How to Plan Your China Motorcycle Tour ?

How to Plan Your China Motorcycle Tour ?

Planning a motorcycle tour in China involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Foreign riders need to secure a temporary driving permit, as China doesn’t recognize international licenses. You’ll also need to handle vehicle entry procedures, including inspections and paperwork.

Popular entry points include Yunnan (云南), Inner Mongolia (内蒙古), and Xinjiang (新疆), with routes like the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (川藏线) and Inner Mongolia Grasslands offering iconic riding experiences. Be aware of regional traffic regulations, particularly in cities with motorcycle bans.

For special destinations like Tibet (西藏), riders must work with licensed travel agencies to arrange permits and guides. With proper preparation, you can enjoy an unforgettable ride through China’s diverse landscapes and rich culture.

Travel Tips of Motorcycle Riding in China for Foreigners

1. Visa and Document Preparation

Visa Policy

China currently offers a 15-day visa-free policy for citizens of certain countries. However, it’s essential to confirm whether your nationality is eligible for this policy. If a visa is required, it is recommended to apply through official channels or authorized agencies.

Driver’s License Requirements

China does not recognize international driver’s licenses. You will need to apply for a temporary motorcycle driving permit. The application process can take time, so ensure you start early and leave plenty of time for processing.

2. Vehicle Entry and Paperwork

Temporary Vehicle Entry Procedures

To bring your motorcycle into China, you must go through temporary vehicle entry procedures, which include:

Vehicle Inspection
Temporary License Plate Issuance
Proof of Origin (for the vehicle)
Insurance Documentation

Some entry points may require additional documents such as a customs declaration or proof of vehicle inspection. You may also need to install an electronic lock on your bike, depending on the entry port.

Special Regional Restrictions

Certain areas in China, such as Tibet (西藏), have specific regulations and require foreign riders to be accompanied by a certified guide. Be sure to make advance arrangements through a local travel agency if you plan to visit these regions.

3. Route Planning

Entry Points into China

Motorcycle entry into China is typically done via land borders. Here are some popular entry points:

Yunnan Hekou Border (云南河口口岸): A primary entry point for Southeast Asian riders.
Inner Mongolia Erlianhot Border (内蒙古二连浩特口岸): A popular entry for international motorcycle groups traveling from Russia or Mongolia.
Xinjiang Khorgos Border (新疆霍尔果斯口岸): Ideal for riders heading towards Central Asia.
Guangxi Pingxiang Friendship Pass Border (广西凭祥友谊关口岸): The only regular entry point with a visa-on-arrival service for motorcycles.

Ensure to check the operating hours of your selected border and verify the necessary clearance requirements in advance. Some borders may have specific operating hours or closed periods.

Adapting to Traffic Rules

Certain cities in China enforce motorcycle bans, and restrictions on highway access for motorcycles may vary across different regions. Use local rider networks or navigation apps to stay updated on the latest road conditions and restricted zones.

4. Cultural Considerations and Logistics

Language Support

It’s highly recommended to travel with a Chinese-speaking guide or have a translation device to enhance communication efficiency. While many people in larger cities may understand basic English, a guide can help you with specific local needs.

Emergency Preparedness

Carry essential tools for basic motorcycle maintenance such as:

Tire repair kits
Chain lube
Basic hand tools

Additionally, familiarize yourself with the locations of motorcycle repair shops along your route. This will save you time and potential issues should something break down while on the road.

5. Case Studies for Foreign Riders

Team Riding Model

A Spanish blogger shared their experience of organizing a multinational motorcycle riding team. The group included members from various countries, with one fluent Chinese speaker handling border clearance and communication. This approach minimizes the risk associated with solo travel.

Charging and Power Supply for Electric Motorcycles

If you’re riding an electric motorcycle, be mindful of your bike’s battery range. Some riders employ the strategy of riding behind larger vehicles to reduce wind drag and save energy. Plan your charging stops along the route, especially for remote areas.

Popular Motorcycle Routes in China for Foreign Riders

China offers a wide range of exciting motorbike tours for those looking to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and scenic routes. Below is a list of popular motorbike tours that take you through some of China’s most iconic regions and border crossings, offering a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

1. 5 Days Pakistan-China-Xinjiang-Kyrgyzstan Motorbike Tour

Route: (Pakistan) – Khunjerab – Taxkorgan – Karakuli Lake – Kashgar – Irkeshtam – (Kyrgyzstan)
This tour connects Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan via Xinjiang, allowing riders to explore breathtaking landscapes, including Karakuli Lake and Kashgar (喀什).

2. 5 Days Kyrgyzstan-China-Xinjiang-Pakistan Motorbike Tour

Route: (Kyrgyzstan) – Irkeshtam – Kashgar – Karakuli Lake – Taxkorgan – Khunjerab – (Pakistan)
Starting in Kyrgyzstan, this tour takes you through Kashgar and Taxkorgan, offering stunning views of the Pamir Mountains and the Karakuli Lake before crossing into Pakistan.

3. 11 Days Nepal-Tibet-Nepal Motorcycle Tour from Gyirong Border

Route: (Nepal) – Kyirong (吉隆) – Saga – Shigatse – Gyantse – Yamdrok – Lhasa (拉萨) – Shigatse – Lhatse – Shegar – Rongbuk / Everest – Paiku Tso – Kyirong (吉隆) – (Nepal)
This tour explores the spectacular landscapes of Tibet, including the Everest Base Camp (珠穆朗玛峰), with the opportunity to experience the unique culture of Tibet (西藏).

4. 14 Days Nepal-China (Tibet-Xinjiang)-Kyrgyzstan Motorbike Tour with Mount Kailash

Route: (Nepal) – Kyirong – Paiku Tso – Rongbuk / Everest – Shegar – Lhatse – Shigatse – Saga – Manasarovar – Kailash – Tsada – Shiquanhe – Domar – Mazar – Kashgar (喀什) – Irkeshtam – (Kyrgyzstan)
A spiritual journey through Tibet, this tour includes a visit to Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐), one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism.

5. 15 Days Kyrgyzstan-China (Xinjiang-Tibet)-Nepal Motorbike Tour

Route: (Kyrgyzstan) – Irkeshtam – Kashgar – Mazar – Hongliutan – Domar – Shiquanhe – Tsada – Kailash – Manasarovar – Saga – Paiku Tso – Old Tingri – Rongbuk / Everest – Old Tingri – Paiku Tso – Kyirong (吉隆) – (Nepal)
Explore the diverse terrains of Xinjiang, Tibet, and Nepal, with stops at Everest Base Camp and Kailash.

6. 16 Days Nepal-China (Tibet-Yunnan)-Myanmar Motorbike Tour

Route: (Nepal) – Kyirong (吉隆) – Shigatse – Gyantse – Lhasa (拉萨) – Basum Tso Lake – Linzhi – Bomi – Ranwu Lake – Baxoi – Zuogong – Markam – Dechen – Shangri-La – Lijiang (丽江) – Dali – Baoshan – Ruili – (Myanmar)
A cross-border adventure through Tibet (西藏) and Yunnan (云南), with visits to famous destinations like Shangri-La and Lijiang before heading into Myanmar (缅甸).

7. 17 Days Yunnan Motorbike Riding Tour from Laos (Mohan Border)

Route: (Laos) – Mohan – Mengla – Yuanyang – Jianshui – Kunming (昆明) – Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-La – Dechen – Weixi – Baoshan – Lincang – Jinghong – Mengla – Mohan – (Laos)
This tour offers a deep dive into the landscapes and cultures of Yunnan, with a start and end in Laos (老挝).

8. 19 Days Nepal-China Tibet-Nepal Motorbike Tour with Kailash and Everest

Route: (Nepal) – Kyirong (吉隆) – Paiku Tso – Shegar – Rongbuk/Everest – Shegar – Lhatse – Shigatse – Gyantse – Yamdrok – Lhasa (拉萨) – Nam Tso – Serling Tso – Nyima – Dong Tso – Gertse – Gerkyi – Shiquanhe – Tsada – Darchen / Kailash – Manasarovar – Saga – Kyirong (吉隆) – (Nepal)
Explore Nepal and Tibet with a focus on Mount Kailash and Everest, two of the most iconic peaks in the Himalayas.

9. 20 Days Kyrgyzstan-China (Xinjiang-Tibet Lhasa)-Nepal Motorbike Tour

Route: (Kyrgyzstan) – Irkeshtam – Kashgar (喀什) – Mazar – Hongliutan – Domar – Shiquanhe – Tsada – Kailash – Manasarovar – Saga – Shigatse (日喀则) – Lhasa (拉萨) – Yamdrok Lake – Shigatse – Lhatse – Old Tingri – Rongbuk / Everest – Paiku Tso – Kyirong (吉隆) – (Nepal)
An extended exploration of Tibet and Xinjiang, including Everest and Kailash, crossing into Nepal for a scenic conclusion.

10. 20 Days Laos-China-Mongolia Motorbike Tour from Mohan to Erenhot

Route: (Laos) – Mohan – Mengla – Jiangcheng – Yuanyang – Kunming (昆明) – Zhaotong – Leshan – Chengdu – Sanxingdui – Zitong – Jianmenguan Pass – Guangyuan – Hanzhong – Foping – Xi’an – Linfen – Pingyao – Taiyuan – Datong – Hohhot – Erlianhaote – (Mongolia)
A long-distance tour that stretches from Laos to Mongolia, covering major cities and historical sites along the way.

11. 22 Days Laos-China (Yunnan-Tibet)-Nepal Motorbike Tour from Mohan to Gyirong

Route: (Laos) – Mohan – Jiangcheng – Yuanyang – Jianshui – Shilin – Kunming (昆明) – Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-La – Dechen – Markam – Zuogong – Baxoi – Linzhi – Basum Tso – Lhasa (拉萨) – Yamdrok – Gyantse – Shigatse – Shegar – Rongbuk / Everest – Paiku Tso Lake – Kyirong (吉隆) – (Nepal)
A journey from Laos through Yunnan and Tibet, finishing in Nepal after visiting Everest and Kailash.

12. 22 Days Nepal-China (Tibet-Yunnan)-Laos Motorbike Tour from Gyirong to Mohan

Route: (Nepal) – Kyirong (吉隆) – Paiku Tso – Rongbuk Monastery / Everest (珠穆朗玛峰) – Shigatse – Gyantse – Yamdrok – Lhasa (拉萨) – Basum Tso – Linzhi – Baxoi – Markam – Dechen – Shangri-La – Lijiang (丽江) – Dali – Kunming – Jianshui – Yuanyang – Puer – Mengla – Mohan – (Laos)
A unique reverse route exploring the rich cultures and landscapes of Nepal, Tibet, and Yunnan, ending in Laos.

13. 31 Days Kyrgyzstan-China (Xinjiang-Tibet-Yunnan)-Laos Motorbike Riding Tour from Irkeshtam to Mohan

Route: (Kyrgyzstan) – Irkeshtam – Kashgar (喀什) – Yecheng – Mazar – Hongliutan – Domar – Bangong Tso – Shiquanhe – Tsada – Tirthapuri – Manasarovar Lake – Paryang – Saga – Lhatse – Shigatse – Gyantse – Yamdrok Lake – Lhasa (拉萨) – Basum Tso – Linzhi – Lulang Forest – Bome – Ranwu Lake – Baxoi – Zuogong – Markam – Yanjing – Dechen – Shangri-La – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang (丽江) – Dali – Chuxiong – **Kunming

Entry and Exit Points for Foreign Motorcyclists

When entering or exiting China, it’s crucial to be aware of the main entry points and related procedures. Below are the most popular border crossings for foreign motorcyclists:

1. Yunnan Hekou Border (云南河口口岸)

Location:

A central border crossing on the China-Vietnam border, this port has become a popular entry point for Southeast Asian motorcycle teams since reopening in 2023.

Key Example:

A Vietnamese motorcycle team of 18 bikes entered China via this border and traveled to Yunnan and Sichuan for a 15-day tour before returning the same way.

Process:

Customs and border control work together to provide a relatively smooth clearance process, making it suitable for short-term cross-border rides.

2. Inner Mongolia Erlianhot Border (内蒙古二连浩特口岸)

Location:

This significant border point connects Mongolia and Russia, and is often used by international motorcycle groups traveling to and from Central Asia.

Case Study:

An international motorcycle team, including riders from the U.S., Canada, and Argentina, entered through this border, riding for 15 days before exiting via Yunnan Hekou.

Advantage:

This crossing is ideal for long-distance transcontinental routes, but riders must prepare for high-altitude challenges.

3. Xinjiang Khorgos Border (新疆霍尔果斯口岸)

Location:

This border is a key hub for travel towards Central Asia and is popular among motorcyclists heading towards Kazakhstan and other nearby countries.

Case Example:

A Chinese motorcycle team entered this border and completed a 20-day ride across three Central Asian countries.

Restrictions:

Ensure that temporary license plates and vehicle inspections are properly arranged. It is recommended to travel in groups when using this entry point.

4. Guangxi Pingxiang Friendship Pass Border (广西凭祥友谊关口岸)

Location:

The only regular border in the China-Vietnam region offering visa-on-arrival services for motorcycle tours.

Features:

In 2025, a cross-border motorcycle tour with 53 vehicles was organized here, with visa facilitation provided for participants.

Route:

This border crossing offers access to popular destinations in Vietnam, such as Ha Long Bay (下龙湾) and Ho Chi Minh City (胡志明市), making it ideal for Southeast Asia loop tours.

General Requirements and Key Considerations

Vehicle Paperwork

Temporary entry requires proof of origin, mandatory vehicle insurance, and inspection certificates. If you’re traveling with a vehicle registered in Hong Kong (香港), ensure it meets the National VI emission standards.

Documentation

China does not accept international driver’s licenses, so you’ll need to apply for a temporary driving permit. For rides that cross into countries like Vietnam (越南), having a translator along can be incredibly helpful.

Regional Restrictions

Special regions, like Tibet (西藏), require guides for foreign motorcyclists. While motorcycle bans have been relaxed in many cities, some core areas may still have traffic restrictions at certain times of the day.