Driving in China

Overview

Driving in China presents a unique set of challenges for foreign visitors. The country has built one of the world’s largest expressway networks, connecting major cities and enabling long-distance road trips along historic routes such as the Silk Road or to the Great Wall. However, China does not recognize the International Driving Permit. Foreigners must obtain a temporary Chinese driving license before getting behind the wheel, a process that requires a certified translation of your domestic license and a visit to a local traffic management office.

China drives on the right and uses kilometers per hour. Traffic in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou is heavy, and driving restrictions based on license plate numbers limit when and where you can drive. Outside urban centers, the expressway system is impressive: well-maintained, with frequent service areas, though tolls add up over long distances. Traffic cameras are ubiquitous, and enforcement is strict.

The language barrier is significant. Road signs are primarily in Chinese characters, with limited English in tourist areas. Navigation apps such as Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps offer English options but are not always reliable. WeChat and Alipay are essential for toll payments, parking, and other transactions. Despite the hurdles, driving in China can be rewarding for those prepared to navigate the bureaucracy and road conditions.

License & Documents

• International Driving Permit: Not recognized in China. Do not rely on an IDP alone.
• Temporary Chinese driving license: Required for all foreign drivers. Obtain at a Vehicle Management Office (车管所, Che Guan Suo) with:
  • Valid passport and visa
  • Original domestic driving license
  • Certified Chinese translation of your license (from a notary or authorized translation agency)
  • Health certificate (from a designated hospital)
  • Passport-style photos
• Validity: Temporary licenses are typically issued for 30 days to 1 year, depending on your visa and the local office.
• Processing: Usually same-day in many cities; allow a few hours. Some agencies offer assistance for a fee.
• Minimum age: 18 years old.

Rules of the Road

• Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
• Seat belts: Mandatory for driver and front-seat passengers. Rear passengers must wear seat belts where fitted.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.02% (strict). Drunk driving (0.08% or above) can result in criminal charges.
• Mobile phones: Use of handheld devices while driving is prohibited. Hands-free is permitted.
• Child seats: Required for children under 4; booster seats for ages 4-12.
• Speed limits: Strictly enforced by cameras. Urban 40-60 km/h, rural 80-100 km/h, expressways 100-120 km/h.
• Red light running: Zero tolerance. Cameras capture violations; fines and points are applied.
• Right of way: Pedestrians have priority at marked crosswalks, though enforcement varies.

Road Conditions & Types

Expressways (高速公路)

China’s expressway network spans over 160,000 km. Roads are generally well-maintained, with clear lane markings and frequent service areas. Speed limits are 100-120 km/h. Tolls are distance-based; a long trip (e.g., Beijing to Xi’an) can cost several hundred yuan. ETC lanes allow faster passage; rental cars often come with ETC installed.

Urban Driving

Major cities have extensive ring roads and elevated expressways. Traffic is heavy during rush hours. Lane discipline is improving but still variable. Watch for motorcycles, electric scooters, and pedestrians crossing unexpectedly. Driving restrictions (see below) apply in many city centers.

Rural and Mountain Roads

Provincial and county roads vary in quality. Mountain roads, such as those in Sichuan, Yunnan, or to the Great Wall, can be narrow and winding. Landslides occur in rainy seasons. Drive cautiously and allow extra time.

Driving Restrictions (限行)

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other cities restrict driving based on license plate numbers:

• Odd/even days: Plates ending in odd numbers drive on odd dates; even on even dates.
• Last-digit rotation: Certain digits are banned on certain weekdays.
• Foreign plate restrictions: Some cities limit or ban non-local plates in the city center during peak hours.
• Low-emission zones: Additional restrictions may apply. Check local rules before travel.

Fuel & Charging

• Fuel types: Gasoline (92, 95, 98 octane), Diesel. Leaded fuel is phased out.
• Prices: Regulated; approximately CNY 7-8 per liter (as of 2026).
• Payment: Cash, cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay. Some stations require prepayment.
• EV charging: Expanding rapidly. Major highways have fast-charging stations. Apps such as TELD, Star Charge, and State Grid help locate chargers. Many hotels offer charging.
• Range anxiety: In remote areas, charging infrastructure may be sparse. Plan ahead for long trips.

Parking

• Street parking: Limited in cities. Look for marked bays and pay via meter or mobile app.
• Underground parking: Common in malls and residential areas. Payment via WeChat, Alipay, or cash at exit.
• Parking apps: WeChat and Alipay integrate with many parking systems. Scan QR codes to pay.
• Illegal parking: Strictly enforced. Fines and towing are common. Do not park in no-parking zones or block traffic.

Tolls & Fees

• ETC (Electronic Toll Collection): Standard on toll roads. Rental cars often have ETC; tolls are billed to the rental company and passed to you.
• Cash lanes: Available but slower. Have yuan ready; change may be limited.
• WeChat Pay / Alipay: Increasingly accepted at toll plazas. Ensure your accounts are set up and funded.
• Toll amounts: Vary by distance. Example: Beijing to Tianjin roughly CNY 50-80; Beijing to Xi’an several hundred yuan.
• Bridge and tunnel tolls: Major crossings (e.g., Hangzhou Bay Bridge) have separate tolls.

Car Rental Tips

• Major companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and local firms such as eHi, CAR Inc (神州租车). International brands may have limited presence; local companies often offer better coverage.
• License requirement: You must have a temporary Chinese license. Rental companies will verify this.
• Minimum age: Usually 21-25; some require 25 for certain vehicles.
• Insurance: CDW is typically included. See our car rental insurance guide to verify excess amounts and what is covered.
• Deposit: Large deposit or credit card hold is common.
• GPS: Prefer a car with English GPS or use Amap/Baidu Maps with English. Google Maps is restricted in China.
• ETC: Confirm the rental has ETC and understand how toll charges will be billed.
• One-way rentals: Possible between some cities but may incur high drop-off fees.

Emergency Information

Service	Number
Police	110
Ambulance / Medical	120
Fire	119
Traffic Accident	122
China Telecom Roadside Assistance	12122

• 110 for police; 120 for medical emergencies. Operators may have limited English. Have your location ready; consider using a translation app.
• In an accident: Stop, ensure safety, call 122 for traffic police and 120 if injured. Do not move vehicles if there are injuries until authorities arrive. Exchange information and document the scene.
• Tourist hotlines: Some cities have English-language tourist assistance lines; check local tourism bureaus.

Cultural Tips

• Patience: Traffic can be chaotic. Aggressive driving is common but not recommended; cameras will catch violations.
• Honking: More frequent than in Western countries; used to signal presence rather than anger.
• Right of way: Do not assume others will yield. Defensive driving is essential.
• Language: Learn basic phrases or use a translation app. Road signs are mostly in Chinese.
• WeChat and Alipay: Essential for tolls, parking, fuel, and many services. Set up before arrival; international cards can link to these platforms in some cases.
• Scenic drives: The Great Wall (e.g., Mutianyu, Jinshanling), Silk Road routes (Gansu, Xinjiang), and Yunnan-Tibet highways offer spectacular driving. Plan permits and altitude if traveling to restricted areas.

Useful Resources

• China Traffic Management (Ministry of Public Security)
• Amap (高德地图) - Navigation
• TELD - EV Charging
• China National Tourism Administration

Related Destinations

• Hong Kong
• Macau
• Taiwan