Importance Score: 5 / 100 🟠
The fifth season of the popular television series, *Race Across the World*, returned to television screens on Wednesday, introducing a fresh lineup of contestants embarking on a cross-country journey from China to India.
Series Overview
The inaugural episode, which premiered on April 23, debuted five adventurous pairs striving to complete a 14,000-kilometer race to reach the southernmost point of India first.
Meet the Contestants:
- The reuniting entourage of former married pair-turned-friends, Yin and Gaz
- Siblings Elizabeth and Letitia
- Young Welsh couple, Fin and Sioned
- Brothers Brian and Melvyn
- Mother and son duo, Caroline and Tom
This year, contestants will traverse through cities, towns, and rural landscapes across China, Nepal, and India with modest funds and essentials packed in their rucksacks. With limited resources, each pair must strategize which mode of transportation to use, determine their route, secure lodging, and manage their spending.
Kicking off at the Great Wall of China, teams will navigate through a series of checkpoints en route to the ultimate destination.
Competition Route
As the competition is in full swing, here are the confirmed locations across Asia where cameras documented contestants’ journeys in the latest installment of *Race Across the World*.
Starting Point
The Great Wall of China
The race commenced at the iconic Great Wall, near the village of Huanghuacheng, approximately 80 kilometers north of Beijing. An apt start for an extended trek, traversing the entire Great Wall itself would span 21,000 kilometers, making it a monumental feat. A marvel of ancient architecture, the Great Wall of China represents more than two millennia of Chinese history and stretches from Shanhaiguan in Hebei province to Jiayuguan in Gansu province.
Checkpoint One
Huangling, China
Approximately 2,000 kilometers south of the Great Wall lies the first checkpoint, Huangling in Jiangxi province. Nestled on the slopes of the Huayi Mountains for over half a millennium, Huangling is renowned for its traditional Hui architectural style and the vibrant sight of chillis and crops drying on rooftops. Surrounded by lush greenery, the village is home to historical buildings and ancient sites. Once in disrepair for decades, Huangling underwent a transformation 16 years ago to become a popular rural tourist destination. Teams were directed to reach Huangling via cable car, cross the Leixin Suspension Bridge, and finally check in at the Huangling Shaiqiu Hotel.
Checkpoint Two
Sanya, China
In the second episode, the five teams prepared to depart Huangling for a 2,700 kilometer trek to Sanya, situated on the southern coast of Hainan Island. Their route included stops in the cosmopolitan city of Xiamen, the Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin, and the ancient town of Fenghuang. Upon reaching southeastern China, the stage concluded in Sanya. This tropical city, renowned for its picturesque beaches like Dadonghai Bay and Yalong Bay, draws affluent tourists. Nevertheless, its tropical climate also leads to frequent monsoon storms. Cultural attractions in Sanya include the Nanshan Temple, housing a 108-meter-tall statue of Guanyin, and various other landmarks such as Yazhou Ancient City and the Wuzhizhou Tourism District.
Final Destination
Kanniyakumari, India
To secure the £20,000 prize, teams must reach Kanniyakumari first. Situated at the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland, this pilgrimage site is where three major water bodies—the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean—converge. Kanniyakumari boasts stunning coastal scenery, historical monuments like the 95-foot-tall Thiruvalluvar Statue, as well as numerous temples, churches, and waterfalls. Esteemed for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, the town’s unique topography allows viewers to witness both events as the sun seems to descend and rise along the horizon.
Catch *Race Across the World* airing Wednesdays at 9 PM on iPlayer and BBC One
For more travel updates and tips, explore Simon Calder’s podcast