Jacques – Silk Road travel advisor at China Roads
Portrait of Jacques in video
A few questions for Jacques – his story, his advice and his favorites
How did you end up in China?
In 2008, I applied to work for a tour company as a tour guide. They asked me to work in China as my first destination. My first trip was in March 2009, and it was love at first sight. I had never imagined China like this, and it was a huge surprise!
In 2010 I met my wife there during my tours and I have been living in China ever since.
Where do you currently live?
I live in Guilin, a tourist city in southern China (known for its “Sugar Loaf” mountains).
What is your favorite place in China?
I have many places I love in China; it’s hard to choose just one. Xiamen as a big city is very nice, but certainly not the only place. As a region, I really like Gansu, which offers a Tibetan side, mountains, desert, and so many places to discover.
When to leave?
There’s something to see and do at any time of year, depending on the region. Generally, March, April, September, October, and the first half of November are the best months to visit “Classical” China. May, June, July, and August aren’t bad, but they tend to be busier and noticeably hotter.
An experiment to do?
The Great Wall for sure! Climbing to the top of this structure is an experience I never tire of! But choose the section of the Wall wisely! Choose a section like Jinshanling or Gubeikou without too many people where you can feel like you have this Wall all to yourself.
A place in China you would gladly return to?
Xinjiang. It’s a completely different China! It feels more like the Middle East than China, actually. The people are friendly and the scenery is breathtaking.
A favorite hotel?
The Silk Road in Dunhuang. Located on the edge of the desert, it resembles an ancient caravanserai. Breakfast overlooking the desert is worth the trip.
What travel destinations do you recommend in China?
For a first visit, don’t miss Beijing. It’s the heart of China and will give you a first glimpse of China, but China requires several trips. Don’t miss Yunnan, which offers many different beauties and is worth a trip in its own right. And the Silk Road, if you love history, is also a superb place to visit.
A book or film to discover before traveling to China?
The Last Emperor will give you a good overview of China’s history over the past 100 years. If you’re interested in historical travel, consider the book “1421: The Year China Discovered America” by Gavin Menzies. This book covers the beginning of the Ming Dynasty and a little-known piece of Chinese history.
A restaurant or dish you love
There are so many But I love noodles. Every region has its own way of preparing them, and we never get tired of them.
A souvenir to bring back from China?
Not especially, there are plenty of little Chinese things to buy, and for the rest there are still plenty of crafts that can please.
Any last advice?
China is changing very quickly; every year I see it changing by leaps and bounds, so don’t wait too long to visit China before it becomes too Westernized. This cultural authenticity is precisely part of its charm.