My next adventure unfolds in China and beyond!

Frans Vandenbosch 方腾波  09.09.2025

Seventeen Arched Bridge, The Summer Palace, Beijing, China

I’m thrilled to announce that my annual journey to Asia is almost here! This Sunday,  14 September, I’ll be embarking on my latest expedition, a tradition I’ve loved since 2017 (with a necessary pause in 2020).

But this trip is something special. Having lived in China and already visited over 50 of its cities, I’ve seen the well-trodden tourist path. This journey is different. At its heart, it’s a reunion tour to visit my many Flemish, international, and Chinese friends scattered across these diverse locations. In between the cherished meetings and shared dinners, I’ll be focusing my camera on places of deep historic and political significance, seeking out the stories that lie beneath the surface.

This year’s itinerary has me especially excited. I’ll be exploring everything from the history of Beijing and Shanghai to the fascinating border city of Dandong (on the edge of the DPRK), and the vast landscapes of Inner Mongolia. The adventure will then continue through the ancient capitals of Nanjing (Jiangsu province) and Puli (Taiwan province), before I make my way to Phimai (Khmer), then Bangkok and the serene beaches of Koh Samui, Thailand.

This is my planned itinerary for 2025, though as any seasoned traveller knows, the best adventures often lie off the planned path!

  • 14 – 25 Sept: Beijing
  • 25 – 27 Sept: Shenyang
  • 27 – 30 Sept: Dandong (on the border with the DPRK)
  • 30 Sept – 11 Oct: Shanghai
  • 12 – 15 Oct: Baotou (Inner Mongolia)
  • 15 – 18 Oct: Nanjing
  • 18 – 23 Oct: Puli (Taiwan province)
  • 24 – 27 Oct: Phimai, Thailand
  • 28 Oct – 2 Nov: Koh Samui, Thailand

My goal is to share this unique perspective with you through a weekly report filled with stories and many photos, giving you a glimpse into the people and places that define this region.

For a taste of what’s to come, you can revisit the stories and photos from last year’s trip here:
Asia trip 2024 – part 1   Beijing
Asia trip 2024 – part 2   Shanghai
Asia trip 2024 – part 3   Shanghai, Kunming
Asia trip 2024 – part 4   Kunming, Boten
Asia trip 2024 – part 5   Luang Prabang, Chiang Mai
Asia trip 2024 – part 6   Koh Samui, Bangkok

Get ready for new stories, stunning photos, and a fresh perspective. The next chapter starts soon!