Car rental in China

A rental car can help on some rural itineraries, but check the licence requirements before booking.

Before you book a self-drive car

To drive in mainland China, you need a valid Chinese driving licence or a temporary driving permit issued by the Chinese traffic police. Your foreign licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP) alone is not sufficient. Arrange the required permit before driving; a rental booking does not provide driving permission.

For a temporary permit, follow the traffic police instructions for your arrival city. Carry the permit, your original foreign driving licence and its Chinese translation when driving. Confirm the vehicle category and the rental company's document and insurance requirements before paying.

Policy scope verified: 2026-09-06. Beijing government: Car-driving Tips ↗ Shanghai government: How to apply for a temporary driving permit ↗

AI illustration: A compact car beside a scenic road
AI illustration · AI 示意图（仅供参考，非实拍） · A general self-drive travel scene.

Confirm eligibility

Check the driving-document and licence requirements with the rental company before paying. An online reservation alone does not establish that you can drive locally.

Compare your options

For city sightseeing, metro lines and taxis may be more practical. On rural routes, compare a rental with a booked driver or local transfer.

Read the rental conditions

Check the deposit, insurance coverage, excess, fuel policy, mileage limits and pick-up hours. Confirm whether a one-way return is available.

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