This 14-Day China North-to-South Self-Driving Adventure is an epic overland journey crossing the full breadth of China, from the northern border at Erenhot to the southern border at Mohan, offering a rare opportunity to experience the country’s dramatic geographical diversity and deep cultural heritage in one continuous route.
Traveling through Inner Mongolia, Beijing, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan, this journey blends iconic historical landmarks with spectacular natural landscapes. Highlights include walking along the Great Wall at Badaling, exploring imperial treasures in Beijing’s Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, discovering the ancient capital of Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors, encountering giant pandas in Chengdu, and enjoying the tranquil charm of Dali and Erhai Lake.
As the route moves south, landscapes transition from Qinling Mountains and Sichuan Basin to the lush highlands and tropical scenery of southern Yunnan, culminating in Jinghong and the Mohan border. Designed for travelers seeking freedom, depth, and adventure, this moderate-difficulty self-driving itinerary delivers a comprehensive and unforgettable exploration of China from border to border.
Duration: 14 Days
Areas Covered: Inner Mongolia, Beijing, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan
Route: Erenhot - Beijing - Pingyao - Xi’an - Chengdu - Xichang - Dali - Pu’er - Jinghong - Mohan
Season: Whole Year
Difficulty: Moderate
Tour Highlights
- ✨Cross China from north to south, driving from Erenhot to Mohan
- ✨Walk along the Great Wall at Badaling, one of China’s most iconic landmarks
- ✨Explore imperial Beijing, including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square
- ✨Stroll through Pingyao Ancient Town, a UNESCO-listed Ming–Qing era city
- ✨Visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries
- ✨Experience Xi’an’s ancient heritage, including the City Wall and Muslim Quarter
- ✨Encounter giant pandas in Chengdu and savor authentic Sichuan cuisine
- ✨Cross the Qinling Mountains, witnessing China’s natural and climatic divide
- ✨Relax in Dali, exploring Erhai Lake, the Three Pagodas, and Bai culture
- ✨Discover tropical southern Yunnan in Jinghong, near the borders of Southeast Asia
- ✨Complete an overland border crossing from China into Laos at Mohan