China never ceases to amaze us. From an 80,000-person concert on a sand dune complete with a drone show, to eating grilled camel toes in a high-end restaurant with a car workshop owner, driving to the Great Wall of China with our own car and reflecting on life’s big questions with a Tibetan monk—every day brings the unexpected. This country and its people continue to reveal surprises we…

Our journey through China begins in the Xinjiang region, offering a fascinating mix of contrasts. While the state control often highlighted in Western media is undeniably present, we’re also introduced to a side of China rarely seen in headlines: mouthwatering cuisine, curious and welcoming locals, stunning landscapes, and an infrastructure that’s nothing short of impressive. These first few days are packed with adventure. Our car sustains damage while…

Overlanding China with our own car marks the biggest hurdle of our expedition, requiring extensive preparation well before our arrival. In addition to a visa, self-driving with a foreign vehicle means we also need a Chinese driver’s license, Chinese license plates, and a local guide accompanying us every hour of every day. The process began months ago back in the Netherlands, and now – on July 17, 2024…