrast to many other race experiences where photos are available for purchase only.
Scoring Note: Based on the scoring guide criteria, Challenge Xiamen received a perfect score. However, it's important to note the following two caveats:
There is nothing in the scoring guide about how well stocked aid stations are. At this point this is intentional because I am racing in the WPro category. In the pro category some brands of races have different policies surrounding aid station support (for example, at the time of writing this both Challenge Roth and Challenge Salou allow support persons to give athletes bottles etc on the course) and/or I can not speak to how well the aid stations are stocked for all athletes (meaning if aid stations run out of products near the end of the race). For these reasons, to maintain a similar scoring guide across all races this is not included in the scoring. The aid stations on the bike are my only subjective critique of this race, and it is important to note that it is not reflected in the score.
I excluded the “Is parking available?” category from this review. Since we did not have a vehicle during our time in China, I wasn’t in a position to accurately assess parking availability for athletes traveling with cars. As such, this specific element was omitted to maintain fairness and integrity in the scoring. Curious about how we score races? Take a look at our Scoring Guide here.
Pre Race Training And Accomodation:
Xiamen offers a variety of accommodation options conveniently located near the race venue. If it is within your budget for this event, athletes are strongly encouraged to stay at one of the two designated race hotels, as these properties are officially supported by the organizers and offer the most convenient access to event activities and logistics.
Photo by Challenge Xiamen
We stayed at the Portman Seven Stars Hotel which was an outstanding environment for pre-race training and preparation. The hotel featured a 50-meter lap pool, open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. During our stay, pool access was consistently available, and lanes were rarely crowded. The property is also situated directly along the bike and run course, allowing athletes to complete pre-race training sessions with ease and minimal travel time/logistical coordination.
The surrounding area includes a shopping mall with a range of restaurants, cafés, and retail stores—ideal for pre-race meals or last-minute purchases.
Accommodation for our stay was arranged by the local organizing committee. For athletes booking independently, room rates typically range from $160–200+ CAD per night. Competitors may access special athlete rates by booking through the Challenge Xiamen website.
Bike mechanics were available at the nearby race expo, offering mechanical support and last-minute servicing before race day.
Additionally, if you are staying farther away from the venue and/or want to explore additional parts of Xiamen - it is really easy to use DiDi through Alipay to book your in city travel. We used DiDi multiple times for drives of 10-45 minutes with fares ranging from $5-$18 CAD.
Post Race Sightseeing:
As always, a huge part of every race for us here at Travelled Triathlete is the post (or pre) race sightseeing. It was such a huge privilege to be a guest in Xiamen and experience elements of China’s cultural and coastal beauty.
In the days leading up to the race, we stayed at the Portman Seven Stars Hotel, where we had the chance to take part in a traditional tea experience in the hotel’s tea room. The two-hour session cost just under $40 CAD and offered a fascinating introduction to Chinese tea culture.
The entire experience was conducted in Chinese, so we relied on Google Translate to communicate with our guides — which, in itself, became part of the fun. Over two different types of tea, we learned some wonderful facts, a few of which are: Mount Wuyi is recognized as the birthplace of both black tea and oolong tea; the “mother tree” of Dahongpao is more than 300 years old; and according to Lu Yu’s Tea Classic, the best tea plants in Wuyishan grow on “rotten stones.”
Our favorite tea of the day was called Xian Sui, and we loved learning a local saying from Wuyishan:
“The fragrance of Rou Gui tea is unmatched, the richness of Shu Xian tea is unsurpassed, and the taste of Dahongpao tea is unparalleled.”
It was a calm and memorable way to experience a treasured aspect of Chinese culture before the big race.
The day before the race, I also joined a cultural tour organized by the event team - another opportunity to connect with Xiamen’s history. We visited the Historical Exhibition Hall, which offered a look into Tong’an’s past, followed by a stop at the Confucius Temple - which featured design that symbolized the principles of Confucianism- ethics, morality and social harmony.
Photo by Rachel Faulds
After the race, we had one extra day before our flight home — just enough time for a bit more sightseeing. We began at the Nanputuo Temple, a famous Buddhist temple founded in the Tang dynasty and one of Xiamen’s most iconic landmarks. From there, we explored the Xiamen Horticulture Expo Garden, a sprawling park filled with themed gardens, lakes, and walking paths. It was the perfect place to visit post race and stretch out tired legs but there are drivable carts and bus tours available . Both of these activities were ‘free’ with no entry charge. We relied on Didi to travel around the region.
Photo by Rachel Faulds
Even though we loved everything we were able to experience, it was clear that we only scratched the surface of what Xiamen has to offer. If you’re planning a trip or have more time post race in Xiamen, here are a few other spots to consider:
More Things to Do in Xiamen
Gulangyu Island : A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture, piano museum, and car-free, walkable streets. Fun fact, this island receives more than ten million visitors a year.
Huli Shan Fortress : A historic coastal fort showcasing late-Qing dynasty military architecture and one of the world’s largest 19th-century cannons.
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street : A bustling shopping and dining area where you can sample local snacks like peanut soup and oyster omelets.
Xiamen’s Night Markets : Some famous markets are: Taiwan Snack Street or Bailuzhou Night Market.
Wulao Mountain Cable Car – For panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Words to Know:
English is not widely spoken, especially in smaller shops or by volunteers, so knowing a few words can go a long way:
Ni Hao (你好) – Hello
Xie Xie (謝謝) – Thank you
Shui (水) – Water
Jia You! (加油!) – A cheer meaning "Go!" or "Keep it up!" You'll hear this a LOT on race day.
Triathlons in China
IRONMAN 70.3 Shanghai Chongming Closest Airport: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Where To Stay:
Our accommodation was arranged through the race organizers, and was quite literally a triathlete's dream. The hotel had a full gym, a 50 meter lane pool that was open from 6:30 am -11:00pm every day and a road that was closed to vehicles and open for cycling and running right outside the hotel. The bike course quite literally went right by the hotel which was only a couple hundred meters from the transition and expo.
Xiamen offers a wide range of accommodation options but this is one of the few times that I recommend splurging to stay at the race hotel. For the 2025 edition of this race, there were two official race hotels, the Portman Hotel (which I stayed at) and the Marriot.
I could not imagine a better place to race or train in terms of convenience. The race hotel had an early breakfast available on race day, exceptional training, was gorgeous, convenient and there was a Challenge Family desk right in the lobby for athletes convenience.
Tips and Tricks:
Plan your nutrition in advance, including whether you’ll rely on the on-course aid stations. If you’re using the course nutrition, make sure to practice bottle grabs during training and check what products will be provided ahead of time.
Pack a flat repair kit, including spare tubes or CO₂ if you’re racing tubeless. Road debris and rough patches on course are not uncommon.
Bring your own pump for race morning if possible. There are some available in transition, but lines can get long and pressure gauges may vary.
Arrive early on race morning to allow time to check your bike and wait in the toilet lines—which can be quite long, especially just before transition closes.
Tip: Although your bike will already be racked in transition, you'll still need to pump your tires on race morning. While you're there, double-check that your bike is in the gear you want to start in, load your race-day nutrition, and take time for a short warm-up to get your body moving.
Race-Specific Notes:
Stay hydrated and have a cooling strategy. Taitung can be hot and humid, especially on the run. Consider using cooling towels, arm sleeves, or ice in your cap. Hydration salts or electrolyte tablets can also help.
Familiarize yourself with the local transit system if you’re not staying within walking distance of the venue familiarize yourself with Didi prior to race day.
Ensure you have appropriate apps: China is really tech heavy, using apps for most payments (Alipay) and transit (Didi).
Photo by Challenge Xiamen
Cost :
The local currency is the Chinese Yuan. At the time of writing, approximately 5 Chinese Yuan equals $1 CAD.
Credit & Cash
Credit cards are partially accepted, especially in hotels. However, Alipay is more widely accepted.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is not expected in China and is not a common practice.
Accommodations
There is a wide range of accommodation options in and around Xiamen:
Mid-range hotels: $80–$150 CAD per night
High-end resorts or official race partner hotels: $150–$300+ CAD per night
Food Costs
Food in China can vary in price.
Meals at small restaurants: $8–$10 CAD per person
Mid-range restaurants: $10–$20 CAD per person
Buffets, Western-style or tourist-oriented restaurants may cost more: $30-50 CAD per person
Transportation
Taxis and Didi within Xiamen typically cost $4–$20 CAD per ride (depending on distance). There are no Uber or Lyft services in the area.
Train: China has a high speed rail system. We did not personally experience this but heard from locals that it is effective, efficient and more cost friendly than flying. Note that this could be an option for intercity travel rather than intracity travel.
Race Entry Fee
Note that my fee for this race (in the WPro category) was covered by the race organization. Race entry fees for Challenge China vary by distance and registration tier. I did not look at the cost prior to the race and at the time of writing this the registration is not open for next year's event. I will keep an eye out and update this with cost at a later date.
Expo & Merchandise
There is no fee to enter the race expo, but as with most large races, vendors will charge for a wide assortment of products.
Please note that this post was written from my perspective and experiences. Your experiences may vary. Please read the Canadian travel advisory (or your own countries travel advisory) prior to travel.