Development and filming
This season has changed its name from The Amazing Race to The Amazing Race China, with the changing name shown on the clues and promotion for the show.
All the cities visited in this series have hosted Summer Olympics, and the finish line is the host city of 2016 Summer Olympics – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Upon the recommendation of doctors, Ji Longxiang was not able to join the Race and as a result, Xu Qifeng replaced him as Liu Xiang's Partner during the race.
Unlike Season 1 and 2, Season 3 has adopted the American-style title sequence.
This season featured modified versions of numerous tasks seen previously on the original American edition, as well as a task from Canadian edition and Israeli edition.
Similar to the first and second season, this season featured celebrities who were chosen to race on the show.
Originally, Huang Jingyu and Xu Weizhou were cast, but were axed at the last minute, details of this were not disclosed. The duo were replaced by Season 1 races Liu Chang and Jin Dachuan, who will be competing against a new group of racers.
This season featured brand new sponsors which were prominently featured in the show as well as on promotional material. In each Leg, teams were able to pick up McDonald's food and Eastroc Super Drink at the specific point and were given By-Health protein drinks to top three at every Pit Stop once officially checked in.
The show was also sponsored by Centaine, Bactroban and LiangMianZhen toothpaste.
The following teams participated in the Race, each listed along with their placements in each leg and relationships as identified by the program. Note that this table is not necessarily reflective of all content broadcast on television, owing to the inclusion or exclusion of some data. Placements are listed in finishing order:
A red team placement means the team was eliminated.A green ƒ indicates that the team won a Fast Forward.A purple ε indicates that the team decided to use the first Express Pass on that leg. A magenta ə indicates the team had previously been given the second Express Pass and used it on that leg.An underlined blue team's placement indicates that the team came in last on a non-elimination leg and had to perform a Speed Bump during the next leg of the race.A fuchsia ß indicates that a team was brought back into the competition by means of the Return Ticket on that leg.A brown ⊂ indicates the team who received a U-Turn; ⊃ indicates that the team voted for the recipient;An orange + next to a leg number indicates that there was a Face Off on that leg of the race, while an orange − indicates the team that lost the Face Off and received a pre-determined time penalty.Similar to the Israeli, Australian and Philippine versions, teams on the fifth leg voted for who should receive the U-Turn. The team who has the most votes must complete the other option of the Detour they did not select.
The prize for each leg is awarded to the first place team for that leg.
Leg 1 – A Deluxe Dinner at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, A trip to Australia and New Zealand and Two Express Passes, one of which must be given to another team.Leg 2 – A Return Ticket, which teams may use to bring back an eliminated team before the end of the fourth leg, and A trip to New Zealand and Australia .Leg 3 – A trip to Norway, Denmark and Iceland.Leg 4 – A trip to France, Germany and Switzerland.Leg 5 – A trip to United States, United Kingdom and Brazil.Leg 6 – A trip to Japan, South Korea and Singapore.Leg 7 – A trip to Norway, Denmark, and Iceland.Leg 8 - A trip to Denmark, Italy and Poland.Leg 10 - A pair of trophies and a pearl necklace.Airdate: July 8, 2016
Beijing, China (Great Wall of China – Juyong Pass) (Starting Line)Beijing (Beijing National Stadium) Beijing (Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3 – Turkish Airlines Lounge) Beijing (Beijing Capital International Airport) to Athens, Greece (Athens International Airport) Argolis (Epidaurus) Athens (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)Athens (Athens Olympic Stadium)Athens (Athens Olympic Stadium Arcade) In this season's first Roadblock, one team member must climb to the roof of the Beijing National Stadium. The chosen team member would be hooked up to a harness and hoisted into the air, just like the dancers that took part in the 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremonies. They would have to make five forward flips in the air while being raised upwards, and then perform five backwards flips while being lowered. Once successful, teams would receive their next clue.
In this season's first detour, teams must choose between Archimedes (阿基米德 Ājīmǐdé) or Spartan Warriors (斯巴达勇士 Sībādáyǒngshì). In Archimedes, teams will need to solve Archimedes' favourite puzzle - a fourteen-piece Tangram. If they cannot complete the puzzle, they must hike to the top of the amphitheatre where they would be given two places where pieces needed to be placed. Once they completed the tangram, they received their next clue. In Spartan Warriors, teams will need to participate in both Javelin and Discus throwing events. Both team members would have to throw the discus beyond a specified line and hit a haybale with their javellin before receiving their next clue.
Additional tasks
At the Starting Line, teams will need to race up a section of the Great Wall where eight warriors stood with flags. Teams had to Race to grab a flag and bring it back to the start to get their next clue - the longer they waited, the further they would have to run for their flag. Once they returned a flag, they received their next clue.At the Turkish Airlines Lounge, teams signed up for departure times upon landing.At the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, teams learnt how to perform a Greek Changing of the Guard ceremony. Once they performed it correctly, they received their next clue.At the Athens Olympic Stadium, teams were presented with a board filled with Chinese Olympic athletes and various Olympic sports. From this selection, they needed to pick out the only 10 gold medal winners and match them to their sport in order to receive their next clue.Airdate: July 22, 2016
Athens (Athens International Airport) to Munich, Germany (Munich Airport) Munich (Englischer Garten – Chinesischer Turm)Munich (St. Peter's Church – Alter Peter Tower) Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Große Olympiaschanze)Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Bräustüberl Garmisch) Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Mohrenplatz or Werdenfelser Hof) Saulgrub (Forsthaus Unternogg)Hohenschwangau (Neuschwanstein Castle) This leg's first Roadblock was that one team member had to ride a zipline, and match a pose of skating to receive their next clue.
The Speed Bump requires Zhang Meixi & Zang Yafei who is last on the first leg to make ten white sausage with the same size. After that, they musy finish them all to get their next clue.
This leg's Detour was a choice between Beers (干杯 Gānbēi) or Cheers (狂欢 Kuánghuān). In Beers, teams headed to the Mohrenplatz and carried twenty-two full steins of beer and carefully delivered them all at once through the crowd. If they could deliver the mugs without dropping any of them or spilling more than 6 of them out of the specified line, they would receive their next clue. In Cheers, teams need to do Schuhplattler, a traditional Bavarian dance and perform it correctly in order to receive their next clue.
In the second Roadblock of this leg, the team member who didn't complete the first Roadblock had to learn a Bavarian love song at the log house and then serenade their partner while perched on a ladder. If they could pronounce the words correctly, they would receive their next clue. If they were incorrect, a bucket of water would be dumped on them and they would have to start over.
Additional tasksUpon arriving in Englischer Garten, teams must pick one of one dachshunds. Then, teams had to race with their dachshunds around a course. The first team to finish the course would receive their next clue, whereas the team who loses must wait for the next team to arrive. The final team to lose would have to wait five minutes to receive their next clue.Upon arriving in St. Peter's Church, teams went to Alter Peter Tower and had to climb the tower to search for their next clue, which is on one of eight marked cars on the street below.Airdate: July 29, 2016
Munich (Munich Airport) to Tokyo, Japan (Haneda Airport) Minato (Odaiba Seaside Park)Minato (Tokyo Tower Studios)Minato (SIM Studio) Chiyoda (Maidreamin maid cafe) or Shinjuku (Shinjuku Central Park)Fujiyoshida (Fujikyu Highland Amusement Park) Susono (Fuji Safari Park)Minamitsuru District (Yagi Kawasaki Kawaguchiko Park) The Detour was a choice between Sailor Moon (美少女戰士 Měishàonǚzhànshì) or Case Closed (名偵探柯南 Míngzhēntànkēnán). In Sailor Moon, one team member must dress as a character from the comic series, Sailor Moon. Once they had put the costume on, they must find the man on the street dressed as the character, Tuxedo Mask, to receive their next clue. In Case Closed, teams had to travel to the Forensics Training Facility and had to locate ten pieces of bones and teeth inside a simulated crime scene, mark each spot with a flag, measure the locations, and graph each piece to scale on an evidence sheet. Once the evidence was graphed correctly, a crime scene analyst would give them their next clue.
At the Roadblock, one team member must become a ninja and complete three ninja training courses to receive their next clue.
Additional tasksUpon arrival in Tokyo Tower in Minato, teams had to participate in a Japanese-style game show called Sushi Roulette. Once all the teams arrived at the Roadblock location, the host would spin a wheel with 11 plates of sushi, 2 of which were "wasabi bombs" – temaki-style sushi filled only with hot wasabi. If the racer received a wasabi bomb, they had 2 minutes to eat it in order to receive their next clue. If they failed to finish it within the time allotted, they had to play again until they received a new wasabi bomb and could complete the task. Racers who received plain sushi had to eat the sushi and play until they received a wasabi bomb.Upon arrival in SIM Studio, teams will need to learn how to complete a Judo throw successfully to receive their next clue.Upon arrival in Fujikyu Highland in Fujiyoshida, teams had to ride a rollercoaster. While riding the ride, they had to look for three men holding signs with words on them. Upon completing their ride, they had to tell the park manager what was written on the sign to receive their next clue.Airdate: August 5, 2016
Tokyo (Narita International Airport) to Moscow, Russia (Domodedovo International Airport)Moscow (Maly Krasnokholmsky Bridge) Moscow (хлеб Bakery) Moscow (Slavyanskaya Square) Moscow (Russian Circus) Moscow (Russian State Social University swimming pool) or (Hall of Korston Club Hotel)Moscow (Lobby of Moscow State Pedagogical University) Moscow (Red Square overlooking Saint Basil's Cathedral) In the first Fast Forward of this season, teams must travel by taxi to the Russian Circus, and then both team member must change into costumes and spin plates on a pole. If they had four sets of plates spinning at the same time in under five minutes, they could claim the Fast Forward.
At the Detour, teams must choice between Hibiscus Out of Water (水出芙蓉 Shuǐchūfúróng) or Military Edge Flower (軍中緣花 Jūnzhōngyuánhuā). In Hibiscus Out of Water, teams participated in a synchronized swimming routine with six other swimmers of the Russian national developmental team. If they performed the routine to the judge's standard, she would give them their next clue. In Military Edge Flower, teams had to dress up as Russian soldiers and learn the steps of the Trepak dance. If they performed the dance to the judge's standard, they received their next clue.
At the Roadblock, one team member was shown a brief slideshow, showing a sample time in Moscow, a map of Russia's nine different time zones with their UTC offsets and the time and time zone of either Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro or London. Then, they were shown multiple instances of the same time zone map without the UTC offsets but with several other Russian cities highlighted. After the slideshow had finished, they had to fill in the corresponding local time for any five cities within an allotted time period. If they completed in time and were correct, teams would receive their next clue. If they were wrong or ran out of time, they had to watch the presentation and do the quiz again.
Additional tasksAt the start of the leg in Maly Krasnokholmsky Bridge, each team member must drink a glass of Vodka, which was balanced on a sabre, to receive their next clue.At the bakery, teams must transfer 20 bags of flour from a truck to a marked area to receive their next clue.Airdate: August 12, 2016
Zhuhai, Guangdong, China (By-Health Production Factory) Zhuhai (Jiuzhou Port) to Hong Kong (Skypier) Hong Kong (Hong Kong International Airport) to Barcelona, Spain (Barcelona–El Prat Airport)El Prat de Llobregat (Barcelona–El Prat Airport Arrival Terminal)Barcelona (Plaza de Gaudí overlooking Sagrada Família) Barcelona (Gran Teatre del Liceu or Port Vell)Barcelona (Mirador de Colom) Barcelona (Mercat de la Barceloneta)Barcelona (The Serras Hotel Barcelona) Mollet del Vallès (Camp de Tir Olímpic de Mollet)Barcelona (Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc) After arriving in Plaza de Gaudí, Jin Xing & Heinz must carry a traditional Spanish Giant Doll and walk the whole Plaza de Gaudí to countine racing.
This leg's Detour teams will need to choose between Torero (斗牛士 Dòuniúshì) or Sleepwalker (梦游者 Mèngyóuzhě). In Torero, teams will need to make their way to the Gran Teatre del Liceu, then, teams must dressed up as an actor of the famous opera known as the Carmen. After teams performed as an actor of Carmen, each team member must answer an answer about details of Carmen. Once both team member have the correct answer, teams will receive their next clue. In Sleepwalker, teams must make their way to the Port Vell, then, teams must wear a sleeping hat and carry their bed to the starting line, then, teams must convince the locals to carry them to the finish line which is 400 meters away. If teams or the bed touches the ground during the task, teams will need to tell other locals to help. If the team done the task, they will receive their next clue.
The Roadblock requires teams to make their way to the Camp de Tir Olímpic de Mollet, then, teams must shoot down five of the plates. Wach round have five shoots. After the round teams may use their old score staking the new scores. Once teams shoot down five plates, teams will receive their next clue.
Additional tasksAt the start of the leg in By Health Production Factory, teams will need to search the whole building for 12 of 100 mascots which is from the previous Summer Olympic Games. Teams must place those mascots in the corresponding box which wrote the hosting city of the Summer Olympics.After arriving Mercat de la Barceloneta, teams will need to memorize the items listed at the entrance which is listed in Spanish.After arriving The Serras Hotel Barcelona, teams must make a Paella by following the steps listed, then they must finish it all. If teamsdo not follow the instructions given, teams will receive a 10 minutes penalty each time they did wrong.Airdate: August 19, 2016
Barcelona (Barcelona–El Prat Airport) to Rome, Italy (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport)Rome (Crowne Plaza Rome - St. Peter's)Rome (Trevi Fountain) Rome (Pinacoteca del Tesoriere)Rome (Parco del Celio)Rome (Stadio delle Terme di Caracalla) (Face Off) Rome (Piazza Navona or Parco Lineare Integrato delle Mura)Rome (Ponte Sant'Angelo) For the Road Block, teams chose a mask and then searched through a masquerade ball for a guest wearing exactly the same match. Once they presented the correct masked guest, they would receive the next clue.
This Leg's Detour was a choice between Roman Numerals (罗马数字 Luómǎ shùzì) or Roman Trebuchet (罗马炮架 Luómǎ pào jià). In Roman Numerals, teams had to count three specific things in Piazza Navona: the number of balloons attached to a vendor's bike (56), the number of bearded men on the three fountains' statues (14) and the number of paintings from four art vendors that depicted previous events on the race (28). They then had to insert the numbers into a provided equation [(56 + 14) x 28], solve it (1960) and write the answer in Roman numerals to receive the next clue. In Roman Trebuchet, teams needed to use all provided parts to build a fully functional trebuchet. Once they were able to launch a cannonball past a marked line, they would receive their next clue.
Additional tasksTeams had to make a wish at Trevi Fountain using a provided one Euro coin. They then needed to find Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn impersonators who would give them the next clue as well as a puzzle box.At Parco del Celio, teams would choose a gladiator who would teach them how to perform a staged gladiator fight. When facing off against the champion gladiator, the first team member must lose their match, while the other team member must win. When the "King" is pleased with the performance, teams will receive the next clue.In the Face Off, teams competed in three Olympic track and field events: 110m Hurdles, Race-Walking and Long Jump. Each team member must compete in at least one event. The first team to win two events would receive the next clue.Each clue envelope during the Leg contained letters ('L,' 'E,' 'N,' 'G' and 'A'). They would need to unlock the puzzle box which contained the final clue of the Leg by unscrambling the letters to spell out "ANGEL".Teams needed to figure out how to read the final clue which revealed the location of the Pit Stop, but was written in reverse.Airdate: August 26, 2016
Rome (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport) to Los Angeles, California, United States (Los Angeles International Airport)Marina del Rey (Burton Chace Park to Mother's Beach)Los Angeles (Dolby Theatre) Los Angeles (Griffith Park – Bronson Caves)Universal City (Universal Studios Hollywood) Los Angeles (Loyola Marymount University Burns Recreation Center or Gersten Pavilion)Santa Monica (Santa Monica Beach) In this Leg's Road Block, teams ascended a rope ladder to a hanging platform. They then walked onto a beam from which they needed to jump off in order to grab two halves of a hanging clue. If they failed to grab one or both halves, they would need to climb up the ladder for another attempt.
The Leg's Detour was a choice between Halftime (中场 Zhōng chǎng) or Full Court (全场 Quán chǎng). In Halftime, teams learned how to perform a Laker Girls cheerleading routine set to the tune of "Mickey". When they have correctly performed the routine, they will receive the next clue. In Full Court, teams needed to complete an NBA official Skill Challenge. Both team members must perform an alley-oop, dribble through an obstacle course, perform a bounce pass into a vertical hoop and perform a free throw and a 3-point shot at the side of the hoop. If both team members completed the course within four minutes, they would receive the next clue.
Additional tasksAs soon as they were released for the Leg, teams needed to peddle a water bike through the Marina from Burton Chace Park to Mother's Beach where they would pick up their vehicles for the Leg.In front of Dolby Theatre, teams assembled a replica of an Oscar award using a set of Lego blocks. When completed, they would receive a fake Oscar with the address of their next Route Marker printed on the bottom.At Universal Studios, teams dressed up and memorized a script for a Western action movie. One team member played the part of a cowboy named Bill while the other played the part of the damsel in distress, Rose. Teams needed to correctly follow the script including English dialogue, stunt fighting and falls, gun-slinging and falls and a final explosion. Once the director was satisfied with their performance, they received the next clue.Airdate: September 2, 2016
Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport) to Atlanta, Georgia (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport)Atlanta (SkyView Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park)Villa Rica (Stockmar Airport)Tallapoosa (West Georgia Mud Park) (Face Off) Atlanta (Abrams Fixture Corporation or Blind Willie's Blues Bar)Stone Mountain (Stone Mountain Park Plantation Meadow)Stone Mountain (Stone Mountain Summit) This Leg's Detour was a choice between Color (色彩 Sècǎi) or Beat (节拍 jiépāi). In Color, teams needed to correctly recreate a piece of local graffiti art. When the artist approves of their work, they would receive their next clue. In Beat, teams needed to learn how to sing "Wang Dang Doodle," an English-language Blues song. Once the audience approved of their performance, they would be given the next clue.
Additional tasksAt SkyView Atlanta, one team member would be harnessed to a net connected to the Ferris Wheel's support beams. When the wheel was in motion, teams needed to grab four ribbons with math equations surrounding the net's frame. The equations and/or the answers would be relayed to their teammate who was in the next capsule on the Ferris Wheel. Two of the answers to those math equations were the codes needed to unlock a briefcase containing their next clue.At Stockmar Airport, one team member would be flown in a small airplane in order to drop flour bombs onto two targets. Their teammate would be guiding them via walkie-talkie on the ground. Only one team can be in the air at a time and each team had four flour bombs for each attempt.In this Leg's Face Off at West Georgia Mud Park, one team member from each team would ride in a monster truck while holding a large container of water collected and given to them by their partner. Teams would need to keep as much water as they can in the container during the monster truck course. The team who lost the least amount of water would receive the next clue while the losing team needed to wait for the next.At Plantation Meadow, teams needed to score a cumulative 100 points in archery. Each team member would get six arrows and two rounds to use them within four minutes.Airdate: September 9, 2016
Atlanta (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport) to Mexico City, Mexico (Mexico City International Airport)Mexico City (Centro Deportivo Olímpico Mexicano (Spanish) – Mexican Olympic Sports Center) (Face Off) Mexico City (Museum of Anthropology)Mexico City (Mercado de San Juan) Mexico City (Plaza Garibaldi to Escuela de Mariachi) San Martin Centro, Mexico (Cactus Farm)Teotihuacán (Jardin de las Cactaceas) The Leg began with a combination Intersection/Face Off where teams must pair up to compete in a 4 x 100 metre relay race. The two losing teams would serve a 15-minute penalty. The first Roadblock of the Leg required teams to travel to the Museum of Anthropology and find a group of performers called the Voladores of Papantla. One team member had to climb a 32 m (105 ft) pole and swing around the pole suspended upside down on ropes for five minutes until they reached the ground.
Liu Chang & Jin Dachuan's Speed Bump required them to successfully make 20 tortillas.
For this Leg's second Roadblock, one team member had to put on a dress made of balloons and follow a marked path through a field of cacti. Along the way, teams had to find a sombrero which they would exchange for their next clue. However, teams would receive a penalty based on how many balloons popped or were missing from their dress.
Additional tasksAt the market, choosing from different bowls of fried insects and peppers, each with varying degrees of pungency, each team member must eat one bowl to receive their next clue.At Plaza Garibaldi, teams had to search among 350 Mariachi performers for one who was faking their performance. They had to bring that performer to the Escuela de Mariachi and if correct, would be given the next clue and a Snickers bar.At the Cactus Garden, teams needed to properly assemble a puzzle of a Mesoamerican mask. When completed, they were given an embroidered map directing them to the Pit Stop which had to find on foot.Airdate: September 16, 2016
Mexico City (Mexico City International Airport) to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport)Rio de Janeiro (Copacabana Beach)Rio de Janeiro (Vidigal - Casa Alto Vidigal)Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema Beach)Rio de Janeiro (Urca - Praia Vermelha (Portuguese)) Rio de Janeiro (Escadaria Selarón)Rio de Janeiro (Flamengo Beach) For this Leg's Road Block, one team member must ride a wakeboard around a course in the water. Once they are able to reach and touch a yellow ramp without falling off, they will be given the next clue.
Additional tasksAt the start of the Leg, teams had to drink a glass of fresh cherry juice to reveal the number of the van, which was on the bottom of the glass, that they would be using for the day.At Casa Alto Vidigal, teams needed to correctly prepare five churrasco skewers, each containing different types of meat, according to a provided example. When approved, teams would need to eat a plate of the cooked meat to receive the next clue.On Ipanema Beach, teams played footvolley against a pair of local professionals. Teams needed to score 8 points before the pros scored 21 to receive the next clue.At Escadaria Selarón, teams search for one of three The Amazing Race China tiles which they needed to present to a samba dancer at the bottom of the steps. The dancer would then lead teams to a changing area and teach them some simple samba steps. Teams would then need to find people who would like to join them in a parade with each person holding a colored feather corresponding to their samba ensemble's clothing. When they reach the corner of R. Teotônio Regadas and Rua da Lapa streets, a samba dancer in a silver outfit would collect the feathers. When teams are able to produce 20 feathers from their parade participants, they will be given the next clue.At Flamengo Beach, teams needed to map out their Race course by looping a rope through a series of rings attached to a large map. Each ring represented a different city. Teams then searched among hundreds of bottles buried in the sand for the 10 containing the flags of each country they visited on the Race which they would place on the map. Teams could only bring back two bottles at a time and if incorrect, must properly bury the bottles back in the sand. Once the mapped out route and the flags were correct, teams would be given the next clue which directed them to run to the nearby Finish Line.