Beijing Express 2026: back to basics

“2026 is the year of disconnection,” warns Stéphane Rotenberg. The host at the helm Beijing Express since its launch in 2006 explains that the production “wanted to return to the essence of the program, at a time when smartphones did not even exist. » No more help from cell phones, GPS and other translation tools, for the candidates but also for the residents they will meet.

The paper map urgently unfolded on the hood of the car signals its comeback. Scenes long forgotten… “Over time, we saw that these new technologies simplified competition for adventurers,” the presenter further specifies. This year, the race is purer! » And it brings its share of difficulties: “I have never seen so many mistakes along the way! »

A flying start

Called “In the Kingdom of Dragons”, this 22nd season (already filmed) took place in Asia through three stages. The first: Nepal. “I couldn’t wait to come back to this country,” confides Stéphane Rotenberg. It had already been highlighted in season 2, in 2007, but it has changed a lot since then. »

The first episode opens in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. After 7,000 km of flight and an hour on the bus, the twenty candidates divided into ten pairs settle into basic tents for their first night. This turns out to be short: they are woken up at 4:30 a.m. for the start of the competition.

Five kilometers of running, 425 steps to climb… Everyone is expected at the top of the Monkey Temple. Among the many pilgrims present to pray, the duos must get their hands on their famous twelve-kilo backpacks, which will accompany them throughout the competition.

A turbulent finale

After several days spent in Nepal, the show moved to China. A country that is not foreign to him, since the candidates from seasons 1, 2 and 13 have already competed there. Direction the province of Yunnan, located in the southwest of the country. “Here, communication has been particularly complicated,” reports the presenter, “because only 1% of the population speaks English. »

Finally, the candidates still in the running fly to Thailand, already explored in season 4 of the program. The final takes place in the bustling streets of Bangkok, “a totally frenetic city,” explains Stéphane Rotenberg.

If this 2026 edition retains legendary events, such as bungee jumping or worm and snake tanks, the rules of the final duel have been modified. From now on, it is no longer up to the last duo to arrive to choose their opponents: the last two pairs in the race will face each other. The presenter warns: “There will be fewer alliances, and more merit! »

Surprising pairs

As with every season, twenty candidates will be discovered this year. “We did not seek to have great sportsmen or great adventurers,” warns Thierry Guillaume, the producer of the show. We selected the duos based on their story. »

Among the candidates, Amélia and Élisa. The two women, one a fishmonger, the other a market gardener, became friends after meeting in markets. Florent and Brigitte, a colorful couple aged 36 and 62 respectively, will also be there. Like Jade and Joy, two fairground twins with infectious energy. The famous pair of strangers, composed of Pascal and Fafa, promises laughter and tears. Which of these duos will you support this year?