Road Trips in China

Chinese capital will leave an unforgettable impression on all travellers who choose it as their first stopover in China. Beijing comes across as a moloch of a metropolis whose cityscape is dotted with tall skyscrapers, advertisements, and large shopping malls. After you brush off the first overwhelming impression, it’s best to direct your steps to such places as Tian’anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Observatory. 

Not so far away from the capital, you’ll find the marvellous Great Wall that stretches from the Gobi Desert to Shanhaiguan. For more natural wonders, head for Manchuria. Dalian port is a place offering stunning panoramas, and in Shenyang you’ll be enchanted by the interesting local architecture with many small restaurants and markets. Other urban jewels here include Changchun and Harbin, where the famous Ice Festival is held.

The arid area around the Yellow River is also worth consideration. Xi’an is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations with plenty of top-notch accommodation options and dining venues. Its greatest tourist attraction is the Terracotta Army. The city itself is located at a magnificent and picturesque backdrop of the Hua Shan mountain range. Its summits are riddled with plenty of temples that add to the ambiance of this place.

Don’t forget to explore the dunes of Shapotou, see the colorful architecture of Yinchuan, or learn more about the Chinese industry in Baotou. Nearby, you’ll find another extremely popular highlight, which is the fabulous Tomb of Genghis Khan. To top up the Chinese adventure, you can also visit the Yungang cave temples and Datong, with the nearby Hanging Temple. For more religious architecture, try traveling to Luoyang and the excellent Shaolin temple located in its vicinity.

Suggested Road Trips in China

• The Silk Road: This legendary trade route stretches from Xi'an in central China to the ancient city of Kashgar in western China, passing through some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes and historic sites. The route takes you through deserts, mountains, and oasis towns, providing a unique insight into China's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. Highlights along the way include the famous Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, the ancient city of Dunhuang, and the sprawling oasis town of Turpan.

• The Sichuan-Tibet Highway: This breathtaking mountain road winds its way through the Himalayas, taking travelers from the fertile Sichuan Basin to the roof of the world. Along the way, you will pass through remote mountain villages, cross high-altitude passes, and experience the stunning natural beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. Highlights along the way include the holy city of Lhasa, the stunning scenery of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, and the turquoise waters of Lake Yamdrok.

• The Yunnan-Tibet Highway: This scenic road takes travelers from the tropical city of Kunming in Yunnan province to the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, passing through some of the most stunning landscapes in China. The route takes you through the lush green hills of Yunnan, over high mountain passes, and across the rolling grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau, providing a unique and unforgettable road trip experience. Highlights along the way include the historic city of Shangri-La, the stunning scenery of the Haba Snow Mountain, and the turquoise waters of Lake Namtso.

Even though Hong-Kong and Macau follow left-hand traffic, you might be surprised to find that China follows right-hand traffic. If you see no central lines on the road, you are obliged to drive in the centre. In such a situation, two approaching vehicles should simply move to their right in order to pass each other without a collision.

An International Driving Permit is not widely accepted across China. What’s more some parts simply consider it to be illegal and moving without a local driver’s licence will guarantee you 14 days spent in jail.  

When it comes to drinking and driving, the allowed blood alcohol level is 0.02% so even one larger drink may take you beyond this limit. It’s best to avoid drinking before hitting the road altogether. Penalties that you might receive for breaking this regulation vary from CN¥ 1000–2000 to three years in prison or five years of driver’s licence suspension.

The general rules concerning speed limits are the following: 30 km/h on single carriageways, 40-80 on the China National Highways, 70 km/h on wider urban roads with 2 to 3 lanes/central reservation, 100 km/h on city express roads, and 120 km/h on highways. Exceeding the speed limit will guarantee you a fine of CNY200 for speed that is over 10 km/h above the limit. If your speed is 50% over the area limit, your penalty may be as high as CNY2000.

China offers travellers an extensive toll road system. Interestingly, it has as much as 70% of the world’s toll roads. The amount to be paid is mostly dependent on the road type as well as the distance that you would like to cover. These are always well-maintained and offering top-notch driving experience.

Here are some important things to be aware of when taking a road trip in China:

• Driving License and Insurance: Ensure you have a valid international driving license and appropriate insurance coverage.

• Road conditions: Some roads in China can be in poor condition, particularly in rural areas or remote regions.

• Altitude sickness: When traveling to high-altitude regions like Tibet, be aware of altitude sickness and take precautions such as drinking plenty of water and acclimatizing slowly.

• Local customs and laws: Familiarize yourself with local customs and laws, such as road regulations, traffic laws, and speed limits.

• Weather: Be aware of the weather conditions in the regions you will be traveling through and take appropriate precautions, especially during the monsoon season or winter months when roads can be slippery or blocked by snow.

• Language barriers: Language barriers can be a challenge in rural areas or remote regions, so it may be helpful to bring a phrasebook or have a translation app handy.

• Fuel availability: In remote areas, fuel availability may be limited, so plan accordingly and keep your tank topped up.

• Food and water: Be mindful of the food and water you consume, especially in rural areas where hygiene standards may be lower.

• Safety: Be aware of crime and theft, especially when driving through cities or leaving your vehicle unattended.

• Scenic routes: There are many scenic routes and back roads to explore in China, so take your time and plan your route carefully to ensure you make the most of your road trip.

The best time for taking a road trip in China depends on the region you plan to visit. Here are a few guidelines to consider:

• Northern and Central China: The best time to visit these regions is from May to October when temperatures are warm and comfortable and the risk of rain is low.

• Western China: The best time to visit western China is from May to September when temperatures are warm and rainfall is minimal.

• Southern China: The best time to visit southern China is from October to March when temperatures are mild and there is little rainfall.

• Tibet: The best time to visit Tibet is from May to October when the weather is warm and clear and road conditions are good.

It is important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable in some regions, and conditions can change quickly, so it is always a good idea to check the latest forecasts and be prepared for a range of weather conditions.

The cost of a road trip in China can vary depending on your travel style, the places you visit, and the duration of your trip. However, here's an estimate of the average cost per day per person on a road trip in China:

Accommodation: Budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses can cost around $10-30 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost around $50-100 per night.

Food: Dining in China can be affordable, especially if you stick to local eateries and street vendors. You can expect to spend around $5-10 per meal at a budget-friendly restaurant or street vendor, while mid-range restaurants can cost around $15-20 per meal.

Transportation: Renting a car in China is not common among foreign tourists. Instead, most travelers use public transportation or hire a private driver. The cost of public transportation varies depending on the mode of transport and the distance traveled. Taxis and private drivers can be expensive, so it's important to negotiate the fare beforehand.

Activities: China offers a variety of attractions and activities, such as visiting historic sites, hiking scenic trails, and exploring cultural landmarks. Admission fees vary depending on the attraction, but on average, you can expect to spend around $10-20 per attraction.

Overall, a daily budget of around $30-50 per person is reasonable for a budget-friendly road trip in China. However, this is just a rough estimate, and your actual expenses may vary depending on your specific travel plans. Renting a car in China can be expensive, and it's important to research and budget accordingly before embarking on a road trip.

Here are some recommended guidebooks and road maps for a road trip in China:

• Lonely Planet China: This guidebook by Lonely Planet is a comprehensive resource for planning a road trip in China. It includes detailed information on attractions, accommodations, and activities, as well as suggested itineraries and insider tips.

• Insight Guides China: This guidebook by Insight Guides provides in-depth information on China's history, culture, and attractions. It includes detailed maps, practical information, and suggested itineraries for road trips of varying lengths.

• Michelin China Map: This detailed road map by Michelin is a great resource for navigating China's highways and backroads. It includes clear and detailed maps of major cities and attractions, as well as recommendations for scenic routes and attractions.

• China: National Geographic Adventure Map: This waterproof and tear-resistant map by National Geographic is a great resource for outdoor enthusiasts planning a road trip in China. It includes detailed topographic information, as well as suggested hiking and biking trails.

• Frommer's China: This guidebook by Frommer's provides practical information on planning a road trip in China. It includes details on accommodations, dining, transportation, and attractions, as well as suggested itineraries for different types of travelers.

These guidebooks and road maps provide valuable information and resources for planning a road trip in China. Whether you're interested in exploring the country's natural wonders, cultural attractions, or outdoor activities, these resources will help you plan a memorable and rewarding road trip.

If you're planning a road trip in China, there are several books that can provide you with a deeper understanding of the country's history, culture, and landscape. Here are some recommended reads:

• "Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China" by Jung Chang: This memoir tells the story of three generations of women in China, spanning the early 20th century to the 1970s. It offers insights into China's political and social history and the changes the country underwent during that time.

• "The River at the Center of the World: A Journey Up the Yangtze, and Back in Chinese Time" by Simon Winchester: This travelogue follows the author's journey up the Yangtze River, exploring China's history, culture, and environment along the way.

• "Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing China" by Leslie T. Chang: This book tells the story of young women who leave their rural villages to work in China's urban factories, exploring the impact of China's rapid industrialization and urbanization.

• "China Road: A Journey into the Future of a Rising Power" by Rob Gifford: This travelogue follows the author's journey along China's Route 312, exploring the country's economic, social, and political landscape.

• "Red Dust: A Path Through China" by Ma Jian: This travelogue follows the author's journey through China's remote and rural areas, exploring the country's diverse landscape and culture.

These books offer a diverse range of perspectives on China and can provide valuable context and insights for a road trip in the country. Whether you're interested in China's history, culture, or contemporary society, these books can help you gain a deeper appreciation for the country and its people.