China definitely NOT open to m/cyclists without correct pape - Horizons Unlimited

**Old Adventurer** · #1 30 May 2005

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.

**Grant Johnson** · #2 30 May 2005

Thanks for the update.

Good luck on your travels, and do keep us posted!

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**vincent danna** · #3 30 May 2005

hello,

thanx for your story.

i also failed on some borders (burma, bhutan).
we all learn from "failing" and it helps getting update accurate info.

indeed, there are some official rules for every country, like china bhutan burma for bikers.

after reading all the experiences posted here, i really wonder what s official and not in china ???

is china really opening for bikers or do the official rules (paperwork, escorts, 200 usd/day etc ...) still apply ?
is it a matter of luck or being "clever tricky enough" to play with the rules ?

good luck for crossing borders for the rest of your trip

ps : i deleted your message (same one) in northern asia forum so that all the replies come on one message here : china is southern asia ont he hubb :-)