Our Tours

Electric Cars

What do you mean by "self driving" tour?

Upon arrival in China, all tour participants will receive a Chinese Provisional Driving Permit, allowing you to get behind the wheel of our electric vehicles throughout the tour.

This temporary license lets you fully experience China’s breathtaking destinations while driving a variety of cutting-edge EVs along the way.

How many different electric cars will I be able to drive?

On each tour, participants get to drive at least three different cutting-edge Chinese EVs, with vehicle rotations happening daily (number of available electric cars depends on number of tour participants).

This ensures you’ll have the chance to experience each EV—some even more than once!

How many tour participants per vehicle?

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we limit each vehicle to two participants.

  • If you're traveling with a friend or partner, you’ll share a car with them.
  • Solo travellers will be paired with another single participant.

Each pair can coordinate their own driving schedule, ensuring both get plenty of time behind the wheel.

Can I choose the cars that I want to drive?

Unfortunately, no. We select electric cars based on their suitability for the tour location and driving conditions. However, we always aim to provide a diverse range of vehicles, and we're confident you'll enjoy driving at least one of them!

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

No, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP), so please don't waste your money applying for one.

China does not recognize the IDP. Instead, each tour participant will be provided with a Chinese Provisional Driving Permit, which will allow you to legally operate vehicles while in China.

Best part? The Chinese Provisional Driving Permit is yours to keep after the tour is over.

Accommodation

What is the accommodation like?

Our standard tour package includes a double occupancy room, meaning you'll share a hotel room with another participant—unless you book with a friend or partner, in which case you’ll stay together.

If you prefer your own space, we offer a single occupancy upgrade. Please check our tour booking page for more info.

Accommodations feature modern hotel rooms with two double beds, attached bathrooms, and Western-style amenities whenever possible. However, since some tours venture into remote locations, the level of accommodation may vary.

Can I upgrade my accommodation?

Yes! Solo travellers can upgrade to a private room for an additional fee. Please check our tour booking page for details.

Inclusions, Exclusions, Refunds and General Information

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Our refund and cancellation policy is as follows:

  • Full, no-questions-asked refund within 20 days of booking.
  • 50% refund for cancellations made up to 30 days before the tour start date.
  • No refunds for cancellations within 30 days of the tour start date.

What is included in the tour price?

  • Accommodation in double occupancy rooms.
  • Chinese Provisional Driving Permit application and translation fees (including document photos). Yours to keep after the tour is over.
  • Two professional tour leaders who will be available to you throughout your time with us.
  • Transportation within China during the tour when not self driving.
  • Electric car rental fees.
  • Comprehensive electric car insurance.
  • One way flight or high speed train from Shenzhen to tour starting location.
  • Electric car charging fees.
  • Road tolls and highway fees.
  • Oxygen bottles if tours take place in high elevation areas.
  • Farewell dinner.
  • Departure gift.

What is not included in the tour price?

  • Flights to and from China.
  • Chinese tourist visa fees.
  • Sightseeing/attraction entrance fees.
  • Food and drink expenses.
  • Personal travel health insurance.
  • Spending money.

What is the maximum number of participants?

We limit our tours to just 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience where everyone can fully enjoy the journey and have the opportunity to drive each of our carefully selected electric vehicles.

What is the minimum number of participants?

A minimum of 4 participants is required, allowing us to provide at least three electric vehicles—two for driving and one chase vehicle for support (which will also be available for participants to try out).

Are you available to do private tours?

Yes, we offer custom tours! Contact us with your specific needs (number of participants, duration, and desired location in China where you would like to go), and we'll craft a personalized adventure just for you.

Our custom tours require a minimum of 2 participants and can accommodate up to 12.

When on tour, what time do we usually leave the hotel?

Exact departure times will be shared the day before, but generally, we aim to leave each morning between 8 and 9am. This ensures we make the most of daylight for sightseeing along the way.

Safety and Security

How intense are your tours?

You'll be driving between 200 and 500km (125 to 310 miles) almost daily on a variety of roads, exploring different tourist attractions along the way and at each destination.

The pace will be somewhat demanding—think of it as the ultimate road trip adventure!

How safe are your tours?

China is a very safe country, but driving requires extra attention, as traffic rules can differ significantly from other parts of the world. However, the roads we’ll be traveling on are well-maintained and meet high safety standards. That said, it’s essential to exercise common sense and prioritize personal safety.

Since you’ll be driving independently, always adhere to the traffic regulations.

Each vehicle is equipped with a mobile phone and a long-range CB radio for communication, allowing us to stay in touch and quickly notify each other in case of emergencies no matter where we are.

If our tours take place in high-altitude areas, each vehicle will be equipped with personal oxygen bottles for your comfort and safety.

Finally, the chase vehicle will be stocked with standard first aid supplies and common over-the-counter medications, available for your use if needed.

Do I need personal medical travel insurance?

Yes, all tour participants must provide proof of medical travel insurance valid for the entire duration of the tour.

Proof of insurance must be submitted no later than seven days before arrival in China.

Food & Drink

What is the food situation like?

Food is not included in the tour price, as we understand that everyone has their own dietary preferences and tastes.

We don’t want to restrict you to group meals, but the tour leaders will be having at least two meals a day, and you’re welcome to join them.

Each participant will be responsible for their own food expenses.

However, the chase vehicle will always be stocked with plenty of instant coffee, tea and hot water, just in case you need a pick-me-up!

Will I be able to find Western food?

Yes, you will! Many towns, even smaller ones, offer Western food options. Additionally, since pastries and bread are popular in China, you'll often find bakeries where you can grab some freshly baked treats for a quick breakfast.

Will hotels offer breakfast?

Most hotels in smaller towns don’t provide breakfast, as guests typically prefer dining at nearby restaurants. However, if we book a hotel that includes breakfast, we’ll be sure to inform all participants so you can enjoy the provided meal.

How safe is the food in China?

Food in China is very safe, and it's rare for people to experience an upset stomach or food poisoning. Even the smallest stalls and night markets are safe to eat from—and often, these hidden gems serve the most delicious food!

Is tap water safe in China?

Generally, yes, but we recommend avoiding tap water for brushing your teeth, at least during the first few days after arrival.

Free bottled water is always available in hotels, and you can easily purchase more from nearby shops if needed.

What to Pack

How much luggage should I bring?

We recommend bringing no more than one large bag per person, along with a personal item, such as a backpack or camera bag.

You'll have plenty of space for luggage in your vehicle, but we still recommend packing light for a smoother adventure!

Are there any must carry items?

Tours take place across various regions of China, so it's important to pack according to the location and time of year.

Even during the summer, be sure to bring at least one soft-shell waterproof jacket, as temperatures can occasionally dip.

Don't forget to pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking or running shoes.

If you decide to carry cash, keep it secure in a money belt or tucked away in a daypack.

Money Matters

Should we carry cash to China?

It’s always a good idea to carry some cash, but China is largely a cashless society these days.

If we had to make a recommendation, having the equivalent of about $250 USD in cash is a good idea for those "just in case" moments.

How do I pay for things in China?

China is now a largely cashless society, with most transactions taking place through Alipay or WeChat.

Credit cards are not widely accepted, even in larger cities, so it's best to link your credit card to Alipay and WeChat for purchases. Recently, the Chinese government allowed Chinese payment processors to accept foreign credit and debit cards through these apps.

Upon arrival in China, we'll show you how to make payments via Alipay and WeChat—it's quick, easy, and very convenient!

Is tipping a thing in China?

Nope, tipping is not a common practice in China, even in larger cities or metropolises like Shanghai and Beijing.

Should I bargain when buying things?

When shopping in large stores, supermarkets, or smaller shops selling daily necessities, there’s no room for bargaining.

However, at souvenir stores or certain other types of establishments (we’ll show you which ones), bargaining is encouraged and accepted.

Communication

Should I buy a SIM card upon arrival in China?

We advise against buying a SIM card upon arrival in China, as it can be difficult and will restrict your internet access. Instead, we recommend all participants get an eSIM before arrival. eSIMs provide unrestricted internet access, allowing you to browse Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites. The best part is that with a data-only eSIM, you can still receive calls and text messages from home on your regular number. This is especially useful if your bank needs to send you confirmation messages for purchases. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is common today, so maintaining access to your phone number while in China is essential.

We recommend the eSIM operator Saily, which we’ve used on all our trips to China. The coverage is great, and the uptime is excellent in most parts of China. After booking your tour, we'll send you a PDF tutorial on how to set up Saily so you’re all set when you arrive in China.

Should I get a VPN?

A VPN is useful if you plan to use the free Wi-Fi in hotels, as all hotels in China offer restricted internet access. A VPN will help you bypass these restrictions. It’s also handy if you’re planning to download or upload large files during your tour, as relying solely on eSIM data can get expensive.

For a reliable VPN in China, we recommend Astrill VPN—it’s one of the best available. After booking your tour, we’ll send you a PDF tutorial on how to set up Astrill before you arrive in China.