Beijing Express 2025: candidates, new rules, continent… Everything you need to know about the new edition which begins this Thursday

Frantic races, incredible encounters, breathtaking landscapes… For its 20th edition, “Beijing Express” will retain the ingredients that have made it successful. The new season begins this Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 9:10 p.m. on M6 and will “push its limits”, promises the production.

Where is “Beijing Express” taking place this year?

For its 20th anniversary, “Beijing Express” is heading to Africa. The ten pairs will start at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Four countries will be crossed: Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho and South Africa. It is in South Africa that the final will be played in Johannesburg. This is only the third time that “Beijing Express” has taken place in Africa after seasons 7 and 14.

Who are the candidates?

Ten pairs were selected for this 20th edition of “Pékin Express”.

Etienne and Judith: the lovebirds of the North
Etienne and Judith, aged 27 and 26, have been a couple for 7 years. Accustomed to a comfortable daily life, they want to test their relationship, are ready to leave their comfort zone and discover new cultures. Winning would help fund their wedding.

Patricia and Adrien: friends 30 years apart
This is the atypical duo of the season. Adrien, 30, is best friends with Patricia's son, 58, and became close during a period of professional doubt. Almost everything opposes them: Adrien is lazy and not very sporty, Patricia is a former obese who became addicted to sport. Their strong characters could give rise to friction.

William and Christophe: the two brothers
Aged 56 and 54, the two brothers are united by an unbreakable bond. They are always ready to help each other even if it means arguing heatedly. Christophe is disordered and relies on his brother, William is manic and hates losing. The idea of ​​participating in “Pékin Express” was born during a meal at their mother’s house.

Also read:
Beijing Express 2025: “I had worked on Mandarin. Too bad, this year, it was in Tanzania”… Christophe and William, two Haut-Garonnais on M6

Lionel and Eva: the Francs-Comtois father and daughter
Lionel is an invested and endearing 53-year-old dad. Eva is 21 years old. Their relationship is marked by a shared humor and affectionate bickering. Eva has a strong character, her dad often forgetful. They never traveled together. They intend to set the mood at each stage.

Maxime and Hélène: the internet couple
The couple, aged 39 and 37, met through a dating app 6 months ago. It was love at first sight. Hélène is a great traveler while Maxime is more of a homebody and has difficulty leaving his comfort zone. They have never argued before. Will they do it during “Beijing Express”?

Also read:
Beijing Express 2025: “We are proud to represent the Pink City”… a young couple, soon to be married, represents Toulouse in the show

Mattéo and Esmeralda: the Belgian cousins
Mattéo and Esmeralda are two inseparable 22-year-old Belgian cousins. Strong character, humor, teasing are at the heart of their relationship. Esmeralda recently lost her mother and was able to count on the precious support of her cousin. She wants to prove her resilience. They approach “Beijing Express” with enthusiasm and solidarity.

Otis and Enzo: geek friends
The two 19-year-old friends have been friends since middle school. They share video game games, weight training sessions and outings. Always united, they avoid arguments despite Enzo's sometimes expansive tendencies. “Beijing Express” will be a first experience away from their families.

Amandine and Alison: twin mothers
The twins have always had a close relationship. Having become mothers, they now share fewer moments together. They intend to surpass themselves and experience strong sensations. Alison acts spontaneously, Amandine prefers to analyze before acting. Their goal: to win to go on vacation together as a family.

Cécile and Marion: the students
Cécile, 27, is a 6th year pharmacy student at ESSEC. Marion, 21, is preparing the launch of her clothing brand. The first is a leader and competitor, the second is more of an airhead. They were both elected first runners-up to Miss France 1 year apart. They intend to prove their values ​​and their resilience.

Moade and Ludovic: the unknowns
Moade is a sociable, curious, empathetic 34-year-old engineer who wants to get out of his comfort zone. He says he is determined, athletic and tenacious. He is passionate about scientific journals, lyric singer and expert in… moonwalking! Ludovic is a 34-year-old single accountant, confident, frank and direct. Determined, motivated, sometimes stubborn, he wants to get out of his routine.

Why will people help candidates?

After 11 years of absence, the rule of mystery passengers returns in “Beijing Express”. Five personalities from M6 will come to help the candidates for a stage: the former Miss France Elodie Gossuin, the chefs Glenn Viel and Norbert, the actor Bruno Solo and the host Yoann Riou. These personalities will have the destiny of the pairs in their hands.