The easiest guide to driving in the Chinese Mainland

Travelling around the Chinese Mainland is all about its myriad experiences. With high-tech cities, idyllic countryside, rugged coastlines and sweeping deserts to zoom through, it’s any intrepid adventurer’s dream. And while the expansive high-speed train network might be the most convenient option, the freedom of the open road allows for a more intimate encounter with the country’s vast geographic and cultural terrain. 

So, trace the Xinjiang region’s Duku Highway and immerse yourself in a landscape of snow-capped peaks and sun-scorched cliffs before watching dusk descend over the vast Bayanbulak Grassland. Or loop around Taihu Lake – from the silk farms of Huzhou to the purple clay workshops of Yixing – for a closer look at the heritage of the Yangtze Delta. 

Whether you’re in it for the scenery or the drive, here’s everything you need to know about navigating the Middle Kingdom by car.

Can I drive in China with a foreign driver’s license? 

The Chinese Mainland doesn’t recognise the International Driving Permit (IDP), so to drive a car visitors must apply for a Temporary Driving Permit from a Vehicle Management Office.  

Major airports, including Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, and Chengdu Tianfu, now house dedicated Vehicle Management Offices inside the terminals. Holders of a valid foreign licence can secure a 90-day permit in around an hour, after a short application and mandatory safety video. The application process has been significantly streamlined, following a wave of visa-free policies for nationals of over 70 countries and 240-hour transit stays for others. 

If there’s no office at your port of entry, or you land outside opening hours, head to the nearest local Vehicle Management Office instead.  

Essential documents 

Bring your passport, a valid visa (or entry stamp), your original licence and a certified Chinese translation. If you’re visiting from Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR or Taiwan, China; your Mainland Travel Permit can also be used. 

Many car rental agencies can help facilitate the translation and certification in advance. Authorised translation agencies include the Shanghai Interpreters’ Association (for applications in Shanghai) and Jingyi Zhengtong Translation Center, which has outlets in both Beijing airports. 

Three copies of a one-inch (25mm x 35mm) ID photo are often required. While airports like Beijing Daxing offer self-service kiosks to take photos for a small fee, some branches of the Vehicle Management Office, including those in Shanghai, may insist on taking your photos on site to ensure compliance with their digital standards. 

Applicants aged 70 or above must undergo a basic capacity test before a permit can be issued.  

For a smoother experience, a travel service agency can help secure your permit. Companies like Beijing Expat Service Center and Jingyi Zhengtong can even arrange for someone to assist you with the paperwork upon arrival. (To contact Jingyi Zhengtong, email 874835038@qq.com, or call or message +852 51086500 via Whatsapp). 

Car rental companies 

While Hertz and Avis operate in the Chinese Mainland, local companies offer greater variety and seamless integration into the country’s digital infrastructure. Note that the Temporary Driving Permit is limited to small-size vehicles (fewer than nine seats and under six metres in length), which fortunately covers most SUVs. 

For English-speaking travellers, eHi Car Services and Zuzuche are among the most user-friendly options. eHi, in particular, has a robust English-language app and accepts international credit cards – a rarity in a market dominated by mobile wallets. 

Driving etiquette and essential tips 

• Your phone is vital. Forget Google Maps – download AMap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps. Both offer real-time lane guidance, alerts for traffic cameras and information on the nearest gas or charging stations. 
• Parking is typically managed via QR codes and fees paid with mobile wallets. Ensure your Alipay or WeChat Pay is linked to a credit card before you set off. 
• Almost all highways in the Chinese Mainland use the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system. Most rental cars come with a transponder, and the fees are settled through your rental company upon return. 
• Driving in the Chinese Mainland, especially urban centres, requires focus. Prepare for turns and merging traffic early and watch out for scooters. On the motorways, however, surface conditions are among the best. Just avoid major holidays, when highways are reduced to local speeds and even 12 lanes feel insufficient. 

Rent a car – and driver 

If the logistics still feel overwhelming, consider renting a car with a driver, especially for shorter trips. At roughly HK$700 per day, it’s an accessible indulgence that allows you to keep your eyes on the scenery rather than the steering wheel.