China definitely NOT open to m/cyclists without correct pape

[Old Adventurer]

We tried twice, to enter China from Zamyn-Uud, 27 & 28 May. First day, Chinese kept us at the border post, never even asked us for our 'papers'. We returned to Mongolia.
2nd attempt after being told by the Mongolian border officials to put the machines on the back of a truck, we entered China, had our visas stamped all ok, then the Chinese customs hauled us to one side, and after a full day in their "office" returned us into Mongolia. We were told that the consequences of being caught in China without the required paperwork,would result in our bikes being impounded. The paperwork required is an extrememly lengthy process taking perhaps several months as a permit has to be obtain from 3 different departments, for each province being ridden through. We do know that people have entered ilegally,but we were not prepared to take the risk of losing our bikes. It was worth trying, we failed, so now head north through Russia to continue our journey through the Stans. www.adventure.gs has full Chinese story.