Voyage dates: From August 28 to September 12, 2026
PDF version
From August 28 to September 12, 2026, a remarkable 16-day journey to China will take place — a land of memory, encounter, and faith. Guided by Fr. Ludovic Nobel, Superior General SMB and leader of PBR (Pèlerinages Bibliques Romands), this trip is organized in collaboration with the Ad Gentes travel agency. Between cultural discovery, prayer, and living testimony, participants will walk in the footsteps of the Missionaries of Bethlehem, witnesses of the Gospel in Asia during the 20th century.
Shanghai – At the Gates of Faith and Modernity
The journey begins in Shanghai, a fascinating city where modernity meets spiritual heritage.
The first days allow participants to explore the historic old town — the traditional heart of the metropolis — as well as the majestic St. Ignatius Cathedral, one of the largest Catholic sanctuaries in Asia.
An excursion then leads to the Marian Shrine of Sheshan, one of China’s major pilgrimage sites, where the basilica dedicated to Mary Help of Christians rises over the hill.
Xi’an – At the Crossroads of Cultures and Faith
By high-speed train, the group travels to Xi’an, the ancient imperial capital and starting point of the Silk Road.
Three days are devoted to encounters between culture and faith. Participants discover the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the famous Terracotta Army of the first emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, a symbol of China’s millennia-old heritage.
The visit to the Great Mosque and the St. Francis Cathedral reflects both religious diversity and the vitality of the Christian faith.
A fraternal meeting with seminarians, priests, and religious sisters of the diocese completes this immersion in a living Church rooted in local culture.
Beijing – Meeting Between Faith and Imperial Grandeur
The third stage leads to Beijing, the historical and political heart of China. Visits to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City immerse travelers in imperial history and majesty.
An entire day is dedicated to the Great Wall at Juyongguan and the Ming Tombs, witnesses to China’s profound historical and spiritual depth.
A highlight of the journey is the visit to the Jesuit Cemetery of Zhalan, where Matteo Ricci and Giuseppe Castiglione rest — pioneers of dialogue between faith and culture.
At the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Nantang), the oldest church in Beijing, participants will gather for a time of prayer.
Qiqihar – In the Footsteps of the Missionaries of Bethlehem
In the northeast of the country, in the province of Heilongjiang, pilgrims reach Qiqihar, a symbolic location of the SMB mission in China.
It was here, in the 1930s, that the Missionaries of Bethlehem founded St. Michael’s Cathedral — now recognized as a cultural monument of the city — and several social works.
Participants will visit these historic sites, meet the priests and religious of the local community, and discover the vitality of a Church that continues to stand firm despite adversity.
Return to Beijing – Thanksgiving and Sending Forth
The return to Beijing offers a time for spiritual reflection and gratitude.
Before the flight back to Geneva, a free morning allows participants to enjoy the serenity of the imperial gardens or the beauty of the temples.
The complete program of the journey, along with practical registration information, can be found in the attached flyer.
Comments are closed.