In the spring marathon season of 2026, Beijing, as the core host city of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, attracted a large number of runners from other cities. According to the China Athletics Association’s official website, from March to April, Beijing held seven marathon events. During each race week, flight bookings to Beijing increased by nearly 50% compared to usual days, with passengers mainly coming from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Hefei, and other places.

In terms of hotels, bookings for high-quality hotels in Beijing during race weeks increased by 35% compared to normal days, with most stays lasting one to two nights. For scenic spots, attention to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven continued to rise, with search and booking interest increasing by over 55% compared to usual days. Bookings for study tour-themed day tour products also saw significant growth.

Notably, Beijing’s Miyun District will host another marathon event this weekend (April 26). According to data from Tongcheng Travel, as of April 22, hotel bookings near the Beijing race venue increased by over 60% compared to normal days, with out-of-town bookings mainly coming from nearby cities such as Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and Jinan.

The Tongcheng Research Institute analysis suggests that, leveraging Beijing’s strong transportation hub functions and rich cultural tourism resources, marathon events have effectively driven weekend “sports + cultural tourism” consumption, further activating the city’s micro-vacation market.

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, China, served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912. Construction began in 1406 under Emperor Yongle, and it remained the political and ceremonial center of Chinese government for nearly 500 years. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses the Palace Museum, showcasing an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace in Beijing, China, is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces originally built in 1750 as a royal retreat for the Qing dynasty. It was largely destroyed during the Second Opium War in 1860, but was later rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi in the late 19th century using funds intended for the navy. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, celebrated for its harmonious landscape design and iconic structures like the Long Corridor and Kunming Lake.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a vast imperial complex built in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, where emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. It is renowned for its symbolic architecture, including the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar, which reflect ancient Chinese cosmology and the connection between heaven and earth. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular public park where locals practice tai chi and other traditional activities.