Self-drive routes across mainland China: where can foreigners actually drive?

China is huge, but not everywhere is open to foreign tourists. Before planning, know the restrictions: Tibet requires a Tibet Access Permit + licensed guide; parts of Xinjiang (Tashkurgan, Baihaba) need a border permit; the G219 Xinjiang-Tibet route is closed to foreigners on certain sections; Beijing's 6th ring needs a entry permit. Everywhere else — Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Northeast, East, South and Central China — you can drive freely with a valid Chinese visa and temporary driving permit.

1. Yunnan (best first-time China roadtrip)

  • Kunming–Dali–Lijiang–Shangri-La (6-8 days): Easy altitude, good roads, mature tourism infrastructure. No restricted zones.
  • Lijiang–Lugu Lake–Shangri-La–Daocheng Yading loop (7 days): Meili Snow Mountain, Yading sacred peaks. S217 has some construction but cars can pass.
  • Dali–Tengchong–Ruili (5-6 days): Volcanic parks, border town Ruili. Border permit needed.

2. Western Sichuan

  • Chengdu–Daocheng Yading small loop (6-7 days): G318 paved all the way. Best May-October.
  • Western Sichuan big loop (10-12 days): Mount Siguniang, Sertar, Garze, Dege printing house.
  • G318 Chengdu–Lhasa: Foreign visitors need Tibet permit + guide. We can arrange the Yunnan side; once entering Tibet a local partner takes over.

3. Xinjiang

  • Duku Highway (Dushanzi–Kuqa, 561 km, 2-3 days): Open June-October only. 7-seat and smaller vehicles only.
  • Northern Xinjiang loop (Urumqi–Burqin–Kanas–Karamay, 8-10 days): Kanas Lake, Hemu village, Sayram Lake. Best June-September.
  • Southern Xinjiang loop (Urumqi–Turpan–Kuqa–Kashgar–Hotan, 10-15 days): Flaming Mountains, Kashgar Old Town, Pamir Plateau. Border permit for Tashkurgan.

4. Qinghai–Gansu

  • Qinghai Lake–Chaka Salt Lake–Qilian (5-7 days): Best July for rapeseed flowers.
  • Hexi Corridor (Lanzhou–Zhangye–Jiayuguan–Dunhuang, 5-7 days): Silk Road history, Zhangye Danxia, Mogao Caves.

5. Inner Mongolia – Northeast

  • Hulunbuir grassland loop (Hailar–Ergun–Enhe–Heishantou–Manzhouli, 5-7 days): Best June-August.
  • Mohe / Arctic Village (7-10 days): China's northernmost point.

6. Hainan island loop (5-7 days)

Best November-March. Highways are free (fuel is pricier instead). Beaches, rainforest, relaxed driving.

Recommendation for first-timers

  • Under 7 days: Yunnan (Kunming–Dali–Lijiang).
  • 10 days: Lijiang–Shangri-La–Daocheng Yading loop.
  • 15+ days: Northern Xinjiang or Western Sichuan big loop.

Our rental service

We rent at Kunming Changshui Airport and Lijiang Sanyi Airport: Volkswagen Lavida/Jetta 260 RMB/day (unlimited km, 3000 RMB deposit), Tank 300 SUV 400 RMB/day (300 km/day, 5000 RMB deposit). Temporary driving permit arranged at 1500 RMB (no need for you to appear). One-way Lijiang-to-Kunming drop-off 1500 RMB.

WeChat qxzj7557 / WhatsApp +86 13759155671.