Driving in China — International Driving Permit guide
China flag

Conduire en China

Explore China with your International Driving Permit. Discover local attractions, scenic routes, and unique driving experiences.

Photo : zhang kaiyv / Unsplash

Informations essentielles

IDP Status
Permis international requis
Sens de circulation
Droite

Limitations de vitesse

50
Zone urbaine
50 km/h
90
Route rurale
90 km/h
120
Autoroute
120 km/h

Guide de voyage du pays

China, the world's most populous nation, spans incredible diversity from the Great Wall to tropical Yunnan, from Silk Road deserts to Shanghai's skyline. While international visitors face significant driving restrictions, understanding China's transportation landscape helps travelers plan effectively.

The Great Wall stretches across northern China with various accessible sections—Badaling for convenience, Mutianyu for scenery, and Jinshanling for hiking. Beijing's Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace represent imperial grandeur, while hutong neighborhoods preserve traditional life.

Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors guard Emperor Qin's tomb with over 8,000 life-size soldiers. The Silk Road continues west through Gansu to the desert oasis of Dunhuang and the Mogao Caves. Zhangye's Rainbow Mountains display extraordinary colored rock formations.

Shanghai dazzles with the Pudong skyline, French Concession charm, and excellent cuisine. Guilin and Yangshuo offer karst landscape river cruises. Yunnan Province's Lijiang old town and Shangri-La provide minority culture experiences.

Chinese cuisine varies dramatically by region—Peking duck and dumplings in the north, spicy Sichuan and Hunan, Cantonese dim sum, and Xinjiang noodles along the Silk Road.

Important: International visitors generally cannot drive in mainland China—Chinese authorities do not recognize International Driving Permits or foreign licenses for tourism purposes. Travelers rely on domestic flights, excellent high-speed rail, and hired drivers. Hong Kong and Macau operate under different regulations.

Meilleures destinations

1
Capital City
2
Coastal Areas
3
Mountain Roads
4
Historical Sites

Conseils de conduite

Portez toujours votre permis international avec votre permis national
Familiarisez-vous avec les règles de circulation locales
Vérifiez les exigences d'assurance lors de la location d'une voiture
Respectez les limitations de vitesse locales

Questions fréquemment posées

Do I need an IDP to drive in China?

Yes, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in China. The IDP works alongside your national driving license.

Which side of the road do they drive on in China?

In China, traffic drives on the right side of the road.

What are the speed limits in China?

Speed limits in China: urban areas — 50 km/h, rural roads — 90 km/h, highways — 120 km/h.

How do I get an IDP for China?

You can get your IDP online through our website in just a few minutes. You'll need a photo and your national driving license details.

Prêt à voyager vers China?

Get your International Driving Permit in minutes and start exploring!

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Informations utiles

Code du paysCN
Côté de conduiteDroite
Statut PCIRequired
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