China motorcycle travel
 

Does anyone know what the correct procedures if any, for obtaining permission to take a motorcycle into China for the purpose of tourist travel and then to take bike back out of China? And, do you know what one would have to do to obtain a Chinese drivers license? Any informaion on China motorcycle travel would be appreciated.

At last word, China is technically impossible on your own with a bike, still.
Check out the "Tokyo to London Project" on the links page, http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/links/

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 28 January 2002).]

Dear rsbeemer and Grant,

I just bought the very latest issue of Motorrad (January 2000) which features a story on two Germans who travelled overland by motorbike from Almaty (Kazachstan) to Pakistan, thus through Xinjiang. As they have done it, I don't see why noone else could, though I do think you can't avoid a big amount of money involved.
The author of the article is Michael Schröder. He and his friend spent 4 weeks and 4.300 kms to do this stretch. In the practical info they wrote two ways to do it:
1. you have to get
- a Chinese drivers licence,
- a Chinese "Fahrzeugzulassung" (translated this is a "vehicle registration certificate"; I suppose in Belgium this would be the pink paper, which outside Europe is replaced by a Carnet)
- a Chinese number plate,
- and last but not least: a state recognized/authorized guide plus his transport in a jeep (for whom you pay everything).
They write: "If you don't get annoyed by their bureaucracy, you can address to the China International Travel Service (CITS, info at "Fremdenverkehrsamt der Volksrepublik China", tel. 069 52.01.35)"
2. "... if you can't cope with the bureaucracy involved, address to Active Tours, a specialized travelagent". Tel.: 09131 891.80, fax: 89.18.18, site: http://www.active-tours.com. They organize a tour of 24 days with motorbikes, but again, it doesn't come cheap.
Both above mentioned services are located in Germany, but for the CITS, there should be an office in most countries.

Maybe it could be a good idea to try to get in touch with the author himself (Michael Schröder) via the magazine:
Motorrad Leser-Service: Gaby Dussler and Evelyn Kimmel
Tel. 0711 182.12.25
Fax: 0711 182.11.65
E-mail: leserbriefe_mrd@motor-presse-stuttgart.de
Site: http://www.motorradonline.de

There's someone else who might be able to give the lastest advize on China-travels because of his contacts worldwide with motorbiking travellers: Chris Scott <ckscott@ckscott.f9.co.uk>, the author of the excellent "Adventure Motorbiking Handbook". New issue due May 2000, two months later also in German. He also has a site: http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com with matching bulletin board.

I hope this information gets you somewhere (preferably in China). Please do let us know how things went, for this is a route we consider doing too, though only in 2002 (after the multiple leg fracture I ran in Pakistan is completely healed...)

Good luck on your planning and trip, and first and foremost: SAFE riding!

Trudy

------------------
Iris and Trui
2 belgian women, usually travelling on bikes (now on DR650SE's)

[This message has been edited by iris_trui (edited 27 December 2001).]

Thanks Grant, Iris & Trui for the info...I met an attorney friend of a friend when I was in China last month and he says he can help me get a drivers license first...cost about $100.US and taking a one week or less driving course(even though I have been riding for over 30 years)...after that I can buy a motorcycle in China and obtain a license plate for traveling thoughout China , except in some cities, that require special tags. I would rather take my bmw but, the main thing for me , is to do it. Thanks again for the info....Beemer

G'Day,
yeah, the great "Myth China" and all the rumours of people who have made it through China with motorbikes.
first of all, there is a saying in China:"1 Country, 7500 Systems". your allowed certain things in certain areas of this vast country, but you will not allowed to do so in others.
A)to obtain a chinese drivers license, you have to hold a valid residence-card (green-card) and in some areas as well a work-permit.
B)you will not be able to register any vehicle as individual ar private person (except bikes and scooters up to 250cc)
C)the holder (company) of the license plate is responsible for all damages, accidents, incidents, fines, etc. thus,NOBODY will give plates to a tourist or traveller.
D)you might be able to enter China from Mongolia or Vietnam, but there is no gurantee, they will let you export the Bike on the other side (for example: Guangzhou/Shanghai/Tianjin).

Hi,
i´m the author of that article in MOTORRAD and thank´s to Trudi (very good interpretation!!!) you allreday got some facts about travelling in China. First of all - it is possible to take a bike into China and actually it was very easy. At the border (Torugart) we got a driving licence, a licence plate and a vehicle registration. That´s the good news. The bad news: Doing it oficially, there will be a chinese guide from the CITS with you. Day and night. Since it is for a private person not much fun to deal with the CITS in China to get the permit to enter the country with a bike, we had the idea to ask a travel agency which is specialized for trips into china to make the deal for us. So Active Tours got us in. And out. We spend five days in China going from Torugart to Kashgar and ending at the Khunjerab-Pass where we entered Pakistan. For each day the CITS asks for about 100 to 150 US-Dollar per person. But that includes the guide and his driver with the car and hotels with so called full pension. But we still camped for example at the Muztag Ata despite the fact that our guide wanted us to spend the night in a poor cabin.
For more information: Lonley Planet´s "Central Asia" is a very good deal.
Pleas let me know if you go to china or not. My next plan: Tibet. With a bike.
Michael
address removed by Grant - see link above.

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 28 January 2002).]

I will try to get my license exchanged to a Chinese one in spring - as a non-resident. It's expensive and takes about 3 weeks, but someone can do it before I arrive. But it's valid only for 2 years and has to be extended then.

G'Day Michael,

There are no two year driver-license available in China and you need a "green-card" (Chinese workpermit) to obtain a LEGAL drivers license. In case you get stopped by Police / PSB / GongAn and cannot provide the required Chinese Greencard you could get into serious trouble.
Most of the times vehicle registrations / PSB (Public Security Bureau) are reluctant to issue Motorcycle License to foreigners.
The authorities changed the rules once more in may 2000 in bigger cities and you have to go through extensive testing like weight lifting, driving test, etc., i'm not kidding...

Furthermore, there are FAKE license available (as virtually everything else is available FAKE in China) but wouldn't recommend using them and having an accident in Mainland China.

check out http://www.homestead.com/shanghaibikers and click onto the link: Advise / Rules since we are keeping track (as far as possible) on developments.

Hopefully your not dealing with some well-known "rip-off artists tour organisers" based in Dalian....(call themselves HD Adventure Tours) but have never seen a HD.

Below, find the procedures described in an Expat-Magazine in Shanghai. Beijing rules are stricter:

Driving in China (Shanghai)by "THAT's Shanghai Magazine" for foreigners:

We have obtained the official document from the Shanghai Vehicle Management Bureau that gives all information required for having a Chinese Driving Licence. The official document is in Chinese so although we have translated it, we would always advise that you contact the Shanghai Vehicle Management Bureau using the details listed below should you need exact information relating to your own individual circumstances - we are told that the rules can differ dependent on Countries of Origin.

Welcome people holding foreign (or Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan) driving licences to apply for changing your driving licence to Chinese ones. Please handle the following procedures. Thank you for your cooperation.

A) The Materials Needed For Applying for Driving Licence.
a. People who hold foreign passport should supply the passport, the script and the copy of Shanghai Resident Permit for foreigners. (You are allowed to apply for Driving Licence if your resident permit is over one year. You are only allowed to apply for temporary Driving Licence if your resident permit is over three months but below one year.)

b. People from Hong Kong and Macao should supply the "Huixiang" document, the script and the copy of the temporary resident permit issued by Shanghai government. People from Taiwan who have temporary resident permit should supply the script and the copy of passport or travel document for coming to Mainland China.

c. If there is no Chinese version in your foreign , Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan , and international driving licence, you are supposed to go to authorized "Shanghai Foreign Language University Translation Company" or "Shanghai Foreign Affairs Translator association" to translate the driving licence to Chinese.

B). The Procedures.
a. Go to take digital pictures with your relevant document. ( on the ground floor of building 6)

b. Fill the Driving Licence Application Form with fountain pen.

c. Take the Driving Adapt Test or supply the medical check qualification issued by the hospital over county level.

d. Take the test about communication regulation and relevant knowledge.

e. If your driving experience is more than three years, the test driving on road is unnecessary. If Belgium Government issued your driving licence; test is also unnecessary for changing your driving licence to type C.D.E.

f. After finishing preparing for all the documents needed, pay 20 RMB for the commission fee and wait for one week to get your Chinese Driving licence.

Notes:
a. The address of Shanghai Foreign Language University Translation Company: 183 Tiyuhui Road West The Address of Shanghai Foreign Affairs Translator Association: 1st floor, Building 2, 13 Kunshan Road The Address of Shanghai PSB Immigration Department: 333 Wusong Road

b. Business Time: Monday. Wednesday.

c. The Time of the Test of the communication regulation and relevant knowledge: Monday afternoon, 13:30

d. Shanghai Vehicle Management Bureau

That is the complete wording on the form, although this has been translated into English from the Chinese Version. We hope that the information provided gives you an idea of what is involved and we do repeat that it is wise to discuss your own personal circumstances with the Shanghai Vehicle Management Bureau.
Contact Details
Telephone: 6516 8168 Address: 1101 Zhong Shan Bei Yi Lu

Thanks again , Grant,Iris_Trul,and Butchman
and your right Butch it's probably impossible to get the license without the green card or work permit. I've exhausted my attempts with the attorney in Wenzhou. He was trying to find a company that would give me a work permit for a certain amount of money. We found one , then after I got there they backed out because I would not give them half the money up front. I think he was just going to take what he could and run. Anyway, I'm not giving up. I went home in July , revived my ole r100rs,and rode it for a month then put it back in moth balls. I finally bought a '88 mdl k75 here in Taiwan a couple weeks ago and yes it's illegal but no one cares. It has no tag and I have no license but the cops just wave and smile. Please let me know if you can think of any new ideas about China. I guess I could get married there, that would work, right?

The way I see it, if a country wants to throw up that many 'roadblocks' to my travelling there, then screw 'em, I'll go spend my hard-earned money somewhere I'm welcome. If China doesn't want me to go riding there, then I'll go riding somewhere else.
Take a look at India - it's incredibly easy for a foreigner to fly in and buy an Enfield or an Indian-Japanese 125 and go riding around.

------------------
Bruce Clarke
brclarke@islandnet.com
www.islandnet.com/~brclarke

TO RSBEEMER,

nope, marriage doesn't work either. a marriage to a mainland chinese doesn't entitle you to a resident permit.....

there's a whole lot of people after your money and do not be fooled to pay up front....

Thanks for the encouragement Butch. I guess I'll just wait a while, something will change sooner or later. Have a good holiday.

some new features on our Red Devils MC Shanghai webpage: http://www.homestead.com/shanghaibikers and the new photoalbum: http://photos.yahoo.com/shanghai_bikers

Gong Xi Fa Xai!!! Happy Chinese New Year!!!
((--seven days public holidays and the f#$%g rain never stops--))

hi,
read all those messages about hard chinese rules (cits and cts put me in jail in 1997 in inner mongolia because i was walking in a no-allowed area)
has anything changed since about how to enter a bike ?
thanks

does anyone know about visas and entering a bike in -stan countries ?

thanks
ride safe

G'Day,
Not much changes and even the Harley Owners Group Hong Kong has a very difficult time ($$expensive$$) to arrange a ride HongKong - Shanghai - Beijing in October 2002 and the whole trip has to be under guard from Mainland China police/guards.

BTW, there were some interssting news around:
CHINA, Mar. 1, 2002 (AsiaPort via COMTEX) -- According to relevant rules
newly issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, the
tariff cut of motorcycles and their key parts will be lasted to July 1 2004.
Non-tariff measures like imports quota and imports permission on motorcycles
as well as their key parts will be abolished in 2004.
("..true or false, time will tell,BUTCH..").

Hi rsbeemer,
We have talk about the China motor travel each other, I have do the job 5 years, I do not know why all man think it is diffcult to travel in China, If you want ride your own bike, It is OK, just ship it to China, I could help you get what you want get, you could buy a bike in China too, Harly, Honda, BMW... I could help you to get the licence. Yes, You need pay for some money, but It is not so expensive, I have do the motor travel with Edwiss, Lotus, and some USA Europe peoples, All is OK.
Do you trust it?
Adam Yu
http://www.chinamotortravel.com

Hi,
true, there are bikes (HD/Yamaha/BMW) for sale in Mainland China on the black markets and stolen from Australia / Japan / USA with "fake" registration.
hope nobody encourages this kind deals offered since myself hopes everyday that my motorbike is still there..., in the morning when i wake up...
there was a "tour operator" in the Northern Region of PRC who successfully scammed ($$$$) several groups of bike riders from Australia / Europe and they had articles in various bike magazines and www discussion groups.
best regards, H.Zucker

HI,
@Adam (China Motorcycle Travel)

which kind of China tours did you arrange for Edelweiss Travel, references / contact person available? do you have any other references with overseas tour operators?

don't get me wrong, are you somehow interlinked or associated with the "self claimed" Harley Adventure Tours China and were advertising under -stagnet- free webserver approx. 2 years ago?

myself and some friends tried approx. 2 years ago to arrange a tour through China and had contact with a person asking for huge amounts of money up front and asked us to ship our bikes two month in advance (yeah, right!) and they would not guarantee custom clearance? right, 12 bikes confiscated and afterwards sold somewhere in the Mainland.

The truth is out there- trust nobody!
Best Regards,
H.Zucker

Last night I met a fellow in Beijing who is riding in a group from Shanghai to Munchen. They are 13 people who transported their bikes to Shanghai and registered the bikes and got local driver's licence. So it is possible to ride your own bike in China. Admittedly they have a car in front and back and are not allowed to drive on their own. You can check more from www.globeriders.com

Thhis has been possible for a long time, but as noted you must have a guide all the way and it is expensive. It also takes a lot of work and red tape cutting to put it all together.

"on your own with a bike" is still impossible. sigh. maybe someday.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

A note on entering China, motoring in China and exiting China: It appears that a new rule change has just gone into effect this month (May 2002). I was working on making arrangements for a couple to enter Xinjiang via Torugart Pass, motor about 30 days through China (Xinjiang-Gansu-Sichuan-Yunnan) and with them exiting to Vietnam. Just last week I received notice that Public Security in Beijing denied their itinerary (which included the required accompanying liaison officer with his own vehicle and driver). I was told that the there has been a rule change and that "inter-province" travel with foreign-licensed motorcycles is now prohibited. Strange thing, as this was fine up through last year. Now, I have been told that it is okay to enter China and travel in the province (Xinjiang as an example), but that the motorcylist is required to exit China from the same province.

The above prohibition does not apply to motorcycles registered in China. I know this because an Italian (whose motoring account is elsewhere on this board) just arrived in Kashgar a few days ago after an eventful trip motoring across China from Shanghai.

Does this mean it is going to be easier to enter China via the KKH & leave again the same way or is there just as much bureaucracy
to deal with & still the requirement to pay lotsa money & have an escourt?

G'Day,
"inter-province" travel with PRC registered motorcycles was banned more than 2 years ago but as foreigner you can get away with it under certain circumstances and even the italian yor referring to (actually it's Stefano who is a member of RDMC Shanghai as well) had his share of problems and encounters with police and other authorities to cross China on a Zhejiang registration.

once again, in may 2001 we drove 6000k's through china (Shanghai > Nanjing > Qingdao > Jinan > Tinajin > Beijing > Nanjing > Shanghai) and were stopped several times by police / PSB (public security bureau) but myself had the bright idea to attach small Beijing 2008 Olympic flags to the bikes and after telling the authorities we are the "official" olympic bid support team, we got waved on and had to give several interviews to media (newspaper/TV stations) along the way.

yes, you can arrange travelling by "foreign" registerd motorcycle in PRC but your under official security / guard of guides / police all the time and your not allowed to travel freely or as individual. Harley Owners Group Hong-Kong is arranging another Hong-Kong > Shanghai > Nanjing trip (13 days) in oct.02 and that whole thing is $$$$ due to police escorts, travel permits, temporary drivers license, etc.

A couple of Malaysian outfits, namely Petronas Adventure Team and Douglas Chong of Ipoh, organize 4WD trips into China and other farflung places every now and then in the last couple of years or so.

Often, there are bikers in their trips.

In fact PAT is somewhere in China right now heading towards Siberia in their latest run.

You can check out the details at www.petronasadventure.com.

I'm curious myself as to whether they are allowed into China on the same terms as for others, i.e. bureacratic and expensive, or on easier terms.

Come to think of it why don't I do it myself!

G'Day,
no problem to come to Mainland China as long you go through the extensive paperwork ("red tape"), accept a guard/guide 24hours and pay the top $$$$.

Porsche Owners Club Hong-Kong as well Ferrari Owners Club Hong-Kong coming regular to southern china (Zhuhai) to use the race track there for practice and club outings.

There are signs that things are changing in PRC, since a couple of 2002 BMW R1150R motorbikes (originally crated/brandnew) have been imported and sold for 280000RMB (approx.35000$US), but no registration/license have been issued to my knowledge.

G'Day!
A small update on China motorcycling, once again, here goes all the fun.... and the price of a registered Chang-Jiang sidecar increased again....great city, great people, but no motorbikes please!!!
See Shanghai Daily story below, the authorities announced the ban the night before! Many pissed off Chinese bike owners.


Shanghai Daily (Tuesday 30th.July 2002)
Biker ban in effect downtown
Police yesterday declared downtown Shanghai's main roads off-limits to
two-wheeled motor vehicles. The ban, effective today, is intended to make travel safer and more efficient. More than 789,000 motor-cycles, motor scooters and mopeds in the city are covered by the new edict.
However, Shanghai's 7 million-plus bicycles are not, but they too have come under increasing restrictions. At a hastily called news conference yesterday, the city's Public Security Bureau announced that motorcycles and their ilk will no longer be permitted
on 32 main roads inside the Inner Ring Road in west Shanghai and on Century Avenue and in three areas in Pudong. At the same time, 10 highways and two areas in the western district of Qingpu became no-roll zones for such vehicles from out of town. Traffic safety and efficiency were cited as the main reasons for cracking down on motorized two-wheelers, whose numbers have soared in recent years. "Although they account for 55 percent of overall motor vehicle numbers, they carry only 2.1 percent of the city's transportation load," said Zhu Yinglei, vice director of city's public security bureau.
Zhu said two-wheeled "troublemakers" caused 2,265 traffic accidents last year, killing 237 people and injuring 2,389. The casualty figures represent about a 60 percent rise over 1998, he said. In the first five months of this year, 482 such accidents killed 53 people. The number of accidents was up 17.6 percent and the death toll up 7.5 percent over the same period of 2001. Two-wheelers' ability to change lanes quickly creates disorder and causes accidents, the police said. From now until October 25, public education will be emphasized. But in theory, riders in the prohibited areas will immediately be liable to fines of between 50 and 200 yuan and the impoundment of their vehicles. In its first traffic white paper, released a month ago, the city government
said it would act to lower the numbers of two-wheeled motor vehicles and expand areas where they are not welcome. Police said yesterday they were considering letting bikers swap their license plates for car plates without charge. Details of the proposed exchange are under discussion with the Shanghai Development Planning Commission.

Hi all!

could enyone give ditails on travel from Pakistan(KKH) to Kazahstan(or Kyrgistan Tajikistan) trough Xinjiang
Is it posibile?
What about rideing a moped(49.9cc)aka bicycle with a engine or 125cc?Would that make eny diference?

Costs,expenses,licence,guides,jeeps..etc???

BeWell

jondoe

I believe any motorcyclist is some kind “out of law”. So some times you have to ignore rules and do it on your own risk.

I travelled in China in July-August 2001. Started in Moscow (I am Russian and live there), than Irkutsk, Ulan-Baator, Beijing, Shanghai, Luoyang, Xian, Shenyang. 7000 km in Russia from Moscow to mongolian border, 1000 km crossing Mongolian Gobi and 9000 km inside China. I liked it very much.

Yes, crossing Chinese border by motorbike is illegal. So I used a Mongolian truck (actually it was russian ZIL truck http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif Driver was so kind that i loaded my bike on Mongolian side of border using a rampant and we unloaded it on Chinese side of border using 20 local people. No money, just one ride together with driver.

Yes, my driver license, even international, is illegal in China. But not many policemen know about it because they had NEVER seen a foreigner.

On the border I wrote a kind of declaration with VIN and plates, to avoid custom charges when I will return. A customs officer sad that he knows about two German bikers who crossed the border in train.

Yes, using highways in China is prohibited for a motorbiker. Nevertheless, I used it. Barriers in the tall-gates are short enough to let me in http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif)) Of course i was stopped by police many times and it took me a lot of time to communicate with them. Two times they were going to put me in jail for using highways and more likely for not stopping in tall-gates. However, i never paid any fines.

Yes, centers of Beijing and Shanghai are officially forbidden for motorcyclists. But I drove there, and was stopped only once. It was enough just to take off helmet and show my nice European face http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif))
In Beijing neighborhoods you can see even japan motorbikes. There is
even a small motorbike market near the airport with different types of
bikes. No Harleys http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif
Usual local roads are opened for bikes and bikers. No problemo.
The people there always crowding around me all the times i stops.

Here is the link to my photos. They can say more than any story
written http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.fireworks.ru/moto/albums/china/index.htm

Sorry for my English.

Wish you good luck and welcome to Russia.

Im going to work in China for the next 2 years and im shipping my bike to Dalian. I'll be living in Shenyang. Now up until this point I have never heard of these restrictions and im glad you guys have posted your expieriences here. Esp the Aussie from Shanghi.
I took my Bike to South Africa No problem the goverment diddnt care I diddnt even need plates! I drove around there on a Yamaha Bstar 1100 like that for a year.
Do you guys know. If I am getting a residence Visa (greencard) Can I get the licenses mentioned by Adam at china motor travel dot com? ANy feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Hello fellow riders, I've just stumbled upon this page and am delighted. I have somewhat of a similar but opposite problem to what is being discussed here. I am presently living and working in Cheng du Sichuan. I bought a 92 cbr250rr last year, and yes it's illegal, I have been stopped 3 times in a year with nothing resulting from it. I am planning to ride to Bangkok in june of this year but require some sort of paperwork to get the bike into Laos and Thailand. Can any of you recommend how I can go about this? I am not particularily concerned about legalities, only that it works. I am willing to take my chances with the interprovincial travell alone. Any and all comments are welcome.
Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah just to let you know, the bike has Guang dong plates but I never recieved any paper work other than a hand written paper saying that I bought and how much I paid.

------------------
riding underground...what a view!!

[This message has been edited by smiley (edited 09 May 2003).]

Smiley,

you amy have a problem with the documentation - normally to cross any border you need good-looking documentation/registration that shows your name address and serial number of the bike and essentially says you own it.

Then there is the carnet - search the website and HUBB for:

carnet thailand

and

carnet laos

and see what the current situation is on that.

(Will probably take a lot of reading - its a big subject)

If a carnet is required - and I THINK it is for Laos but not sure - you will need to get it - and I don't think you'll get it from China. China MAY have a border treaty with Laos, but I'd be surprised.

I don't think you need a carnet for Thailand, but you will definitely need good docs.

Good luck, I think you may need it. But it's amazing what some people have managed that isn't supposed to be possible...



------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Thanks for the input Grant, I'll ckeck on the carnet. From what I've read already, I think I remember someone stating that they used their carnet to enter laos, but as you say I'm not 100% on whether it's required. I'm thinking that if I get a visa for Thailand at the same time as for Laos then the Lao border dudes may go easier if I show my intent to transit Laos. Who knows but for me it's gonna be worth the effort as I can't for the life of me sell this bike here in Cheng du and that means walking away from it when I have to go. So if I don't make it at least I'll have the adventure of riding through Sichuan and Yunnan.

don't know anything about this BUT, if you try to register in taiwan ( which china considers its own) you may be ble to get it into china. just a thought. i lived in taiwan for a year and a half and with my resident visa from there, i was able to make use of all things as a local in the mainland. hong kong may be an option too.
like i said, just a thought!

hiya

Just to let you know i have just been through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia and no one has asked to see my carnet, which i do have. I flew from kathmandu into bangkok then headed into Cambodia via the crossing near siam reap then through cambodia and crossed into laos in the south at the "there is very little there" border crossing between cambodia and loas, someone told me this was not open to foreigners but all went well and there was no real customs there anyway. Then back into Thailand at the friendship bridge near Vientianne and down south to Malaysia.

Hope this helps.....

Yes thanx, I realised after browsing the trip papers page that a carnet is optional in most SEA countries. Now I just have to get the reggy paper and DL here in China, got a few leads so here's hoping...I'll keep ya posted.

G'Day,
Find pictures at: http://photos.yahoo.com/rdmc_shanghai from our recent Chengdu (Sichuan) to Kunming (Yunnan) ride.

Hi Butch,
Great shots, and I have been thinking about your trip. I especially enjoyed your shots of our Shanghai to Urumqi Trip. We had a great time. Carol broke her foot out of Korla back to Urumqi. But then that happens in the road ditches!! And yes, John got that BMW fixed after the other accident. Thanks for all you assistance in making the trip fun and getting to see the F1 race!!I love that little camera you have.
Allen(03-18).

G'Day Allen! (@Allen Naille)
good to hear you enjoyed the trip from Shanghai to Urumqi.
we had our fair shares of troubles as well (myself two rear flats and a broken off cockpit bracket, various bits & pieces coming of the BMW LT K1200, one front flat on the Honda and trouble with a Harley battery) but overall a great trip.
thanks god did not take Harley Heritage Softail on this trip, we learned the hard ("funny / strange") way that cruiser type (big bikes like BMW K1200LT) are not the right choice going offroad (actually we were on PRC National Highway #108). that little casio exilim camera came in handy many times, really recommend it (point & shoot). as you know, its a small world and we might meet again somewhere over a beer or F1 race.

Hi Guys,

China by motorcycle - forget all the plates and guides and what ever the official requirements are. We've done it succesfully, just by our own and spent almost 3 month and 9000km in China. I guess the most difficult part is to get in, but if you ones in, we had not even one single problem with the police riding in the streets. The people are increadible friendly and interested, but to get used to this unbelivable (no rule) traffic, it really takes a while. Even if the PSB or the police where checking our documents while camping, they never had any questions concerning the ride by ourselfs on the bike through the country.

To read the whole China story (and more will come soon) have a look on our website at: www.lomo-expedition.de

See you on the road.

Lo

Mongolian border seems the only way to enter China without local plates and licenses.
Last month five russian motorbikers tried to enter china from pakistan and were refused.
Offical answer was 'Now transit for the motorbikes!'

Agreed, but it _can_ happen. Just to inject a small amount of hope into the situation, at the end of April I managed to get both into and out of China with few problems, although I needed to try at two borders, from Vietnam, where I shouldn't have really been allowed either.
You can read about some of it at http://hamilton2japan.blogspot.com (as it's a blog, the post order is in reverse - Start at Hanoi, and go more recent)

Update to China
 

Has there been changes to China's restrictions on motorcycles coming through their borders?

My parents live in HKG and I may try to get a resident card from there then register my motorcycle through my father's company.

Plus, my wife is from China and was a guide... We will also contact the Chinese embassy in the US to get additional information.

If we find anything, I'll post info to the forum.

Nepal to china
 

Hi i had an offer
of 13000 and one of 16000 USD to enter from Nepal where we have our projects by bike
I refused the offer, in knowing that a staff of our projects works 8 years for this money and in order to support no corruption, i no its idealistic now we are in japan, but sometimes...not the own effort counts
Still i have the mailadresses of the 2 agents in Nepal
the package included four weeks with jeep support (whom we dont wanted too) hotels Route china and tibet (2 weeks each to the mongolian border)
best wishes and greetings
Rocco
Manu & Rocco on Tour
Govinda Entwicklungshilfe e.V. - Hilfe für Waisenkinder und Schulen in Nepal
:eek3:

my .10
 

If people don't mind riding light, I would suggest flying into China, buying a bike and riding. The western provinces of China are not only less populated (which makes them safer) but also astoundingly beautiful and dramatic thanks to the Tibetan Plateau and Takl. Desert.

Getting your own bike in must be possible but can be a hassle just to get in the door. I'm sure you can get a "valid Chinese license" but the amount of money you pay for it and the other documents is a bit outrageous and having an escort on your ass all the time is a pain almost worth considering buy, riding, and selling. But hey, if you've got the dosh, might as well spend it! :)

Also, I have heard talk of a system to issue temporary licenses to foreigners visiting China. Each province, however, has slightly different rules, regulations, processes and fee's. Sichuan is pretty easy but I could imagine the East coast cities could be more particular.

For more general info and maps and geotagged photos and stuff...check out CarlParker.com - Western China Motorcycle Travel and Photography

Smiley,

I'm also in Cheng-Du. Haven't seen a 4ner buzzing around on a CBR yet. If you see black plates with 76 that'd be me. Stop me and say hey.

I've been doing inter-province travel in China for the past 3 years. Right now, it's not a problem. There are thousands of other Chinese motorcycle tourists who also travel inter-province practically year round.

What's more of a problem is the CBR on certain kinds of roads. I saw a guy on a kawi400 couldn't even make it half way up Balangshan pass (just west of Chengdu). His buddies were waiting for him but the guy was scared sh*tless. Smooth street tires really don't do well in high wind on packed ice/snow. If you choose your route carefully you can have a good time but there are no continuously paved roads heading west from Chengdu and since they won't let you on most new expressways, get ready for some monkey butt moments! :eek3:

CrazyCarl

Kazakh border is a passable. I did it last summer by my own Africa Twin (registered in Russia) without chinese guides, plates and licenses. I have had a chinese visa only. I entered china without any bribes, helpers and trucks by my 2 wheels only. I have spent a 2 weeks (8000 kms) in china and Tibet. I have been in Lhasa and Everest base camp without any permits and guides. Noone stoped me during my trip. The PSB helped me to finde a cheap hotel when I stoped at the big chemical plant at night.
Do not take a beaten tracks. Try to do it at small border crossing like Druzhba (Kaz), Taikeshken (Mongolia) without a unnecessary fuss. China is a big country and what is impossible in te west is possible in the east.
I hope it`s an understandable.

Alex

Marvellous, thanks for the info.

Any idea on how to get from Nepal into Tibet without agency and minder? We are about to shell out 6000 Euro each for 45 days. :(

Interesting to hear youve made it with no guides or other budget-drying pain-in-the-ass paperwork and preparations, which the "official" way seems to be so full of..

So after you´ve got in, after that youre relatively free to ramble? My plan would be to go all the way from Kazakh border into Laos. May be its a different story in central or south China, well, who knows, I guess one would just have to go and try ones luck. Maybe if they stop you, you tell them your coming from Laos, and they´ll then nicely kick you "back" there..:clap: ?!?

But if the worst happens and you have a bad accident where some locals get hurt, you´d probably be in big trouble, when you have no official permission to be there.

There´s a guy who went into South China earlier this year from Laos (on a Chinese-registered bike) and he had no big troubles getting in, but the right plates probably helped him decisively. He, too, was free to go inside the country, though he had some trouble getting into Tibet, but still managed to do that. He posted some tremendous reports and pictures into the gt-rider forum, too bad he got in an accident and hurt his knee quite badly.

Hi!
Any update on paperwork to enter China?
I am planning trip to Nepal, through China, so I kindly ask for any information how to get in and out of China without having to register bike there and without guides.
Thanks!

That's a tall order. Got a Magic 8-ball handy? :mchappy:

CC

Fireblade,

DON'T try Korgos. Too well sewn up.
We were there in late June '07 and a Norwegian guy, Helga, arrived with no papers. Sent back to Kaz in a very short time. He left the bike in Kaz, entered buy bus and then flew to Thailand.

They really have tightened things up since June last year.

John

Well he could try. My guess is it's a combination of factors. It may depend on the origin of your passport, which border you cross into and who you happen to meet that day.

It's a toss of the dice but right now the odds don't look in your favor. That said, if you're determined you can still give it a try.

CC

Thanks for the info.
Haw about getting regular visa for me, and than try to enter with the bike? Anyone tried?
Had in mind Karakorum highway, heard somewhere that there shouldn't be much problems for going this way. Will talk to Chineese consul 2morrow and post answer.
Should Iran, Pakistan etc. be a problem for woman?
:confused1:

enter frokm Khunjerab Pass
 

In September 07 it was not possible to enter from Pak to China on a bike!

All the best
joe

Motorrad Weltreise - Joachim von Loeben - Theo Schlaghecken - www.triparoundtheworld.de

taking the test for the first time
 

does anyone know perhaps if it is possible for someone who has no license from their native country to pass here in china? - thks

Pass what?

CC

Druzhba
 

It was possible to enter China without guide in summer `07. I did it at Druzhba. But at last time this gate was closed. Someone tried to do it there last year. But unsuccessfully. I spent a 15 days in China and Tibet with my own Africa Twin. I was stopped by police two times. Once at night I got into a secret town by accident . The police stopped me. It took me a several houres. They checked up my luggage, looked through my camera, read my atlases and maps. One of them was going to the police office with all my papers. I do not know why. When I was checked up they escorted me to the hotel. Next morning I woke up and went away by another road to a Tibet.

Alex

Crossing the border (China and Burma)
 

I am currently gathering all the info to cross the border with a bike.
Here's my finding so far:
1) The easy way is to pay for a chinise guide and their car to follow you during your staying in China (Max 3 months). I guess this is economically viable if a group of bikes are travelling together as they can share the cost.
This is for example what Kevin and Julia Sanders are currently doing (for more info on their current trip to china go to Global Domain, Web Page Design, Special Web Site Projects)
2) I am currently in communication with few agencies enquirying whether it is possible to use a "transit permit" instead, like the one truck would get to travel accross China to transport goods.
3) Some people have crossed the border just with a Visa and they have been lucky enough not to be kicked out. Once again it is probably down to luck and potentially which border you are crossing (I am currently talking to my contacts in Kyrgyzstan to see whether it is possible to semplify the procedure. I will keep you posted with my findings)
4) Others (very clever) have managed to cross the border (in mongolia) by seeking the help of truck drivers who carried the bikes accross the border with their truck. Once in china its all about keeping a low profile

Finally, if you ever made it to China and you want to cross into Burma, here's a good contact of someone who will help you with all the necessary paperwork all for $295.
Following his contact details and an extract of his email to me:

hom.saihkay@taistartnt.com

It is possible to cross the border with your own bike. You need to mention it in your proposed itinerary when you apply for a visa at a Myanmar Embassy.

2. our typical service from China-Myanmar border to Mandalay (the centre of Myanmar) costs ~US$295 per person (based on one person booking). If there is an additional traveller, it would be much cheaper as you will be sharing the big overhead costs with a second person. This include all the border crossing paper & services at the border ports, transport (even if you don't need it, our guide still have to escort you from a car). Please note that tour companies are required by law/ regulation to accompany their guest within the restriction zone (the borders) until they are out of non-restricted zones in mainland Myanmar.

3. Please enquire Chinese embassy re: how many day your visa is valid. Myanmar tourist visa valid for 28 days to travel in Myanmar and additional travel permits are required if you are entering or travelling through restriction zone.

More info to follow.....

Just going throught the 'officai' process of getting into China through an agency.

I'm travelling from India, up the KKH and into China that way and while I love the romance of rolling that 8 ball at the border I really didn't have the courage to ride the KKH not knowing whether I could get through or not, especaiily given the current problems in Pakistan.

That said, I really do applaud anyone willing to chance it.

It's a bit pricey though. $2200US for a seven day guide and escort to Kyrgyzstan. And for that I have to thank the Iranian government for not letting me in,

I'd appreciate hearing how you get on with this option as I would like to do the journey by truck carrying two bikes down (from Erenhot) to Nepal so I have a (kinda) legit reason to have this kind of visa if one should exist.

Hi Guys,

just a short note, that China is possible with bikes. Together with a friend of mine we travelled 3 month through China in 2003, entering from Mongolia and leaving via Laos, without all the offical stuff. No problems at all, some one just called it luck :-). If you like to read the whole story, visit: LoMo - Expedition

see you
Lo

Riding in China summer 2009
 

Hi,

I just rode from Kashgar to Beijing. (4th-21st July)
Entered by bus from Pakistan and spent a couple of days looking for a bike in Kashgar.
bought a Hajoue 125cc(?)/Suzuki copy for 5800RMB with only 16km on it with all the necessary papers and a chinese registration plate.
Sold it in Beijing about 2 weeks later for 2500RMB foir a quick sale.
Drove on the wrong 'no foreigners' rode to Aksu and got stopped by police but they just wrote my passport details down ( it helped that i had my paasport details translated into chinese and stuck in my passport alongside my chinese visa) then they let me continue on my way.
Travelled Kashgar, Aksyu, Turpan, Hami, Langzhou, Xi'an, Beijing ( and a few other places along the way.
Had a bad accident 100km north of Xi'an, and they wrecked the front of my bike. It was their fault and this was the only time that the police started asking about a chinese driving license but i kept showing them my INT driving licence. They discharged me from hospital where i had an MRI, CT , X ray etc, then fixed my bike and sent me on my way the next day.
Lucky i guess.

HA

Glad to hear you survived Heavens Angel! :thumbup1:

There are consistent reports of riders who are not fully legal (no Chinese license) being compensated to a greater or lesser extent when not at fault, (in the event of an accident), certainly in northern China.

IMO it shows that having most legal docs such as registration and insurance do go a long way to helping you out in many unfortuante situations.

Even this being said, not having a Chinese motorcycle license can't really be condoned because of the uncertainty of the application of Chinese law in different locations. :wacko:

Hi,

I agree with you ZMC-888.
Although China was amazing, riding for 10 hours per day, over 15 days, along some difficult roads mean that incidents are almost inevitable.
I was just fortunate to have been able to walk away from this one.

Like the person who recently returned from his trip to Afghanistan, I would not recommend riding through China without the correct legal paperwork.

H A

Befor your riding, try to get more information and reaserch more. Sometimes it's not so hard as what you imagine.Hope you enjoy China riding.

Overlandfan,

Any help on this topic would be appreciated. I want to bring a bike into, and then out of China in 2011, as Im doing a ride from the UK, through Russia, Mongolia and then China to Hong Kong. But I want to bring my bike back home with me (to Australia)

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. ?c?

Thanks,
Tricky

Archangel007,

I fully agree that China is worth seeing, but to be honest getting bikes in and out of the country especially through Hong Kong is going to be a real hassle.

Yes there are agencies but mostly they are very expensive, and you'll likely be forced to exit from your entry point.

I know it's not as satisfying, but really for sake of costs and legality it would be better to do China extensively on a locally purchased 250cc machine that you can pick up new for around 1000-2000 pounds, there is one dual sport Chinese made Jialing JH600, which costs about 3000 pounds new locally. All include insurance and registration. Very large cities and wild border areas are not prime locations to find the right bike. Also most all dealerships in China only stock up to 150cc bikes, so bigger bikes need to be ordered. To find out more about riding and possibly purchasing a bike in China go to MyChinaMoto.com - Chinese Community, Forum and News all questions can be solved here.

Getting the bike out of the country is easier than getting a bike in, there are reports of people getting bikes into Laos and Vietnam and on to Thailand to continue their journey.

Many people who want to ride around the world and include China on their route stick stubbornly to the concept that they have to do everything on their chosen bike (often a GS) from point A to point B, the reality is that to save money, be more legal and to travel the country more extensively some mental flexibility about how to do things is the best option.

I find it odd how so many people are satisfied to just ride India on an Indian bike then leave, but when it comes to China which is much bigger people seem determined to pass through, even though it's pretty easy to ride around China on a local bike and a real pain and expense to try to get over borders.

How to obtain a Chinese drivers License

forget where i found this, have never used their services, so i am just passing on information.

hope it helps

I recently met 2 australian guys who rode back from the uk on trans alps and they came through china.cost us$1000each for 9 days and they got licence plates and temp drivers licences and guide.they said they went through some agency cant remember the name was the something "cafe"?not sure but they reckond no probs.

Probably Caravan Cafe, but they have closed it seems:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...van-cafe-32301

cheers chris in tokyo that was the cafe i was interested as i wanted to ride back to the uk next year and wanted to ride through china i think it would be worth the 1000 bucks to say id done it!

I've been reporting and apparently do not need a guide for the stay in China, with the exception of trying to enter Tibet.

Nor is obliged to settle at least 3-star hotels, then the trick is to hire a tour for a day there in a foreign agency, which is expensive, but once he was in China, one must go to a Chinese travel agency, Tour where we want to do we'll be out half the cheap, including hotels and cheaper if you need a guide, a guide cheaper.

On the driver's license, the test may be done in English, is as easy as in the book that you are given, are the answers of the exam.
The expenditure is 3,000 RMB or 4,000 RMB and it takes between 7 and 10 days for the license.

I keep reporting the issue, but as you know what commentators.

It seems that in China everything is not so "controlled" as it seems, and some people even traveling without license.

Conflicting Info on China
 

Well there you go!

In 7 posts we have a couple of different opinions.

Call me a fool, but I am hopeful that there is a solution here. I mean, a way to get your bike into China relatively cheaply, with little hassle. Like ZMC888 said, shipping out might be a different story.

This is an information gathering exercise, so any information that can be forthcoming from fellow Hubbers is greatly appreciated.

There must be a way to do it, there must be a way to enter, ride around etc while not costing you an absolute fortune and not being guided every inch of the way. Luis_HD is onto something here I am sure.

China is suchh a wonderful place, I dont want to miss out on it because of some buearocratic nonsense, lack of conviction or misleading information. I think perserverence and knowledge is the key. C'mon people, out with it!! :helpsmilie:

Cheers,
Tricky

Tricky,

I know Chinese law well, and I have transferred my driving license and have been living here for over 7 years. Listen to my advice or ignore it, admittedly I my knowledge and experience of taking bikes in and out of China is weaker than most.

Here are some facts mixed with opinion for you to think about:

- Restrictions and legality

Luis_HD is right about what he is saying but the administrative hassle for a non Chinese speaker to pay and locate a place to buy a temporary diving license, and remember that they don't recognize carnets, overseas number plates, registration or insurance so serious hassle there. There are super expensive ways to get temporary everything. Also it is highly unlikely that you will even be allowed to ride to the Hong Kong border. China is unlike the west, motorcycles do not have the right to go even where cars do, many cities ban motorcycles altogether, Shenzhen which borders Hong Kong has banned motorcycles, so it is unlikely you will get the bike anywhere near HK unless it is in a shipping container.

- The reality

The reality is that the way you want to ride around the world is not really possible. China can only be travelled in a legally gray area. Buy and sell a local bike. It is possible to do this, and have the bike registered and insured and not to lose too much money. Chinese do not recognize overseas licenses or international licenses, so you'd be riding illegally, but most of the time outside the bigger cities this is unlikely to be a problem if you have you IDP and home license with you, as Luis was hinting at. They will not issue a Chinese license unless you are a resident, and a temporary one can be a nightmare.

Find out more, but you should be able to get a six month visa, buy a local bike, then go wherever you want, yes even Tibet and Xinjiang!

Thanks ZMC888,

I really do appreciate your input, and I will take all your words and knowledge onboard.

I will explore every avenue, and see what is the line of best fit.

I really dont want to miss out on China, as it seems to be a wonderful place to explore on motorcycle, and your advice about buying locally might be the best way to go.

Keep those thoughts coming.......

Cheers and thanks,
Tricky

I'm out of the running... .. but info keeps slowly replying
 

Just for you guys investigtationg this is the latest that i got quoted....
I'm flying my bike & me to thailland it's just too much for my pockets

Hi Andrew,
I have helped the travelers like you riding bikes or drivng vehicles to China for more than 20 years.
I would be happy to help you with your riding. But that would be very costly if it was only you with one bike because we have to arrange a 4WD for you all the way.
The route we suggest you is Zhangmu Pass / Tingri / B.C. of Mt. Everest / Xigartze / Lhasa / Bayi / Bomi / Bangda / Mankam / Deqin / Shangri'la / Lijiang / Dali / Linchang or Kunming / Pu'er / Jinghong / Mengla / Mohan Pass to Laos.
In China, most of the highway is forbidden to motorbikes. You have to ride on the side way.
The cost is EUR6850.--including all the travel permits, motorbike checking fee, number tags, customs declaration, driving permits, vehicle travel permits, compulsory traffic insurance of the vehicle, the company’s service , a 4WD vehicle rental with a driver & fuel and an English speaking guide.
But the price does not include the personal natures, food and hotel accommodation of you, the guide and the driver, fuel and maintains of your bike.

If you can find another cyclist, the price will be EUR9500.---with the same terms as the above.

Please be kindly notified the above quote was made based on the present exchange rate: Euro100:RMB950.

We will pay the China Customs the guarantee for your bike(s) to cycle into & out of China.

We need your confirmation 70days earlier before your arrival in China because we need 60days for getting all the permits ready.

Best regards!
Paul Shi

Quote:

In China, most of the highway is forbidden to motorbikes. You have to ride on the side way.

He means motorcycles are not allowed on most freeways and have to use the main roads.
EUR6850! Seriously expensive! That is six times a factory workers annual salary, and does not even include hotels and food!

The cheap way:

Bike: Chinese made 250cc+ Motorcycle - 1000-3000 Euro dependent on quality. Yamaha YBR250 is available in China, as is Jialing JH600. BMW GS1300 is available but twice as expensive as in Europe new (because of import taxes). Almost no motorcycle rental services here. We can help put you in touch of people if you need to sell a bike when you leave, can guarantee at least half new price for your 2nd hand bike. Bikes include insurance and plates.

6 months multiple entry visa - 100 Euro or less.

Cheap Accommodation, Food and fuel per day - 40 Euro

Do Remember;
-Discuss your plans at length with foreign nationals that live in China, going it alone at a preparation stage could cause you to make mistakes, and put your safety, money or freedom at risk.
-Keep away from big cities, especially those that have very active police and motorcycle restrictions or military areas.
-Bring extra cash for emergencies and possible 'fines'.
-Know some basic Chinese, or be prepared for serious frustration.
-Bring GPS or very good maps for extensive tours.

For the cost of a tour company you could do three months in China 'the cheap way' inclusive of all costs and have over a thousand Euro in spare change! :eek3:

Riding through Xinjiang with out a license would be hit and miss.

You might be lucky and get through you might not.

Xinjiang is a strong army autonomous region.

The police are not as friendly as in other parts of China.Some police are cool some are not.

I am curious - do you not see any foreign trucks in China? For example, a foreign company importing goods by truck into China?

The reason I ask is that I hope to travel by truck with a bike in the back and thought a transit visa might exist.

Perhaps our Chinese resident friends can tell me.

I saw lots of trucks traveling from Xinjiang to Kazakhstan and beyond.

Getting a transit visa for your bike will be both expensive and time consuming.

I rode in China in May 2008 as part of a formal tour group of about 8 riders. We had to ride in convoy, with a guide vehicle in front and in back.

It was very restrictive, and well, horrible...it was probably the only riding I've ever done that was no fun whatsoever.

China probably has very many interesting places to visit, but I won't ever go back while these ridiculous travel restrictions are still in place.

IF YOU WANT TO TRAVEL IN A COUNTRY WITH VERY DIFFERENT CULTURE THAN YOUR OWN, IT WOULD BE WISE TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON THAT COUNTRY AND HAVE SOME BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IT IS. THEN USE THE BEST METHOD POSSIBLE TO PROCEED. LEARN FROM OTHERS WHO HAS DONE IT AND NOT JUST PAY THE MONEY AND EXPECT EVERYTHING WILL FALL IN YOUR WAY. I HAVE TOURED CHINA FOR THE PASS 2 DECADES AND FOUND CHINA TO BE VERY INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL. DO YOUR HOME WORK CAREFULLY AND YOU WILL BE REWARDED.:scooter:

Travell China with a guide or truck it through
 

HI all, I have done a lot or research re China guides. Unsurprisingly the high profile web sites seem to be the most expensive. The current best price I have had to transit from Mongolia to Loas...a 26 day itinery is £1500 each for two bikes. I am waiting on a quote for road freighting the bike the same route. The freight option would take approx 1 week. The bike would be stored near the Laos border waiting for the owner, exit into Laos would be owner and Bike.

Will kjeep you posted.

Jimmy

I have some Chang Jiangs available in Yunnan and Tibet for rent, also can get you a 30 Day temporary driving License for china

Be VERY carefull about that offer. We took a similar offer of $1500 and that just got us into the country and to Urumqi. When we got there there was another demand for $3000 for the rest of the trip!! (14 days).
We legged it early one morning, but could not exit without the paperwork for the bikes and ended up paying another 1.5k anyway. We had a dammed fine un-guided trip though:D

We were only travelling through the one province. More provinces equals more permits and more costs.

John

I wanted to fly in China (Guangdzou) in summer, buy bike and go back to Europe (Tajikistan - Uzbekistan - Kazahstan), but my friend from China told me its so expencive to get all permits for that, and nobody guarant to me I can go out from China with motorcycle (on border can tako off plates). I must change plan and start to Tajikistan and Kirgistan with my tenera XT600, but I will not come to China this time. In feature I hope will be normal and better law in China, motorbikers are not killers.

Transit with a foreign bike doesn't work
 

[quote=bigdamo;273929]
We tried the transit visa thing for the bike but it is just as complicated as riding the bike. We were at Mohan border discussing (read arguing) with a travel agent, customs official, border guard and two other official looking types to get our bike transported as only transit, no riding. It turns out that according to Chinese Import/Export laws that customs classify the bike as prohibited goods and falls under (well for us at least) as used electronic or mechanic goods. The trouble is that customs has the last word, so as fare as we know they could've chosen any category that was prohibited and it would've had the same effect. In short the same permits and authroisations would be necessary for transiting the country with the bike on a truck or a train as it is to ride... The Chinese government and bureacracy has a way of making temporary import extremely expensive for overlanders.

Info?
 

I know it has been a long time since your post but I just joined this site.I have traveled extensively by bike in Cambodia,Thailand,Burma and Laos for last 3 years.Now I want to do China (Mongolia-Laos).Would buy a bike there and ride solo.
Did you or any one reading this do a Mongolia-Laos trip.Would appreciate any info or advice on this subject.
Thanks and keep the wind in your face.:mchappy:

Mongolia to Laos
 

Hi, Nope I am still trying and hope to transit china in 2012. I am still looking for someone to share costs. last year I had arranged to travel in company with an English family who would have a seat for the guide in their 4x4. Unfortunately they had to change dates and I was not able to make the re arranged dates. I have travelled a bit in Laos and Cambodia...had an xr in P.P for a year or so. If you are serious about China I would be interested in sharing in 2012 exiting into Laos by August.


Jimmy 46

Chinese motorbikes
 

I am a resident in Xi'an, and have an employment visa as well as a housing visa. I have owned and driven a chinese 125cc motorbike for several months it cost about 1800RMB. (with fake license plates and no insurence or registration documents)

Xi'an bans the the use of motorbikes, but I use my bike most everyday in the city centre and on shortish trips to the countryside. I have had no problems with the police.

A word on Chinese 125's is be careful, my bike has not failed me yet (I only had to push it a few times) though I don't trust it. On longer trips the vibrations from those little bikes kill your legs so that you can barely walk.

I have no license (Chinese or other) but am looking to get a motorbike license soon and purchase a larger motorbike trip for a journey into Tibet and possibly further.

can anyone give me anytips on how to get a motorbike licence, and any visas that I might need for Tibet.

Thanks

You can go to the police station and inquire which place issues licenses. You will need to take a test and pay a few small fees. Since Xi'an has banned motos, you might not be able to get a C1E license, ask if it'd possible, and settle on a C1 if you have to, better than no license at all.

Tibet, forget about it, you're a foreigner and not allowed to travel alone without a government guide (expensive). If you value your residence visa, don't get caught in Tibet without proper papers and a guide.

Cheers!
ChinaV

P.S. mychinamoto.com has a lot info.

Agree, I don't think you would make it past the first check point.

However, you can still see Tibet on a bike: after the annexation the govt. chopped off some bits around the edges and incorporated them into the neighbouring provinces. If you go to the areas of Sichuan & Yunnan adjoining "TAR" you will see Tibetan culture and architecture, without having to enter "TAR". Check out my web pages Tibet 4 & 5.

Travel across China with foreign motorcycle
 

You can organize a local Chinese drivers license - temporary permission to ride foreign motorcycles in Yinning. Motoexplorers organize this on the China Moto expeditions. You also need to have a raft of paperwork including clearance from ministry level in Beijing, entry permits for each Province, permission from Police & tourism authorities, army clearance, customs agents for entry & exit formalities (at each border crossing) as well as all hotel bookings, plus the Chinese driving license. If you wanted to get all formalities pre-cleared for you to ride across China, Motoexplorers would usually recommend starting to do this process about 5-6 months before arrival date - you could join in with a small group of riders also doing all of these formalities - saves money having to pay for all the guides, permits, vehicle etc alone, get Motoexplorers to do all the paperwork and organising; http://www.motoexplorers.co.uk then you can ride on your own, at your own pace each day across china. Usually permissions are granted for 30 days to explore China. You have to nominate an exit port, somewhere like a sea-freight port near Beijing, or better still exit by land crossing the border to Laos - nicer routes and easier formalities for border paperwork. Then a nice ride through Laos to Thailand and from Bangkok you can ride freely or freight your bike anywhere in the World.

.

.
Do you work for motoexplorers?

Very much sounds like it.


vette

My situation with China
 

Recently in the last few months, I was planning to get my motorbike license in China. I have been living here for the past three years and I am also married to a local lady. This process started out very uninformatively, making several trips to my local DMV for paper after paper, and the local DMV not fully explaining ALL the infomation needed. After I would say about three months I gathered all the necessary paperwork for my local DMV to get me into the test room.

Papers included are: visa with more than 3 months valid price of visa's ranges in China, copy of passport/visa that was copied at the DMV no cost, photos also done at the DMV 10 yuan, medical check 8 yuan also done at the DMV, a fully translated copy of my passport main page that has my photo "offically stamped" 60 yuan, a copy of my residence permit free from you locally resigtered police station and finally the paper work from the DMV to approve you for your aplication to take the test 130 yuan.

Getting all this completed and taking time away from my daily life was a wait off my shoulders. BUT once I got into the DMV and was called up to the computer testing room I was asked IF i was taking the test in Chinese OR did I want it in English. Of course my Chinese is not that technical enough to read and respond to a full Chinese test and I was glad I had a very good friend with me to explain that I needed the test in English. After about 45 minutes of waiting I got an erie gut feeling that something was very wrong and I was going to be unable to take such test. Sure enough the testing "officer" told my friend there is NO English test in all of China (this made me laugh because I had my laptop and phone on me with the trasnlated test on PDF format from 2012). So I decided to show the test to the "officers" with my friend and just ask, why? This got me no further then hitting myself in the head with a hammer. Frustrated as ever, and I'm sure you can understand I headed right back to the DMV and just about hit the roof. Did i mention on the first three times in those last few months I asked if they had the English version of the test, AND I was assured the test was there. My friend and myself made a huge ruckus in the DMV on testing day so pretty much hundreds of people saw. The managing "officer" of the DMV made a few phone calls and then said "I'm sorry but there is not test in China". Yet again I presented him with the test I had on my phone and he told me I need to take the test in Chinese if I want the license. He told me line after line about blah blah blah I didn't really care because I knew he was full of it.

So I have been surfing around as many website deaing with the English test or pretty much anything to do with China and motorcycles, and all I want to know is when will this test be available? I have come to find out it's already in place in Shanghai, BUT no-were else? I find this extremely pathetic and unorganized because all I want to do is buy a motorbike and drive it LEGALLY! and trust me its not that hard to just buy one and drive 80% of the motorbikes in my city are unplated, and thats including all the foreigners I know.

So please if anyone can shed some light on this subject it would be greatly appreciated! :scooter:

This thread is a little old,

but I did all the same as you mentioned.

I did my test in English.

3 Dec. 2012

Full car, and big bikes

Class C1D

vette