A China self-drive route that actually works for a foreigner
Most online "China road trip" itineraries ignore the things that actually stop foreigners: restricted zones, permit checkpoints, cities where rentals won't take your license, and mountain roads that need a local's judgment. Tell us your trip and we draft a route built around the real constraints.
Get a Route QuoteRegions we plan
These are the routes we know best. Don't see yours? Tell us in the form — we're honest about whether we can plan it well.
Yunnan Loop
Kunming → Dali → Lijiang → Shangri-La
7–10 days
The classic foreigner-friendly self-drive. Good roads, stunning elevation changes, English signage at major stops.
Hainan Island Circuit
Haikou → Sanya → Haikou (coastal loop)
5–7 days
Tropical, relaxed, no restricted zones. The easiest place in China for a foreigner to rent and drive.
Guangxi Karst Country
Guilin → Yangshuo → Longji
4–6 days
Shorter, scenery-dense. Best for travelers who want a self-drive taste without a huge time commitment.
Western Sichuan (Aba/Ganzi)
Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou / Siguniang
6–9 days
High-altitude, permit-sensitive in places. Rewarding but needs real planning and altitude awareness.
What your route plan includes
- Day-by-day itinerary with realistic driving distances and overnight stops.
- Permit & license checkpoints — where you need a Temporary Permit and where the route crosses restricted zones.
- Toll & fuel cost estimate so you budget before you drive.
- An honest "self-drive vs driver" call for each leg — we'll tell you when hiring a driver is smarter.
Quote-based
Tell us your trip and we send a fixed quote based on length and complexity. No payment until you approve the quote.
What a $99 route plan looks like
Here's an example of what you receive — a written, day-by-day plan you can follow on your phone or print.
Sample: Yunnan 8-Day Self-Drive Loop
Kunming → Dali → Lijiang → Shangri-La → Kunming
Kunming → Dali (330 km, ~4h on G56)
Pick up rental at Kunming Changshui Airport. Toll: ~150 RMB. Overnight: Dali Old Town. Permit checkpoint: none on this route.
Dali (rest day)
Explore Erhai Lake ring road (120 km). Parking near Old Town is tight — use the paid lot at the south gate. Budget: fuel ~100 RMB.
Dali → Lijiang (180 km, ~2.5h)
Mountain road, scenic but winding. Arrive by afternoon for Lijiang Old Town. Toll: ~80 RMB. Self-drive vs driver: self-drive wins here — the road is manageable and a driver would cost 600+ RMB.
...days 4–8 continue in the same format, including Shangri-La altitude notes, return route, total cost breakdown (fuel, tolls, parking, accommodation estimate), and a "when to hire a driver instead" call for each leg.
Your actual plan is customized to your dates, interests, and vehicle. This is a representative example.
Tell us about your trip
Select "Self-drive route planning (quote)" and describe your region, dates, and interests. We reply within 24 hours during operating hours (8:00–23:00 China time).