When people think about volunteering in China, they often imagine classrooms, schools, and cultural exchange activities. What many don’t expect is how deeply the experience can extend into everyday community life — including sport, health, and outdoor challenges.
During their time volunteering in Jiangxi Province, a group of Hongi volunteers took part in the Xinyu International Marathon, an annual event that attracts runners from across China and overseas. For most of the volunteers, this was their first-ever marathon. Some had never run long distances before. What began as a bold idea quickly became one of the most memorable experiences of their time in China.
“I never thought I’d run a marathon — let alone in China,” one volunteer said. “But being surrounded by friends, locals, and total strangers cheering us on made it feel possible.”
Xinyu is known for its strong connection to nature, particularly Fairy Lake, a vast scenic area surrounded by mountains, forests, and walking tracks. The marathon route winds through parts of the city and nearby natural landscapes, offering runners views that challenge common assumptions about urban China.
Another volunteer reflected on the contrast with what they had expected.
“I was nervous about crowds and pollution before coming here,” she said. “But Xinyu surprised me. There are so many parks, lakes, and quiet spaces. You can really get outside and breathe.”
For many volunteers, the marathon became about far more than running. Local residents lined the streets offering encouragement, water, and applause. Other runners checked in on one another, regardless of language barriers. The sense of shared effort created instant connections.
“What got me through wasn’t my fitness,” one volunteer laughed. “It was the people — my fellow volunteers running beside me, and strangers yelling encouragement. It felt like the whole city was supporting us.”
Experiences like this highlight a side of volunteering in China that often goes untold. Outside of major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, many regions — including Jiangxi — place a strong emphasis on green spaces, outdoor recreation, and environmental protection. Volunteers regularly find opportunities to hike, cycle, swim, and take part in community sporting events alongside locals.
For volunteers from New Zealand, these moments often feel surprisingly familiar. Conversations about nature, wellbeing, and balance echo values many grew up with at home. The experience reinforces the idea that cultural exchange isn’t limited to language or classrooms — it happens through shared challenges, laughter, and collective effort.
Completing the marathon wasn’t about finishing first. It was about showing up, pushing personal limits, and being part of something bigger than oneself.
“I crossed the finish line exhausted,” one volunteer said, “but I was so proud. It’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
The Hongi Volunteer Programme offers young New Zealanders the chance to experience China in ways that go far beyond expectations — from schools and cultural exchange to nature, sport, and community life.
Those interested in learning more about the programme and future volunteer opportunities are encouraged to visit the Hongi website and consider applying for an upcoming intake.
