Drive through China with your own vehicle

For many travelers and globetrotters who have the chance and the means to travel the world in their own car, China is a big obstacle. Unlike other Asian countries, it's not possible to simply enter the country with a valid visa and then travel wherever the road takes you. Theoretically China prohibits foreigners to drive-through with their own car, however, practically it's indeed possible whether by car, motorbike, 4WD, jeep, motor-home or truck, but you will need special permits for each province your journey takes you. Apart from that, Chinese number plates and a temporary Chinese driving license are required. We can organize you all necessary permits but need a preparation time of around 3 months, so you will need to plan your trip quite some time ahead.

Since all this paper work is more or less the same, no matter for one or several vehicles, it is very costly for one vehicle, so in order to save money, it's recommended to find like-minded people to share the costs.

Since China is a big country, the minimum time for a drive-through is at around 21 days and Hiddenchina.net GmbH can assist you in your plans and organization of all necessary permits. Also be aware that a especially for Tibet a local guide is compulsory.

Important notice: For self-drive tours in China, there must be always a Chinese guide with the group. In case of car, 4WD, jeep, truck etc. trips the guide can join the vehicle of the participants, in case of motorbike tours, the guide has to follow in a separate car.

The most important border crossings to and from China are:

- Mongolia: Erenhot (Zamin-Uud) - Inner Mongolia

- Kazachstan: Ergongzhen (Qoqek) -Xinjiang / Mohu (Emuchang, Xoproc) - Xinjiang

- Kyrgyzstan: Irkeshtam - Xinjiang

- Pakistan: Khunjerab Pass - Xinjiang (Karakorum Highway)

- Nepal: Zhangmu (Dram, Khasa) - Tibet

- Myanmar (Burma): Ruili (Muse) - Yunnan

- Laos: Mengla (Mohan) - Yunnan

- Vietnam: Hekou (Kim-Tan) - Yunnan


What papers are required to drive through China:

- Vehicle: - vehicle papers, 4 photos from all sides with clearly readable number plates, certification (e.g. TüV), insurance, as well as all details such as color, serial numbers, engine details, producer, type, value of the vehicle (upon entering China, your vehicle will be estimated in value and you have to leave a deposit which will be refunded upon exiting China)

- Participants: Passport and visa, individual insurance (must cover China), 5 passport photos of the driver/s, national and international driving license, personal details

- List of equipment: spare parts, GPS, laptop, satellite telephone, etc.

Costs per vehicle in USD for 2017

Number of vehicles	1	2	3	4	5+
5 Seater car (4WD, SUV, Minibus etc.)	4500	3500	3300	3100	3000
Extra costs for Tibet	700	600	550	500	470
Motorbike	4400	3300	2700	2500	2400
Extra costs for Tibet	700	600	550	500	470
Costs per day for the compulsory Guide	150	150	200	200	250

 

 

 

 

 

Included Services:

• All drive thorugh permits for all the provinces
• Tibet Travel Permit if required
• Temporary number plate
• Temporary driving licence
• Customs prcedure at entry and exit point
• Costs for Guide (accommodation, meals, travel expenses to and from entry / exit point)

Excluded Services:

• All overnight costs
• Highway and parking fees
• Petrol 
• Entrance fees for the sightsseing spots
• Deposit (depends on the value of the vehicle)
• All meals
• Extra fees for larger vehicles such as trucks etc. 

5 Days drive-through Kirgistan - Pakistan via Kashigar:

Day	Route
1	Torugart Pass - Kashigar
2	Kashigar - Customs clearnace
3	Kashigar - Obtain number plate and driving licence
4	Kashigar - Tashkurgan (300 km)
5	Tashkurgan - Kunjerab Pass and exit (125 km)

 

Costs per vehicle in USD for 2018 (1 driver, 1 passenger)

Number of vehicles	1	2	3	4	5+
5 seater car (4WD, SUV, Minibus etc.)	3850	2100	1880	1800	1700
Additonal passenger	680	680	600	600	600

 

 

China Drive-through Pool:

For overlander who want to keep the costs at a minimum and dont mind traveling in a group we organise the following group drive-through options. The costs will be accoridng to the number of vehicles at the Registration date. The full amount has to be paid until at latests 14 days after the registration deadline. If participants cancel within this time period or dont pay, the costs for the others will increase accoridnlgy. Every vehicle will be charged a deposit of USD 2000 which will be returned after exiting China if no problems occured. The mandatory guide has to ride in one of the participants car. He cannot ride on a motorbike. If all participants are motorbikees, we need to organise a car for the guide which will result in siginificant extra costs. 

Spring drive through tour 13. April - 12. May 2018 Mohan - Irkhestam

Entry on 13. April 2018 in Mohan

Exit on 12. May in Irkhestam

Registration Deadline: 30. December 2017. All required papers and documents need to be submitted on this day. 

Full payment deadline: 15. January 2018

After payment period if changes occur: 16.-25. January 2018

Defintive confirmation of the tour: 26. January 2018

Provisional itinerary (subject to change)

Day	Date	Routing
Day 1	Friday, 13 April 2018	Arrival in Mohan and broder crossing prcedures
Day 2	Saturday, 14 April 2018	Mohan - Jiangcheng 270 km / 7 hrs
Day 3	Sunday, 15 April 2018	Jiangcheng - Yuyuang Pugao Rice Terraces 280 km / 7 hrs
Day 4	Monday, 16 April 2018	Full day crusing around the rice terraces
Day 5	Tuesday, 17 April 2018	Yuanyang Pugao - Yimen / Yuxi 350 km / 7 hrs
Day 6	Wednesday, 18 April 2018	Yimen / Yuxi - Xizhou / Dali 350km / 7hrs
Day 7	Thursday, 19 April 2018	Xizhou / Dali - Shaxi - Lijiang 5 hrs driving plus sightseeing Shaxi 2-3 hrs
Day 8	Friday, 20 April 2018	Lijiang - Lugu Lake 210 km / 6-7hrs
Day 9	Saturday, 21 April 2018	Full day in Lugu Lake area
Day 10	Sunday, 22 April 2018	Lugu Lake - Liangshan (Xichang) 280km / 7hrs
Day 11	Monday, 23 April 2018	Liangshan - Yaan Bifengxia Panda Base - Dujiangyan 470 km / 7.5 hrs drive plus 2 hrs sightseeing Panda Base
Day 12	Tuesday, 24 April 2018	Dujiangyan - Chuanzhusi 280 km / 7 hrs
Day 13	Wednesday, 25 April 2018	Chuanzhusi - Huanglong - Chuanzhusi 2.5 hrs drive plus 5 hrs sightseeing Huanglong
Day 14	Thursday, 26 April 2018	Chunazhusi - Langmusi 240 km / 5.5 hrs
Day 15	Friday, 27 April 2018	Langmusi -  Xiahe 240 km / 5 hrs
Day 16	Saturday, 28 April 2018	Xiahe - Xining  240 km / 5hrs
Day 17	Sunday, 29 April 2018	Xining - Matisi Monastery - Zhangye 420 km / 8.5 hrs
Day 18	Monday, 30 April 2018	Zhangye Danxia Geopark,  - Zhangye (Reserve / revcover  day) 90km / 1.5 hrs
Day 19	Tuesday, 1 May 2018	Zhangye - Jiayuguan 230 km 3.5 hrs. Visit Jiayuguan fortress / Great Wall
Day 20	Wednesday, 2 May 2018	Jiayuguan - Dunhuang 380 km / 5.5 hrs
Day 21	Thursday, 3 May 2018	Dunhuang visit Mogao Grottoes and Crescent Moon Lake 80 km / 2 hrs
Day 22	Friday, 4 May 2018	Dunhuang - Hami 420 km / 7 hrs
Day 23	Saturday, 5 May 2018	Hami - Turpan 410 km / 6 hrs
Day 24	Sunday, 6 May 2018	Turpan - Kerle 410 km / 6 hrs
Day 25	Monday, 7 May 2018	Kuerle - Niya 800 km / 12hrs cross Taklamaklan Desert, very tough and long drive
Day 26	Tuesday, 8 May 2018	Niya - Hotan 300 km / 6 hrs
Day 27	Wednesday, 9 May 2018	Hotan - Kargilik 290 km / 6 hrs
Day 28	Thursday, 10 May 2018	Kargilik - Kashigar 250 km / 4 hrs
Day 29	Friday, 11 May 2018	Kashigar
Day 30	Saturday, 12 May 2018	Kashigar - Irkhestam 250 km / 5 hrs Cross border

Summer drive through tour 13. July - 13. August 2018 Erenhot - Mohan

Entry on 13. July 2018 in Erenhot

Exit on 13. Mai in Mohan

Registration Deadline: 30. March 2018. All required papers and documents need to be submitted on this day. 

Full payment deadline: 15. April 2018

After payment period if changes occur: 16.-25. April 2018

Defintive confirmation of the tour: 26. April 2018

Provisional itinerary (subject to change). ATTENTION: In the southern part (starting from Day 14) heavy percipitation (rain falls) can occur.

Day	Date	Routing
Day 1	Friday, 13 July 2018	Ernehot Cross border
Day 2	Saturday, 14 July 2018	Erenhot - Ulanqab 350 km 5.5 hrs
Day 3	Sunday, 15 July 2018	Ulanqab  - Beijing 360 km / 6 hrs
Day 4	Monday, 16 July 2018	Beijing - Jinshanling Great Wall - Beijing 360 km / 4.5 hrs
Day 5	Tuesday, 17 July 2018	Free Day in Beijing
Day 6	Wednesday, 18 July 2018	Free Day in Beijing
Day 7	Thursday, 19 July 2018	Beijing - Datong 350 km / 5 hrs
Day 8	Friday, 20 July 2018	Datong - Hanging Monastery - Wutaishan 210 km / 3.5 hrs
Day 9	Saturday, 21 July 2018	Wutaishan - Pingyao 320 km / 5 hrs
Day 10	Sunday, 22 July 2018	Full day in Pingyao
Day 11	Monday, 23 July 2018	Pingyao - Luoyang 420 km / 6 hrs
Day 12	Tuesday, 24 July 2018	Luoyang - Xiangyang 350 km / 5 hrs
Day 13	Wednesday, 25 July 2018	Xiangyang - Changde 380 km / 5.5 hrs
Day 14	Thursday, 26 July 2018	Changde - Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain 190 km / 3 hrs plus 4-5 hrs sightseeing. Drive to Wulingyuan another 1 hour
Day 15	Friday, 27 July 2018	Full day Avatar Mountains sightseeing
Day 16	Saturday, 28 July 2018	Wulingyuan - Fenghuang 270 km / 4.5 hrs
Day 17	Sunday, 29 July 2018	Fenghuang - Xijiang 310 km / 5.5 hrs
Day 18	Monday, 30 July 2018	Xijiang - Zhaoxing 260 km / 7 hrs
Day 19	Tuesday, 31 July 2018	Zhaoxing - Sanjiang - Longhseng Longjititian Rice Terraces 150 km / 3 hrs plus sightseeing in Sanjiang
Day 20	Wednesday, 1 August 2018	Rest day in Longjititian Rice Terracers
Day 21	Thursday, 2 August 2018	Longjititian - Yangshuo 190 km / 4 hrs
Day 22	Friday, 3 August 2018	Free day in Yangshuo
Day 23	Saturday, 4 August 2018	Free day in Yangshuo
Day 24	Sunday, 5 August 2018	Yangshuo - Nanning 390 km / 7 hrs
Day 25	Monday, 6 August 2018	Nanning - Mingshi 220 km / 4 hrs
Day 26	Tuesday, 7 August 2018	Mingshi - Detian Waterfalls - Tongling Canyon - Jingxi 130 km / 3hrs drive and around 4-5 hrs sightseeing.
Day 27	Wednesday, 8 August 2018	Jingxi - Yanshan 300 km / 5 hrs
Day 28	Thursday, 9 August 2018	Yanshan - Yuanyang Rice Terraces 330 km / 7 hrs
Day 29	Friday, 10 August 2018	Full day Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Day 30	Saturday, 11 August 2018	Yuanyang Rice Terraces - Jiangcheng 280 km / 7 hrs
Day 31	Sunday, 12 August 2018	Jiangcheng - Mohan 270 km  / 7hrs
Day 32	Monday, 13 August 2018	Cross border

 

Fall drive-through tour 14. September - 14. October 2018 Irkhestam - Mohan

Entry on 14. September 2018 in Irkhestam

Exit on 14. October in Mohan

Registration Deadline: 31 May 2018. All required papers and documents need to be submitted on this day. 

Full payment deadline: 15. June 2018

After payment period if changes occur: 16.-25. June 2018

Defintive confirmation of the tour: 26. June 2018

Provisional itinerary (subject to change)

Day	Date	Routing
Day 1	Friday, 14 September 2018	Arrival in Irkhestam and broder crossing prcedures
Day 2	Saturday, 15 September 2018	Irkhestam - Kashigar  250 km / 5 hrs
Day 3	Sunday, 16 September 2018	Kashigar
Day 4	Monday, 17 September 2018	Kashigar - Kargilik 250 km / 4 hrs
Day 5	Tuesday, 18 September 2018	Kargilik - Hotan 290 km / 6 hrs
Day 6	Wednesday, 19 September 2018	Hotan - Niya 300 km / 6 hrs
Day 7	Thursday, 20 September 2018	Niya - Kuerle 800 km / 12hrs cross Taklamaklan Desert, very tough and long drive
Day 8	Friday, 21 September 2018	Kerle - Turpan 410 km / 6 hrs
Day 9	Saturday, 22 September 2018	Turpan - Hami 410 km / 6 hrs
Day 10	Sunday, 23 September 2018	Hami - Dunhuang 420 km / 7 hrs
Day 11	Monday, 24 September 2018	Dunhuang visit Mogao Grottoes and Crescent Moon Lake 80 km / 2 hrs
Day 12	Tuesday, 25 September 2018	Dunhuang - Jiayuguan 380 km / 5.5 hrs
Day 13	Wednesday, 26 September 2018	Jiayuguan - Zhangye 230 km 3.5 hrs. Visit Jiayuguan fortress / Great Wall
Day 14	Thursday, 27 September 2018	Zhangye Danxia Geopark,  - Zhangye (Reserve / revcover  day) 90km / 1.5 hrs
Day 15	Friday, 28 September 2018	Zhangye  - Matisi Monastery - Xining -420 km / 8.5 hrs
Day 16	Saturday, 29 September 2018	Xining - Xiahe  240 km / 5hrs
Day 17	Sunday, 30 September 2018	Xiahe - Langmusi 240 km / 5 hrs
Day 18	Monday, 1 October 2018	Langmusi - Chunazhusi 240 km / 5.5 hrs
Day 19	Tuesday, 2 October 2018	Chuanzhusi - Huanglong - Chuanzhusi 2.5 hrs drive plus 5 hrs sightseeing Huanglong
Day 20	Wednesday, 3 October 2018	Chuanzhusi - Dujiangyan  280 km / 7 hrs
Day 21	Thursday, 4 October 2018	Dujiangyan - Yaan Bifengxia Panda Base -  Liangshan 470 km / 7.5 hrs drive plus 2 hrs sightseeing Panda Base
Day 22	Friday, 5 October 2018	Liangshan (Xichang) - Lugu Lake  280km / 7hrs
Day 23	Saturday, 6 October 2018	Full day in Lugu Lake area
Day 24	Sunday, 7 October 2018	Lugu Lake - Lijiang  210 km / 6-7hrs
Day 25	Monday, 8 October 2018	Lijiang - Shaxi - Xizhou / Dali  5 hrs driving plus sightseeing Shaxi 2-3 hrs
Day 26	Tuesday, 9 October 2018	Xizhou / Dali - Yimen / Yuxi  350km / 7hrs
Day 27	Wednesday, 10 October 2018	Yimen / Yuxi - Yuanyang Pugao -350 km / 7 hrs
Day 28	Thursday, 11 October 2018	Full day crusing around the rice terraces
Day 29	Friday, 12 October 2018	Yuyuang Pugao Rice Terraces - Jiangcheng  280 km / 7 hrs
Day 30	Saturday, 13 October 2018	Mohan - Jiangcheng 270 km / 7 hrs
Day 31	Sunday, 14 October 2018	Cross border

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