Best Self-Driving Tour Routes Across China

Embark on a self-driving adventure across China, where diverse landscapes, from vast plateaus and desert wilderness to lush grasslands and coastal beauty, await exploration. Yaso Trip offers expertly curated itineraries, designed to give you a comprehensive and unforgettable driving experience in some of China’s most breathtaking destinations.

China’s self-driving routes are divided into seven geographical zones, each with a unique set of landscapes, experiences, and challenges. Whether you are a beginner looking for scenic roads with manageable distances or an experienced driver seeking extreme terrain, these routes cater to every level of adventurer. Each itinerary includes detailed route information, distance, days required, best seasons, vehicle recommendations, and essential tips to help you prepare for a smooth and memorable journey.

Key Highlights:

1. Qinghai-Tibet Plateau & Heavenly Roads
   Drive the legendary G318 Sichuan-Tibet route, venture along the G219 Xinjiang-Tibet route to reach the “Roof of the World,” or take the ultimate challenge with the Ali Great Circle, where ancient monasteries and snow-capped peaks await.
2. Xinjiang’s Majestic Desert and Grassland
   Explore the unique beauty of Xinjiang's Duku Highway and the Kanas-Ili loop, with its towering peaks and pristine lakes. Visit the Pamir Plateau and the famous Taklamakan Desert.
3. Southwest & Tibetan Highlands
   Traverse the Western Sichuan Great Circle and discover Daocheng Yading, often referred to as “Shangri-La.” The roads here lead you to hidden Tibetan valleys, sacred mountains, and colorful monasteries.
4. Northeastern & Inner Mongolia
   Explore Hulunbuir, China's most beautiful grassland, or drive the Inner Mongolia G331 border route, which passes through vast forests, wetlands, and desert landscapes, perfect for those seeking a unique wilderness experience.
5. Eastern & Southern Coastal Gems
   Enjoy a more relaxed self-drive tour along Hainan Island, the Zhejiang coastal route, and the Guangxi-Karst corridor, where stunning beaches and picturesque coastal landscapes offer a refreshing escape.

Route Difficulty Levels:

• Entry Level (★★★☆☆): Routes like Hulunbuir and Hainan Island are perfect for beginners and families, offering paved roads and short distances.
• Advanced Level (★★★★☆): Routes such as the Duku Highway and Western Sichuan Circle challenge seasoned drivers with more rugged terrain and remote locations.
• Extreme Level (★★★★★): For the ultimate driving adventure, the G219 Xinjiang-Tibet and Ali Great Circle offer remote, high-altitude roads and some of China’s most awe-inspiring views.

Prepare for the Journey:

From vehicle preparation and essential supplies to local customs and high-altitude acclimatization, this guide covers everything you need to know before hitting the road. Yaso Trip ensures that your self-driving journey across China is smooth, safe, and filled with unforgettable experiences.

Drive the scenic roads of China, immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture, and witness nature in its purest form. Whether you're seeking serenity, adventure, or a mix of both, China's self-driving routes are a perfect way to explore the heart of the Middle Kingdom.

Qinghai-Tibet Plateau · Sacred Sky Road Adventure

Extreme Difficulty

G318 Sichuan-Tibet South Line | National Scenic Corridor

Travel Days: 7–10 days

Route: Chengdu (成都) → Kangding (康定) → Litang (理塘) → Mangkam (芒康) → Zuogong (左贡) → Basu (八宿) → Bomi (波密) → Nyingchi (林芝) → Lhasa (拉萨), total 2100km

Best Travel Time: May to June for azalea blossoms, September to October for classic autumn colors

Recommended Vehicle: SUV or professional off-road vehicle, four-wheel drive is necessary in rainy seasons

Must-Visit Attractions: Zheduo Mountain (折多山), Xinduqiao (新都桥), Nujiang 72 Turns (怒江 72 拐), Ranwu Lake (然乌湖), Namcha Barwa (南迦巴瓦), Nyingchi Peach Blossom Valley (林芝桃花)

Travel Tips: Keep daily driving distance between 250–300km and avoid night driving. Prepare a border permit for visiting Mount Everest (珠峰) and Ngari (阿里) areas.

G219 Xinjiang-Tibet Line | Sky Road on Top of the World

Travel Days: 20–25 days | Core Xizang Segment: 10–15 days

Route: Kanas (喀纳斯) → Yili (伊犁) → Kashgar (喀什) → Yecheng (叶城) → Ngari (阿里) → Shigatse (日喀则) → Lhasa (拉萨), total 10000km

Best Travel Time: May to June & September to October, avoiding summer rain and winter snowstorms

Recommended Vehicle: Heavy-duty off-road vehicle, equipped with dual spare tires and portable fuel tanks

Must-Visit Attractions: Mount Kangrinboqe (冈仁波齐), Lake Manasarovar (玛旁雍措), Zanda Earth Forest (札达土林), Guge Kingdom Ruins (古格王朝), Pangong Lake (班公湖), Mount Everest (珠峰)

Travel Tips: The average altitude exceeds 4500m with obvious altitude sickness risks. Arrange segmented supply points and carry sufficient fuel for remote driving.

Ngari Grand Loop | Top-Tier Xizang Self-Driving Route

Travel Days: 13–15 days

Route: Lhasa (拉萨) → Yamdrok Lake (羊湖) → Shigatse (日喀则) → Mount Everest (珠峰) → Gyirong (吉隆) → Mount Kangrinboqe (冈仁波齐) → Zanda (札达) → Shiquanhe (狮泉河) → Pangong Lake (班公湖) → Gaize (改则) → Nima (尼玛) → Damxung (当雄) → Namtso Lake (纳木错) → Lhasa (拉萨), total 4000km

Best Travel Time: May to October

Recommended Vehicle: Hardcore off-road vehicle, group travel is strongly recommended

Must-Visit Attractions: Yamdrok Yumtso Lake (羊卓雍措), Mount Everest (珠峰), Mount Kangrinboqe (冈仁波齐), Lake Manasarovar (玛旁雍措), Zanda Earth Forest (札达土林), Namtso Lake (纳木错)

Travel Tips: This classic highland loop features endless alpine lakes and vast wilderness. Never travel alone without professional outdoor support.

Sichuan In & Qinghai Out Loop | Classic Xizang Expedition

Travel Days: 15–18 days

Route: Chengdu (成都) → G318 Lhasa (拉萨) → G109 Nagqu (那曲) → Golmud (格尔木) → Chaka (茶卡) → Qinghai Lake (青海湖) → Xining (西宁), total 5000km

Best Travel Time: May to June & September to October

Recommended Vehicle: SUV, adapted to rough road sections on the Qinghai-Xizang highway

Must-Visit Attractions: G318 classic landscape, Namtso Lake (纳木错), Hoh Xil (可可西里), Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖), Qinghai Lake (青海湖)

Travel Tips: Long straight high-altitude roads easily cause driving fatigue. Prepare altitude sickness medicine and outdoor warm clothing in advance.

Northwest Gobi · Epic Wilderness Journey

Intermediate Difficulty

Duku Highway G217 | Heroic Spine of the Tianshan Mountains

Travel Days: 2–3 days

Route: Dushanzi (独山子) → Tangbula (唐布拉) → Narat (那拉提) → Bayanbulak (巴音布鲁克) → Kuqa (库车), total 561km

Best Travel Time: Mid-June to late September, seasonal opening only in summer

Recommended Vehicle: SUV, sedans need extra caution on bumpy mountain roads

Must-Visit Attractions: Anjihai Grand Canyon (安集海大峡谷), Narat Grassland (那拉提草原), Bayanbulak Nine-Turn Eighteen Bend (巴音布鲁克九曲十八弯), Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (天山神秘大峡谷)

Travel Tips: Rapid weather changes create a “four seasons in one day” experience. Control daily driving mileage under 150km and prepare anti-slip chains.

Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop | Northwest Scenic Highlight

Travel Days: 7–8 days

Route: Xining (西宁) → Qinghai Lake (青海湖) → Chaka (茶卡) → Delingha (德令哈) → G315 → Dunhuang (敦煌) → Jiayuguan (嘉峪关) → Zhangye (张掖) → Xining (西宁), total 2700km

Best Travel Time: June to August for green grasslands, September to October for golden autumn scenery

Recommended Vehicle: Ordinary SUV or sedan, fully paved roads throughout the trip

Must-Visit Attractions: Qinghai Lake (青海湖), Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖), East Taijinar Lake (东台吉乃尔湖), Eye of the Desert (恶魔之眼), Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟), Mingsha Mountain (鸣沙山), Zhangye Danxia (张掖丹霞)

Travel Tips: The northwest region is extremely dry. Maintain daily water intake and complete full sun protection against strong ultraviolet rays.

G315 Mars Highway | Desolate Alien Landscapes

Travel Days: 8–10 days

Route: Xining (西宁) → Qinghai Lake (青海湖) → Chaka (茶卡) → Delingha (德令哈) → Xiao Qaidam (小柴旦) → Water Yadan (水上雅丹) → West Taijinar (西台) → Mangya (茫崖) → Kashgar (喀什), total 3000km

Best Travel Time: May to June & September to October

Recommended Vehicle: SUV, anti-stuck design for saline-alkali road sections

Must-Visit Attractions: U-Shaped Highway (U 型公路), Water Yadan Landform (水上雅丹), West Taijinar Dual-Color Lake (西台双色湖), Eye of the Desert (恶魔之眼), Mangya Emerald Lake (茫崖翡翠湖)

Travel Tips: Large no-man’s-land sections with weak mobile signals. Plan refueling points in advance and store enough food and drinking water.

Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop | Silk Road & Pamir Plateau

Travel Days: 12–15 days

Route: Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) → Korla (库尔勒) → Kuqa (库车) → Aksu (阿克苏) → Kashgar (喀什) → Tashkurgan (塔县) → Khunjerab (红其拉甫) → Yarkand (莎车) → Hotan (和田) → Minfeng (民丰) → Luntai (轮台) → Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), total 4500km

Best Travel Time: May to October

Recommended Vehicle: SUV, suitable for desert and mountain mixed roads

Must-Visit Attractions: Kashgar Old Town (喀什老城), Muztagh Ata Peak (慕士塔格峰), Karakul Lake (喀拉库勒湖), Dragon Spine Ancient Road (盘龙古道), Taklamakan Desert Highway (塔克拉玛干沙漠公路), Populus Euphratica Forest (胡杨林)

Travel Tips: The Pamir Plateau features high altitude. Prepare altitude reaction medicine and apply for a border permit before entering Tashkurgan.

Northern Xinjiang · Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall

Intermediate Difficulty

Kanas-Yili Grand Loop | Garden of God

Travel Days: 8–9 days

Route: Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) → Fukang (阜康) → Beitun (北屯) → Kanas (喀纳斯) → Hemu (禾木) → Burqin (布尔津) → Kuytun (奎屯) → Sayram Lake (赛里木湖) → Yining (伊宁) → Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), total 2500km

Best Travel Time: June to September for flower seas and grasslands, mid-September to early October for golden autumn

Recommended Vehicle: SUV, narrow mountain roads around Kanas and Hemu

Must-Visit Attractions: Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖), Hemu Morning Mist (禾木晨雾), Sayram Lake (赛里木湖), Yili Lavender Field (伊犁薰衣草), Narat Grassland (那拉提草原)

Travel Tips: Accommodation is tight in peak autumn seasons. Book lodging at least 15 days in advance for a comfortable stay.

Yili River Valley Loop | China’s Most Beautiful Flower & Grassland Route

Travel Days: 5–6 days

Route: Yining (伊宁) → Huocheng (霍城) → Zhaosu (昭苏) → Tekes (特克斯) → Gongliu (巩留) → Xinyuan (新源) → Nilka (尼勒克) → Yining (伊宁), total 1200km

Best Travel Time: June to July for lavender, rapeseed and wild alpine flowers

Recommended Vehicle: Sedan or SUV, fully paved roads

Must-Visit Attractions: Huocheng Lavender (霍城薰衣草), Zhaosu Tianma Cultural Park (昭苏天马文化园), Xiata Ancient Road (夏塔古道), Kalajun Grassland (喀拉峻草原), Kuerdening (库尔德宁), Tangbula Grassland (唐布拉)

Travel Tips: The flower viewing period peaks from mid-June to early July. Slow down on winding mountain roads between Zhaosu and Tekes.

Southwest Hidden Lands · Hengduan Mountains Legend

Intermediate Difficulty

Western Sichuan Grand Loop | Shangri-La Hidden Paradise

Travel Days: 7–8 days

Route: Chengdu (成都) → Siguniang Mountain (四姑娘山) → Danba (丹巴) → Xinduqiao (新都桥) → Litang (理塘) → Daocheng Yading (稻城亚丁) → Xinlong (新龙) → Garze (甘孜) → Seda (色达) → Barkam (马尔康) → Chengdu (成都), total 2000km

Best Travel Time: May to June for azaleas, September to October for colorful forests and snow mountains

Recommended Vehicle: High ground clearance SUV, anti-slip chains required in winter and rainy seasons

Must-Visit Attractions: Siguniang Mountain (四姑娘山), Danba Tibetan Village (丹巴藏寨), Xinduqiao (新都桥), Daocheng Yading (稻城亚丁), Seda Buddhist Institute (色达佛学院), Gongga Mountain Sunrise (贡嘎日照金山)

Travel Tips: Rainy seasons bring frequent landslides. Check real-time road conditions before departure and make reservations for Seda scenic access.

Western Yunnan Grand Loop | Hengduan Mountains Epic Journey

Travel Days: 9–11 days

Route: Kunming (昆明) → Dali (大理) → Lijiang (丽江) → Shangri-La (香格里拉) → Deqin (德钦) → Bingzhongluo (丙中洛) → Zayu (察隅) → Nyingchi (林芝) → Kunming (昆明), total 2500km

Best Travel Time: September to November for clear autumn weather, April to May for alpine flowers

Recommended Vehicle: Professional off-road vehicle, avoid Bingcha Cha section in rainy seasons

Must-Visit Attractions: Dali Erhai Lake (大理洱海), Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), Shangri-La (香格里拉), Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山), Bingzhongluo (丙中洛), Nujiang Grand Canyon (怒江大峡谷)

Travel Tips: The Bingcha Cha section is known as the most dangerous land passage to Xizang. The Degong Highway connects Nujiang Valley and Shangri-La with stunning mountain scenery.

Bingcha Cha Route | The Most Dangerous Road to Xizang

Travel Days: 1–2 days

Route: Bingzhongluo (丙中洛) → Chawalong (察瓦龙) → Zayu (察隅), total 270km

Best Travel Time: May to June & September to October, avoid rainstorms and avalanche seasons

Recommended Vehicle: Four-wheel drive off-road vehicle with chassis protection

Must-Visit Attractions: Nujiang First Bend (丙中洛怒江第一湾), Chawalong Dry Hot Valley (察瓦龙干热河谷), Zayu Primitive Forest (察隅原始森林)

Travel Tips: Not suitable for novice drivers. No complete supply stations along the way, prepare fuel, food and daily drinking water in advance.

Gannan Locke Road & Mini Duku Highway | Niche Secret Land

Travel Days: 6–7 days

Route: Lanzhou (兰州) → Linxia (临夏) → Xiahe (夏河) → Hezuo (合作) → Zhagana (扎尕那) → Langmusi (郎木寺) → Maqu (玛曲) → Luqu (碌曲) → Lanzhou (兰州), total 1500km

Best Travel Time: June to August for green grasslands, September to October for autumn foliage

Recommended Vehicle: SUV, adapted to partial dirt road sections

Must-Visit Attractions: Labrang Monastery (拉卜楞寺), Zhagana (扎尕那), Langmusi Town (郎木寺), Gahai Lake (尕海湖), Maqu Yellow River First Bend (玛曲黄河第一湾)

Travel Tips: The 100km Locke Road features primitive alpine scenery with rough road surfaces, suitable for landscape photography lovers.

Grassland & Borderlands · Freedom Road Trip

Beginner Difficulty

Hulunbuir Grand Loop | China’s Most Beautiful Grassland

Travel Days: 5–7 days

Route: Hailar (海拉尔) → Manzhouli (满洲里) → Heishantou (黑山头) → Enhe (恩和) → Shiwei (室韦) → Moerdaoga (莫尔道嘎) → Genhe (根河) → Ergun (额尔古纳) → Hailar (海拉尔), total 1800km

Best Travel Time: July to September for lush grasslands, September to October for golden grassland scenery

Recommended Vehicle: Ordinary SUV or sedan, fully paved roads

Must-Visit Attractions: Morgele River (莫尔格勒河), Manzhouli National Gate (满洲里国门), Heishantou Sunset (黑山头日落), Enhe Russian Township (恩和俄罗斯乡), Shiwei Port (室韦口岸)

Travel Tips: Grassland temperature difference is obvious between day and night. Carry lightweight down jackets and book Mongolian yurts early.

Inner Mongolia G331 Border Highway | Northern China Border Corridor

Travel Days: 12–15 days

Route: Dandong (丹东) → Benxi (本溪) → Arxan (阿尔山) → Manzhouli (满洲里) → Shiwei (室韦) → Mohe (漠河) → Heihe (黑河), total 5500km

Best Travel Time: July to August for forest scenery, September to October for Greater Khingan Range autumn colors

Recommended Vehicle: SUV, partial gravel border roads

Must-Visit Attractions: Yalu River Broken Bridge (鸭绿江断桥), Arxan Heavenly Lake (阿尔山天池), Manzhouli National Gate (满洲里国门), Shiwei Port (室韦口岸), Mohe Arctic Village (漠河北极村)

Travel Tips: As China’s longest border highway, G331 crosses forests, grasslands and wetlands. A border permit is required for border area access.

Ejina Populus Euphratica Loop | Golden Autumn Tour

Travel Days: 7–8 days

Route: Yinchuan (银川) → Alxa Left Banner (阿拉善左旗) → Ejina Banner (额济纳旗) → Juyan Lake (居延海) → Heicheng Ruins (黑城遗址) → Jiayuguan (嘉峪关) → Zhangye (张掖) → Yinchuan (银川), total 2000km

Best Travel Time: Late September to mid-October, golden poplar viewing season

Recommended Vehicle: Sedan or SUV, full paved roads

Must-Visit Attractions: Ejina Populus Forest (额济纳胡杨林), Juyan Lake Sunrise (居延海日出), Heicheng Ancient Ruins (黑城遗址), Weird Woods (怪树林), Zhangye Danxia (张掖丹霞)

Travel Tips: Tourist volume surges in autumn peak season. Arrange accommodation and travel routes in advance.

Eastern Jiangnan · Humanistic Landscape Tour

Beginner Difficulty

Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line | Jiangnan Sky Road

Travel Days: 1–2 days

Route: Ningguo (宁国) → Chujia Beach (储家滩) → Taoling Highway (桃岭公路) → Tingxi (汀溪) → Caicun (蔡村) → Jingxian (泾县), total 120km

Best Travel Time: March to April for rapeseed flowers, October to November for red leaf scenery

Recommended Vehicle: SUV, narrow curve roads on Taoling section

Must-Visit Attractions: Chujia Beach Mini Guilin (储家滩小桂林), Taoling 72 Turns (桃岭 72 拐), Qinglong Bay (青龙湾), Zhaji Ancient Village (查济古村), Shuimo Tingxi (水墨汀溪)

Travel Tips: Narrow roads make vehicle meeting difficult. Avoid weekend travel to reduce congestion.

Western Zhejiang Sky Road & Hangxinjing Route | Jiangnan Hidden Scenery

Travel Days: 4–5 days

Route: Hangzhou (杭州) → Lin’an (临安) → Changhua (昌化) → Chun’an (淳安) → Jiande (建德) → Tonglu (桐庐) → Fuyang (富阳) → Hangzhou (杭州), total 800km

Best Travel Time: April to May for spring tea scenery, September to October for comfortable autumn

Recommended Vehicle: Sedan or SUV, fully paved roads

Must-Visit Attractions: Qiandao Lake (千岛湖), Jiande Xin’an River (建德新安江), Tonglu Fuchun River (桐庐富春江), Longmen Ancient Town (富阳龙门古镇), Western Zhejiang Grand Canyon (浙西大峡谷)

Travel Tips: The Qiandao Lake ring road is one of the most classic lakeside self-driving routes in eastern China.

Fujian-Zhejiang Coastal Highway | East China Sea Landscape Gallery

Travel Days: 5–6 days

Route: Shanghai (上海) → Ningbo (宁波) → Zhoushan (舟山) → Taizhou (台州) → Wenzhou (温州) → Ningde (宁德) → Fuzhou (福州), total 1200km

Best Travel Time: May to June & September to October

Recommended Vehicle: Sedan or SUV, complete coastal road network

Must-Visit Attractions: Putuo Mountain (普陀山), Dongji Island (东极岛), Yandang Mountain (雁荡山), Nanxi River (楠溪江), Taimu Mountain (太姥山), Xiapu Mudflat (霞浦滩涂)

Travel Tips: Xiapu mudflat sunrise and sunset are world-famous photography spots. Book island ferry tickets early in peak seasons.

South China Tropical · Sunshine Coastal Getaway

Beginner Difficulty

Hainan Island Ring Road | Winter Self-Driving Paradise

Travel Days: 5–7 days

Route: Haikou (海口) → Wenchang (文昌) → Wanning (万宁) → Sanya (三亚) → Dongfang (东方) → Danzhou (儋州) → Haikou (海口), total 800km

Best Travel Time: November to April, ideal for winter vacation

Recommended Vehicle: Sedan or SUV, complete highway and coastal roads

Must-Visit Attractions: Wenchang Coconut Forest (文昌东郊椰林), Wanning Riyue Bay (万宁日月湾), Sanya Yalong Bay (三亚亚龙湾), Danzhou Ancient Salt Field (儋州千年古盐田)

Travel Tips: The east coast is lively and commercial, while the west coast retains quiet original coastal style.

Guangxi China-Vietnam Border Highway | Karst Landscape Gallery

Travel Days: 5–7 days

Route: Nanning (南宁) → Detian Waterfall (德天瀑布) → Jingxi (靖西) → Chongzuo (崇左) → Dongxing (东兴) → Beihai (北海), total 800km

Best Travel Time: April to May with abundant water, September to October for pleasant weather

Recommended Vehicle: Sedan or SUV, smooth border roads

Must-Visit Attractions: Detian Waterfall (德天瀑布), Jingxi Goose Spring (靖西鹅泉), Dongxing Port (东兴口岸), Beihai Silver Beach (北海银滩)

Travel Tips: Carry ID cards for border inspections. Cruise sightseeing allows close views of cross-border waterfall landscapes.

Northern Guangdong Karst Loop | Lingnan Secret Land

Travel Days: 5–6 days

Route: Guangzhou (广州) → Qingyuan (清远) → Yingde (英德) → Shaoguan (韶关) → Lianzhou (连州) → Hezhou (贺州) → Guangzhou (广州), total 1000km

Best Travel Time: April to May for flower viewing, September to October for autumn travel

Recommended Vehicle: Sedan or SUV, full paved roads

Must-Visit Attractions: Qingyuan Huangteng Gorge (清远黄腾峡), Yingde Peak Forest (英德英西峰林), Shaoguan Danxia Mountain (韶关丹霞山), Lianzhou Underground River (连州地下河), Hezhou Gupo Mountain (贺州姑婆山)

Travel Tips: Danxia Mountain is famous for stunning sunrise and sunset views, perfect for leisure self-driving tours.

Top Tier Scenic Destinations by Province

Xizang

Lhasa (拉萨): Potala Palace (布达拉宫), Jokhang Temple (大昭寺), Barkhor Street (八廓街)

Ngari (阿里): Mount Kangrinboqe (冈仁波齐), Lake Manasarovar (玛旁雍措), Zanda Earth Forest (札达土林), Guge Kingdom Ruins (古格王朝)

Shigatse (日喀则): Mount Everest (珠峰), Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺)

Nyingchi (林芝): Namcha Barwa (南迦巴瓦), Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon (雅鲁藏布大峡谷)

Xinjiang

Northern Xinjiang: Kanas (喀纳斯), Hemu (禾木), Sayram Lake (赛里木湖), Yili Lavender (伊犁薰衣草), Narat Grassland (那拉提草原)

Southern Xinjiang: Kashgar Old Town (喀什老城), Pamir Plateau (帕米尔高原), Taklamakan Desert Highway (塔克拉玛干沙漠公路), Muztagh Ata Peak (慕士塔格峰)

Sichuan & Western Sichuan

Siguniang Mountain (四姑娘山), Danba Tibetan Village (丹巴藏寨), Xinduqiao (新都桥), Daocheng Yading (稻城亚丁), Seda Buddhist Institute (色达佛学院), Gongga Snow Mountain (贡嘎雪山)

Qinghai & Gansu

Qinghai: Qinghai Lake (青海湖), Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖), East Taijinar Lake (东台吉乃尔湖), Water Yadan (水上雅丹)

Gansu: Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟), Mingsha Mountain (鸣沙山), Zhangye Colorful Danxia (张掖七彩丹霞), Jiayuguan (嘉峪关)

Inner Mongolia

Hulunbuir: Morgele River (莫尔格勒河), Manzhouli (满洲里), Enhe (恩和)

Other Regions: Arxan (阿尔山), Shiwei (室韦), Mohe Arctic Village (漠河北极村), Ejina Populus Forest (额济纳胡杨林)

Yunnan & Guangxi

Yunnan: Dali Erhai (大理洱海), Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), Shangri-La (香格里拉), Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山), Bingzhongluo (丙中洛)

Guangxi: Detian Waterfall (德天瀑布), Jingxi Goose Spring (靖西鹅泉), Beihai Silver Beach (北海银滩), Guilin Landscape (桂林山水)

Eastern & South China

Eastern China: Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line (皖南川藏线), Qiandao Lake (千岛湖), Putuo Mountain (普陀山), Yandang Mountain (雁荡山)

South China: Hainan Ring Route (海南环岛), Northern Guangdong Karst (粤北喀斯特), Fujian-Zhejiang Coastline (闽浙海岸线)

Complete Pre-Trip Preparation Checklist

Essential Documents

Prepare ID card, driving license and vehicle certificate. Apply for a border permit in advance for Ngari, Mount Everest, Kanas, Shiwei and Mohe. Keep household documents as backup for remote area checks.

Vehicle Preparation

Complete full vehicle maintenance before departure. Equip spare tires, towing tools, jump cables and anti-slip chains. Store fuel additives and portable fuel containers for long-distance off-road driving.

Travel Supplies & Medicine

Carry altitude sickness medicine and portable oxygen for plateau routes. Prepare daily cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine and outdoor skincare products. Pack windproof jackets, warm layers, sun protection equipment and high-energy dry food.

Travel Planning Tips

Control daily driving mileage within 300km. Book remote accommodation 15 days in advance. Check gas station distribution in Xinjiang and Xizang, and avoid traveling in heavy rain and snow seasons.

Self-Driving Route Difficulty Classification

Beginner Level

Suitable for family travelers and new drivers, including Hainan Ring Route, Hulunbuir Grand Loop, Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop and Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line. Complete supporting facilities and gentle road conditions.

Intermediate Level

Suitable for drivers with rich road experience and SUV vehicles, including Duku Highway, Western Sichuan Grand Loop, Western Yunnan Grand Loop and Gannan Locke Road. Complex mountain roads and changeable weather require careful driving.

Extreme Level

Only for senior self-driving teams with professional off-road vehicles, including G219 Xinjiang-Tibet Line, Ngari Grand Loop and Bingcha Cha Route. High altitude, no-man’s-land and harsh natural environments require professional outdoor experience.