Discover the Spirit of Chinese Orienteering
Join us in 2027 for an unforgettable adventure at the 9th Beidou Orienteering Competition.
Founded in 2015 as the “Wave Orienteering Championship” and reborn as Beidou Orienteering in 2019, this event has grown into the heart of China’s orienteering community. Inspired by the Big Dipper constellation, Beidou celebrates the idea that everyone is a stakeholder — not only an athlete but also a guardian of the event’s legacy.
The 9th Beidou Orienteering Competition will be held in January 2027 in Guangdong Province (dates to be announced in June 2026).
2027 BEIDOU ORIENTEERING GUANGDONG CHINA Date January 2027
Location: Guangdong Province, China
Meeting point: prel. Guangzhou Airport
Beidou Orienteering Competition 2026
- High altitude (1800–2000 m) forest orienteering terrain
- Distinctly Chinese experience with early mornings, traditional Yunnan cuisine, and exchange with 600 University Orienteers from China
- Discover parts of China rarely seen by tourists
Who can join?
All orienteering enthusiasts are warmly welcome — from juniors to masters, from first-timers to elite athletes. If you share the spirit of adventure and the curiosity to experience orienteering with a Chinese character, Beidou is for you.
In 2026, participants from Australia, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom & other countries participated.
Maps from Beidou Orienteering 2025 Guangdong (sprint orienteering)
“Beidou was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Great competitions and even better caring hosts. Highly recommended!”
“Beidou provided orienteering that was challenging and enjoyable. The maps, courses, and event organisation were all of a very high standard, but the true highlights were the unique locations, culture, and travel experiences. The Beidou competition is the perfect opportunity for orienteers with a strong sense of adventure to experience China.”
“An amazing opportunity to visit parts of China never normally explored by tourists, and to run on some of the best sprint terrain in the world in an international-level field.”
Participants reports:
Compass Sport Magazine &
Orienteering with Chinese Characteristics
Program 2026
| 31 Jan | Arrival (morning – Kunming Airport) Night Score-Orienteering |
| 1 Feb | Orienteering (Middle) |
| 2 Feb | Orienteering (Middle) |
| 3 Feb | Orienteering (Middle) |
| 4 Feb | Orienteering (Long) |
| 5 Feb | Rest day & Sightseeing (prel. program: day trip to Dali City) |
| 6 Feb | Orienteering (Middle) |
| 7 Feb | Orienteering (Long) |
| 8 Feb | Orienteering (Middle) + Closing Ceremony Departure (evening, Kunming Airport) |
+ Training activities in the afternoon.
Classes — The 7 Star System
Classes are based on the Seven Stars of the Big Dipper, symbolising progress and mastery. Participants “collect stars” as they advance — from beginner to elite.
By “gathering the seven stars to summon the dragon,” athletes complete their journey from novice to master — a ritual full of meaning and achievement.
| Class | Requirements | |
| ⭐ 1 Star – Kids | 8-11 years | Men / Women |
| ⭐⭐ 2 Stars – Youth | 12-15 years | Men / Women |
| ⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars – Juniors | 16-18 years | Men / Women |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars – Open | 18+ years | Men / Women |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars – Advanced | 18+ years | Men / Women |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6 Stars – Elite | 18+ years | Men / Women |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 7 Stars – Super Elite | Top 15 from the 6-star group (selected based on the results of the first stage) | Men / Women |
| 🌟 Northern Star – Masters | 50+ years | unisex |
Organisation & Contact
Erik Simkovics
Beidou Orienteering Competition – Technical Advisor & International Coordinator
[email protected]
+436642254915
Erik has been involved in Chinese orienteering since 2010 and has been part of the Beidou Team since 2019. A former member of the Austrian national orienteering team and 4x Beidou elite winner, he has played a key role in connecting the international and Chinese orienteering communities. Erik coordinates all international participants and, together with the Beidou Orienteering Team, ensures a smooth and welcoming experience for everyone.
Contact us to be informed about the next Beidou Orienteering Competition, scheduled for January 2027!
Contact
The Beidou Event Package includes:
- Accommodation (3-4 star hotel, queen-size bed) & meals (Chinese cuisine)
- Local transport
- Event entries for all competition days + training activities
- Chip & GPS tracking device rental
- Event T-Shirt & Finisher souvenir
- English-speaking Group leader & hosts
Not included: International flights, visa costs (if applicable), insurance.
Cancellation policy:
- Before 17 January 2026 → 30% refund
- After this date → no refund (travel insurance recommended)
Terms
Entries are accepted only through the online entry form and are valid after fees have been received in our bank account. Please note that the organizer reserves the right to reject entries.
