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China is open
Hi
we crossed the border between Sary Tash, Kyrgystan, and Kashgar, China, 4 days ago. The border is Irkeshtam. The only thing we needed was a 30 day tourist visa and an international driving licence. No chinese guide, nor chinese driving licence nor chinese number plates. Border is officially open since may 22 2004. That's what one border guy (the only one speaking english) told us. We were TOLD to spread the message: Welcome to China! Goetz & Karen ------------------ ïóòü = öåëü |
Thats excellent Goetz.
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Goetz, thanks for posting this. It is VERY interesting. Can others confirm this, to make sure it is not just a mistake by the border guards in Kashgar?
Butch in Shanghai, are you out there? Have you heard anything about this? If it's true then it is very big news. I'd love to ride from here (Ulaanbaatar) to Beijing. -Scott |
See http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000191.html for Norbert Berentz's story on travelling through China - 4 months, no problems.
------------------ Grant Johnson Seek, and ye shall find. ------------------------ One world, Two wheels. www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
G'Day,
to my knowledge no changes regarding travelling in China with bikes/cars coming from other countries. Harley Owners Group Hong-Kong is just preparing two rides in Mainland China again and will cost them dearly once again after all the paperwork is completed and those police escorts. you still need a guide / temporary plates / temporary driving license. they do not recognise international / foreign driving license in China. there are some incidents were lucky people came across the border into China and cruised around without hassles. there is always the danger of getting the bike confiscated or end up with more seriuos troubles with the PSB/Police. we crossed from China into Mongolia Russia by truck & boat (bikes on boat) as well a couple of years ago by paying borderguards but would not do this again....... Scott, send me an e-mail, like to ask you something, shanghai_bikers @ yahoo.com best regards, seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere...... BUTCH www.butchshanghai.com [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 05 August 2004).] [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 05 August 2004).] [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 05 August 2004).] |
Hi Scott
no confirmation. The border guy told us, we were the very first to cross this border with motorcycle the last four years. The most interesting question at that border was: what authorizes you to go around worldwide with a motorcycle? We answered: we are interested in other cultures and we got an international driving licence. He could read english, so we got through. Someone else out there has to give it a try Karen + Goetz ------------------ ïóòü = öåëü |
G'Day,
watch out at the other end..leaving China with bikes! good luck and if you ever make it to Shanghai, send e-mail shanghai_bikers @ yahoo.com (put the e-mail address together). best regards, seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere... BUTCH www.butchshanghai.com |
Last year Mark M from Utrecht tried to cross at the Tourgart Pass from Kygystan to China on his DR800. He had a tourist visa only and was sent back into Kyrgystan. it would be great if it was open as the possibility to ride from Thailand to Europe Via Vietnam, China and Mongolia is appealing.
cheers alec http://users.netlink.com.au/~asimpson |
well we tried to leave China today. Unfortunately we gotta be back in Berlin 01.10.04 But no exit via Torugart Pass. First the border is closed during the weekend and second:
You need an EXIT permit if you go via torugart. First time I need an exit permit. Seems to be a special place. We try to get the permit in Kashgar thru a travel agency. Tell U how it worked Karen + Goetz |
we got out of China, but we had to pay about 165 U$ for 2 people just to get the permit, a driver and a guide to go over the Torugart Pass from China to Kyrgystan. Without a guide they will stop you 85 km before the border.
Actually you're supposed to get a kyrgys party as well to pick you up at the border (another 100 U$) but we could at least skip that. Asking the kyrgyz borderguys they told us we don't need another escort. So we went without them. Back to Bishkek again Karen + Goetz ------------------ ïóòü = öåëü |
According to my copy of Lonely Planet's Central Asia (2000) Torugart Pass is listed as "Asia's most unpredictable border posts, with reliable information scarce, many decisions taken seemingly at random, and unexpected closures by both sides". I wonder if it would have been easier (cheaper?) to leave by another crossing point? Hopefully I might out for myself in a couple of years.
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Karen & Goetz or anyone else:
What are your thoughts on being able to enter China via Kyrgystan and continuing to Pakistan at the top of the Karakoram Highway? If this area of China is still accessible in another year this could be a desirable way to cross Asia versus the southern route through southern Iran & Pakistan. Is this a feasible route? I will be doing this trip in another year. Dave [This message has been edited by davidmc (edited 11 August 2004).] |
Dave, a belgian couple did Kygystan, kashgar Pakistan last year but with the guide and $$. It would be a great way to go as it is spectactular in Kygystan and along the KKH.
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well going the KKH is feaseble from Kashgar. We rode down to Tashkurgan where we were stopped 120 before the border. Without a Pakistan Visum no way to cross that point. Sensitive border area. With Paki visum you can go ahead, no permits needed.
Whilst waiting for things to happen at the torugart border we had a chat with our guide concerning the borders around Kashgar. Torugart is rated 2nd class (chinese / kyrgyz only). Therefore you need a special permit. The Kulan Pass from Tajikistan NW of Tashkurgan is 1st class, Irkeshtam and the road from Urumqi to Kasakstan as well. Khunjerab is also international. BUT: EVERYONE in Kashgar who had to do with traveling told us, we were just lucky to get into China without nearly everything. I would not count on it crossing into China like us. Karen + Goetz ------------------ ïóòü = öåëü |
We met a Czech Aussie biker in Vientiane travelling on a KLR650. He had a Chinese visa already and rocked up to the Chinese border and they let him through - no probs!
Check out www.travelledaround.com for more info. |
Hello all,
I am planning on living in Wuhan, China for the next 10 months, on a work visa. I have an international driver's licence and a Suzuki GSXR600 that I am going to miss. I don't think it is feasible to try and import it due to gas needs, road conditions and the high possibility of theft (someone correct me if i'm wrong!). However I would like to buy a small 250cc standard, nothing fancy but just some transport for daily use and perhaps a week of touring. Can someone direct me to a classifieds website of some sort, or pop me some advice on pricing and whether I will have any troubles licencing it being a foreigner. My e-mail is *edit* click link. Thanks in advance and safe riding!!! [This message has been edited by Holyrain (edited 24 August 2004).] |
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gas is available up to 99 octan (90/93/97 octan most common) in most of China, road conditions vary extensively. your International Diving License is not valid in Mainland China, to drive / ride / steer a motorized vehicle legally in PRC you have to obtain a Chinese Driving License. you might be able to locate a Suzuki GN250 or similar in Wuhan but no leads to one of the "armpits of China", myself avoiding this kinda destinations (Wuhan/Guangzhou/Shenzhen) at all costs. concerning registration of bikes, securing proper registerd bikes, most of the times really depends who you know in that particilur area, things might work out for person "X", but will not work for person "Y" due to lack of right connections. it's not Wuhan releated, check out our shanghaimotorcycle discussion group: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/shanghaimotorcycle/ best regards, seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere.... BUTCH www.butchshanghai.com [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 23 August 2004).] [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 23 August 2004).] |
Hi Butch, Thanks for the tips. I will probably drop you an e-mail in the near future as I have much last minute planning to do. Re: Classifieds: I am not so concerned about finding a bike, more about the rough $$ so I don't get slashed too badly. Talk to you later and ride safe!
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Hello everybody.
I'm turing around the world now. I passed throguh Kyrgystan-China Irkeshtam border, and entered in China on Aug 31. Thanks Goetz. I only use my international driver licence and international document and a few money. First, border stuff said "You need China document!". But finally, he took me one papere, it is maybe temporary import permition. (I must return same border.) I ride my motorcycle a few days in China. See you again. (My English is not good. If I have mistake, I'm sorry.) http://www.bashishi.com ------------------ bashishi |
Hey Jun! Good to see you on Horizons Unlimited! Great to hear that you were able to enter China without problems and without any special permisions or guides. Good job!
------------------ Improvement makes strait roads, but the crooked roads without Improvement, are roads of Genius - William Blake |
Hi,
Thanks a lot for this tips, we are planning a trip with motorbikes along the silk road next year, and its really a good new to know that it’s possible now to go into China ! Christophe |
Is the following info true?
Today I was told by someone that, starting in May this year, the Chinese government started to recognize the International Driving Permit. Can anyone confirm if this is true, and if yes, if there are any limitations (e.g. organized group tours, IDPs according to a certain convention only etc.). And any information how the police handles IDPs? The information comes from someone who is involved in organizing motorcycle group tours in China. Would it be advisable to get a bike within China (vs. temporarily importing it) (probably registering it in someone's name countryside), and get a Chinese drivers license (even in case that the International driving permit would be accepted). >>>> My own comment on this above: It appears the International Driving Permit is only accepted for guided tours, so I have my Chinese drivers license now .... The next thing will be a motorbike inside China. [This message has been edited by Michael Rauck (edited 04 November 2004).] |
G'Day,
you cannot import a motorcycle temporarily and register. in case you would/could find somebody they become the legal owner of the motorcycle, never trust a person you just met! TIC = This is China!!! some chinese big bike owners use fake registration and documents and don't seem to care much but would not advise to do same as a foreigner. know of a couple of foreigners who did not listen and thought "we are westerners and have some more rights". yeah, right, accident happen with fake document...no PRC driving license...arrest..passport confiscated and even their embassy / consulate could not solve the problems since a crime was committed. they paid huge amounts to the victimes and fines. some people learn the hard way, though. there is a lot of bull... being told on the internet and self acclaimed "PRC bike tour organisers". having mates visiting next week for the 1st. Formula One race held in Shanghai/China and three days ago we enquired about temporary bike driving license or acceptance of overseas / international driving license so my mates can take some of my/our groups bikes for a ride. we were advised not to do that sort of thing since a Chinese driving license is required to drive/ride a motor vehicle in Mainland China. best regards, BUTCH www.butchshanghai.com [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 18 September 2004).] [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 18 September 2004).] |
Hey Butch, been thinking about you and your own F1 race!! Will be watching on the television. Enjoy my friend.
Allen. |
Quote:
yeah, next week brings the 1st. Formula One Race to PRC (Shanghai). will be a messy one with all them clueless people, TIC=This is China! talking about the organisation around the whole race event and traffic, program, food & beverage, the actual race will be perfect but all the other issues...myself being one of the key food suppliers and major headache already. our RDMC group has some mates arriving from all over the world as of sunday but we checked regarding driving around with temp. bike license or overseas/international ones but was adviced to refrain from that sort of fun, OK, understood. regarding biking in PRC, well everybody likes to get a slice of the pie and so far Harley-Davidson, Ducati, KTM are all ready to go into Mainland PRC but big time "red tape" holds them back. will not be an easy one due to the everchanging rules and motorcycle bans in China. BMW is so far the only company that got a foothold in PRC but progress seems to be very-very slow with a lot of obstacles. best regards, seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere.... BUTCH www.butchshanghai.com ps: in case you have not seen yet, this years RDMC trip: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/reddevilsshanghai/ |
Great shots Butch. I assume this is the trip to Tibet? Wonderful.
Allen. |
G'Day,
just the outskirts of Tibet (Qinghai Plateau) around the Langmusi area. our "top of the wotld" tour comes next year to Lhasa / Mt.Everest basecamp. regards, Butch www.butchshanghai.com |
North Comets mc Club from Chiang Mai, North Thailand have organized a motorcycle trip, The Asian – Kunming Friendship Ride, from Chiang Rai to Kunming via north Myanmar (Burma) & return for 8 days in early December 2004. I spoke to the Chiang Mai organizer a few nights ago & he insists that all permits “have been issued” and the tour is approved. Take a look at http://www.chiangmaibikeweek.com/_tp....php?id=101936
if you want some more info. For me, I will believe it when it happens, but North Comets are extremely well connected so I wont be too surprised if they pull it off. But it will be a first, entering Burma at Tachilek, then riding North to Kyangtong, capital of Shan state, then into China at Daluo, onto Jinhong, then Kunming & return. Just a couple of months ago, Simon & Suzi Harby http://mccs.co.uk/global/ came out of Burma from India (via Nagaland & Manipur), into Thailand to make the first? crossing of Burma by motorcycle. So generally maybe things are opening up. However my opinion is that these new trips are going to be one-off specials and it will be quite while before the borders are totally open and free for all bikers. ------------------ Davidfl |
Hi everyone, new member from Sweden.
I´m planning a Euro-Asia tour on my AT, and I was in contact with Embassy of China in Sweden last week. According to the embassy it is out of the question for me to drive inside China. Does the same apply for Myanmar? Is driving Iran - Pakistan safe? |
@all
Thanks for all the useful information. I travelled in Kyrgyzstan extensively and am planning a trip via Irkeshtam, Kashgar and KKH next year. Heard from kyrgyz sources that this is possible since 2004, too... I am in the lucky position of having my own two Suzi DR650 with Kyrgyz number plates in Kyrgyzstan, absolutely no problem there and fantastic country. Anybody interested in driving over there but not taking his own motorbike may contact me anytime.. Hope to see one of you guys over in Central Asia/China or somewhere on the road Seb |
Hi Seb
interesting option. Karen, my wife, liked Kg best. It was the central country in our trip this year. Btw, in Nauryn we saw 2 bikes with dutch licence plates left in Kg. If we should decide to go back to Kg on a "short" holiday we´ll contact U Regards Goetz ------------------ ïóòü = öåëü |
G'Day,
seems Harley Owners Group Hong-Kong plans another event in Mainland PRC during 28th.Nov.--6th.Dec.2004. as long you apply as a group and have all the permits and pay the $fees$ your good to go but individuals crossing the border and flying under the radar is nearly impossible or lets put it; very rare. "...1st. Asia Harley Owners Rally (AHOR).Having planned for over six months and liaised with Harley Riders from Malaysian, Thailand, Singapore and mainland China, the first AHOR is finally decided to take place from 28 November 2004 to 6 December 2004 (9 days) at Kuming, one of the most beautiful city in mainland China..." more info via: http://www.h-o-g.org Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere.... BUTCH www.butchshanghai.com |
Does anybody know if its possible to come to China by ferry from Korea (with the bike) and start the China trip from there?
------------------ email: petze @web.de |
Right, so it seems that people either get in piece-of-cake with no extra papers, and have little PSB trouble, or they try at all 5 borders, and no dice.
So far I know of many failures, plus a handful of people who have had no problems: 1) From Kyrgystan - Goetz, August 2004 (website?) (But struggled leaving) 2) From Kyrgystan - Bashishi, August/September 2004 (http://www.bashishi.com/) 3) From Russia (through Mongolia?) - Norbert Berentz, August 2004 - Can we have details, please, Norbert or anybody? 4) From Mongolia - LoMo expedition, January 2004 (http://www.lomo-expedition.de/intro-en.html) 5) This Czech Aussie biker in Vientiane travelling on a KLR650, 2004 (http://www.travelledaround.com doesn't work for me :-( ) 6) In at Laos, Out at Vietnam - David Unkovitch, November 2000??? (http://www.gt-rider.com) (small PSB problem, according to his site, situation went downhill since then) According to Butch, the official line is still the same - Chinese registered, guide, and possibly not interprovincial. However, the number of reported (and yes, unconfirmed, but I trust them) successes I've seen have rocketed up (and off David Unkovich's site and this one I read of people even getting into and through most of Myanmar) - does anybody know of any more success stories not listed above? Regardless of my chance of success, I will be trying in March 2005, from Vietnam, or Laos. I will have a carnet and International Driver's Licence, for what it's worth. Any suggestions as to other papers, bribing items, or fancy dress to double my chances from 10%-20% would be much appreciated. Thanks, Anton |
G'Day,
"...According to Butch, the official line is still the same - Chinese registered, guide, and possibly not interprovincial..." yes, as a visitor you can go PRC interprovince riding with a pre-approved route and all the PRC documents, travel permits and PRC government guides (escorts) but as stated many time before..$$$costly$$$.... SEASONS GREETINGS! Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere.... BUTCH www.butchshanghai.com |
Hi Anton,
Let me know what you find out. I'm planning on New Zealand Feb. 18, 2005 until late March or early April when I go to Japan. I hope for a job teaching English in Japan or Korea, and I figure after a year of working, I'll have enough money to try to ride to Italy for the Motogiro. I'd love to ride through China, but if not, Southeast Asia. Burma is also a hit and miss country. --Dave ------------------ Trying to ride (and work) my way round the world on a 1965 Ducati 250cc. Australia, New Zealand and Japan are first. http://nokilli.com/rtw/ |
Hi Olaf
trying to answer a question. Norbert Berentz contacted me once. He had support from the Iron Tigers in Vladivostok coming into China on a truck (thus hiding the bike like the LoMo expedition did). Another explantion. The chinese paper you can see on bashihsi.com is NOT the allowance to enter China on a motorcycle like "bashishi" presumed. My wife and had the very same docoment at the very same border before. Actually it´s a toll declaration form. And where the licence plates of the bikes appear there´s usaually written something like "one suitcase". It took us an hour to talk to the lady who had to fill in the form. Very difficult hardly any english spoken. She had a dictionary. But coming from western dualism in mind sometimes the chinese (i.e. confucian or tao like translations) may not come appropriate. But who are we to complain about a countries millenium old wisdom. Goetz ------------------ ïóòü = öåëü |
For those who haven't seen, Jun (Bashishi) updated his section on entering China with more details and pics a few months ago.
http://www.bashishi.com/report/2004/...to-kashgar.htm ------------------ Improvement makes strait roads, but the crooked roads without Improvement, are roads of Genius - William Blake |
Hi all, and thanks Goetz for the clarifications. It was also interesting reading the details on Bashishi's trip.
The current update is that I left New Zealand on February 15 on my Honda XL250. After successfully travelling through Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia, I was allowed (just) into Vietnam, at Chau Doc. Although I have only a 250cc, it is still over the legal 175cc limit, but size didn't enter into the discussion at all. I will post a report of the crossing on my site in the next few days. I have been happily riding in Vietnam for 8-9 days, with no problems with the law - I am presently in Hanoi, and will see if they let me leave again in a couple of days. Heading of course for China. Yes, of course I'm a fool, but what have I got to lose? Of course, even if they let me in, I need to leave at a different border, as I am heading for Japan. I'll keep you posted. Does anybody know whether there's a chance that failing all else, they might let me put my bike on the train to Shanghai? |
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doubt they will let you put motor vehicles on trains in China. we tried several times over the years in Shanghai but failed. truck transport is the only way up to today. we are trying to airship some bikes this year, should be an interessting task... in case you ever make it to Shanghai send an email to shanghai_biker @ yahoo.com (put email address together!!!) Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere.... Butch www.butchshanghai.com |
Sorry Butch, I never doubted you, and I still don't doubt the facts of the official laws - just to clarify, if it seemed like I was disputing what you said, a few replies ago. More just quoting sources.
I have over the past few days found out for myself exactly what the official line seems to be, at least from the Vietnam side, and it agrees perfectly. Still, I wanted to make a good attempt, because, as we both know, 1 country, 1000 systems, and also the left hand does not know what the right is doing, or even what it is allowed to, mostly. It must be partly this that allows me to report, not only successful entry, with said illicit vehicle, but a stamped carnet and "Declaration Form" to prove my "legality". Hoo-rah! This is not something I ever intend to boast about, as it was surely not of my doing, except maybe my persistence. Certainly I did a lot of praying. But regardless of the reason - hoo-rah! I am about 330km north of the border, hoping to arrive in Shanghai before the weekly Osaka ferry on Saturday morning, assuming the countries aren't nuking each other by then. I will post more details and answer any questions when there aren't 15 Chinese kids peering over my shoulder. |
G'Day Olaf,
your talking about Shanghai arrival on / before 30th.April? mate, regret to inform you that we have big events during the first PRC MotoGP. might not be able to catch up with you during 28th.April -- 1st.May due to other commitments. our Shanghai bike club takes of for a ride as of 2nd.May till 7th.May. send an email to adress listed above. best regards, seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere.... Butch www.butchshanghai.com [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 23 April 2005).] |
A pity - I owed you a beer, plus another one on behalf of horizonsunlimited.com for all the helpful posts "from the inside" over the years.
Hope your MotoGP goes fabulously. Olaf |
G'Day,
most of our club members will be out at the MotoGP race circuit as of 29th.april till the actual race on 1st.May. as stated above, we going for a ride on 2nd. May during PRC National Day. our Red Devils MC Shanghai meets every wednesday night for some beers, in case your in Shanghai this coming wednesday send me an email. answered your email this morning. Best Regards, Butch |
Hey Olav- I'm now crossing into Lao from Thailand and heading for Viet Nam via Cambodia. I too want to ride north into China. I am riding a 650 BMW Dakar and am aware of the VN size restrictions and complications for China entry. Can you please advise how you've done this?
Thanks glen =========================== email address removed - see the icon above for email. [This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 06 May 2005).] |
Hi StrikingViking
Sorry about the delayed reply - I hadn't checked back at this thread for a while. If it's not too late, have a read of: http://hamilton2japan.blogspot.com/2...56-7803km.html As you can see, it's not really like I did do anything. Just somehow I was allowed in. I hope the same can be said about you. -------------- PS - A rather late continuation on my previous post. On May 1 I drove my bike up to Shanghai port customs, and after a brief searching, they took it away and put it on the Ferry to Osaka. Nobody batted an eyelid about me having it there. I next asked for a stamp in my carnet - the customs lady thought this unnecessary - said I had done everything they needed, but relented when I told her I needed it for _my_ government. Nobody asked to see my "Declaration Form" either, which I had been told at the entry border that I would need on exit. Getting through China (and Vietnam) trouble-free has been a big highlight of the trip, but I must stress it's not through anything special that I've done. I'm sure I wasn't any more worthy than anybody else, anyway. |
Thanks Olav. I have been trying to contact you through your site--no luck. Can you please email me direct? Now in Phnom Penh trying to follow your route. Which border crossings did you use for Viet Nam into China and Cambodia into Viet Nam?
Thanks |
Another update from the China invaders front. I tried to enter from the Zorgos border in Kazakhstan. No luck unfortunately. The border officials were very well informed and within half an hour I was heading back again.
As someone who read this particular thread over and over again, I hoped for good news from my side. Sorry. Hopefully other people have more luck and can help others. I am not ready for a systematic hunt of every border post. I guess 'cancelled exits' all over my passport are not helping either. Love my trip though! http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif Martijn martijnopdemotor.web-log.nl |
hello
thanx for your very interesting and detailed posts. could you give more info please about the delaies, authorities you met in china or abroad to enter china : for the paperwork, on the way near the border, in china and neighbour countries (pakistan, kirghistan, mongolia ...), kind of paperwork at the border, eventual problems and advice, etc ... just to make sure : about, as you like, entering china with a bike or car "legally or illegally" by "paying or not paying" how much did this paperwork etc ... cost you , did you have to pay a day expensive pass with guide/escort, or just the paperwork ? just to know as i failed going there. cheers, and congratulations for determination |
Some info on the China crossing:
We are currently arranging the crossing of western China from the Tourgart Pass in Kyrgzistan to the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan via Kashgar, China. To do this legally, you need all the permits and paperwork and a guide must be with you while on the bike. When you are not on the bike, you will not need the guide. We are using Caravan Cafe in Kashgar for our paperwork, www.caravancafe.com and Greg has lots of experience doing this kind of thing. The cost is not cheap, around $1100usd for all the paperwork and guide for one bike excluding visa costs. But on the other hand shipping a bike from Central Asia or vice versa is expensive too. You will need to arrange the paperwork a good 3 months in advance, this is not something you can do at the last minute if your "un-official" attempt at crossing fails. And most Central Asian visas are only good for 30 days, so if you try "un-officially" and don't get into China you could be in a real bind. I will let you know how our crossing goes, we make the trip in late October. ------------------ Dave www.mototrekker.com |
Hello to all fellow travellers to china,
I made the trip from Schweinfurt/Germany to Beijing/China just this July, passing Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakstan, with a party of three. We entered at Korgas (400 km east of Almaty) and guess the Chinese border guard's first question before even letting us cross the border line into China: "where is your guide?" Only after I had called our guide by cell phone and made him appear in person with all documents at the border control we were permitted to enter into China. Normal border procedures were handled efficiently, but the formalities for the bikes took more than an hour, and we had to unpack and show all our luggage at customs. - Trying to get our route approved (three months earlier) was not easy, most of the smaller and interesting roads "not open to foreigners". So we have been restricted to the main roads, controlled tightly by our "guide". As I am resident in China I can go whereever I want, but having entered into China on a motorcycle and with two non-residents, I was not allowed to deviate from the official route also. (However, I am exploring western China on my locally purchased and registered F650dakar anyway...). The bikes which we used for the trip to China had to be shipped out immediately after we reached Beijing, no hope to import my KTM, even if paying official duty and taxes. So all in all, my experience from this trip: the regulations for entering China by motorcycle are strict and tightly controlled. As we three had to return to our jobs immediately and did not have any leeway timewise, we did not try to enter on a remote border station, taking risks. Rather followed the regulations and succeeded, but at a price: costwise and because we could not take the intended route. But anyhow, we made it! I wish good luck to all who try it by other ways and means, and maybe (just maybe...) China really opens up like other countries and even Russia have done. |
Hi guys,
As a chinese, i'm glad to see so many travellers like to visit my country. But it's a little pity of so many paperworks. Well, as a chinese, i know some tricky. Actually if you want to ride bike in China. Best way is: Buy a bike in China. it's not expensive. a countfeit honda 250cc costs around 8000RMB(about 800 euro). Of course, you can resell if after the trip. For bike registration, it's not big matter. go to some small cities, it's very easy. half day work. you dont have to tip anybody. Chinese driving license, check your embassy in China. normally european can easily change their driving license to chinese one. Enfin, it's still complicate. But it's a kind of challenge. if everything so easy, people lose their interesting. good luck guys! any question about china, you can mail me fwang at tiscali.be Fons WANG |
China is not open.
I tried with Mason from USA to cross the Irkestan border , Kirghistan,like Goetz did, without special authorization, only visa and Carnet, answer: Welcome in China! You can go in China for shopping, but not your bike! They knew exactly what needed. I eventually cross the boarder with all papers: CYTS, a chines agency, arranged it, driver, papers in 3 weeks approximatively... Cost: 680$, 3 days trip to Pakistan. Everything was ok, but what a price!!! ------------------ More info? www.electaunavia.org (french) |
G'Day,
some totally wrong information posted above! "i know some tricky....Buy a bike in China. it's not expensive. a countfeit honda 250cc costs around 8000RMB(about 800 euro)" 1) as a foreign visitor you cannot just buy and register a bike legally in Mainland PRC! do not get fooled with fake license plates (rego) from some bike shops or "back alleys friendly natives". most smaller / bigger cities do not allow foreiners to register vehicles (cars/motorbikes). you will most probably need a Chinese ID card (hukou) to register a vehicle. 2) how do you insure the bike? ever been in an accident as a foreigner in PRC, your always at fault first.... "will get very tricky..." afterwards.... "you dont have to tip anybody" right, everything is for free, dream on! "Chinese driving license, check your embassy in China. normally european can easily change their driving license to chinese one" WRONG, totally wrong! the countries consulate/embassy cannot assist AT ALL regarding Chinese driving license. to drive a motorized vehicle legally in Mainland China you need a valid Chinese driving license, period:-) "it's still complicate" correct, there is still the inprovince travelling ban by motorcycle and many bigger citie ban motorbikes. Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on the road.... Butch www.butchshanghai.com |
G'Day,
almost forgot about the Trans-Eurasia Ride 2005 (Isle of Man to Beijing) my mate Jim Bryant's bikeride (BMWR69S) from TT Races Isle of Man to Beijing: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64938 even a Chinese registered motorbike was refused to enter China! Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on the road.... Butch |
hi Butchman,
well, i think you're living in shanghai now. so probably u know a little bit of china. 1. for changing the driving license. if you check out belgian consulate in shanghai http://www.diplobel.be/shanghai/Engl..._conduire.html well, the applicant still needs the residence permit of china. but u dont have to do any exam anymore. i think this rule can work for the other citizens of european union. 2. buying the bike. i know some guys in china use fake license plate, coz in some cities forbid to register the bike which is above 250cc. actually one of my friends does like that. but goverment never forbids a foreigner with a chinese license to ride a bike which is registered and insured. the bike seller can register and insure by his name. anyway, the first question is get a chinese license. i will ask my friends in shanghai more the detail to sort it out. |
G'Day,
once again, wrong info provided! "probably u know a little bit of China" might know more then you about biking in China! "for changing the driving license. if you check out belgian consulate in shanghai" above only applies to BELGIUM nationals since there was sort of an diplomatic incident couple of years back! other EU countries do not qualify. "i think this rule can work for the other citizens of european union" will not work at stated above for all EU countries, only for Belgian citizens! "i know some guys in china use fake license plate, coz in some cities forbid to register the bike which is above 250cc" thats actually one of the reasons the PRC government cracks down on big bikes and implemented an interprovince travel ban. currently 80+ cities / municipalities banning motorcycles in there downtown areas as well. see one newspaper clipping below from a Hebei province crackdown. "actually one of my friends does like that" hope never meet that "friend" of yours since a very good Shanghai mate (on his bicycle) was heavily injured by a motorcycle rider with fake plates! accident happened and the Chinese "fake plate" rider just fled from the accident scene.... cowards! Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere.... Butch 6 traffic cops detained in license scandal -------------------------------------------- 14/7/2005 Shanghai Daily news Hebei Province authorities have detained six traffic police officers for their part in a license scandal that hit seven counties and cities, the Beijing-based Legal Daily reported yesterday. The report said traffic police departments in the seven areas illegally issued more than 110,000 vehicle plates and driver's licenses in the past seven years. Illicit income was valued at more than 11 million yuan (US$1.32 million). The illegally registered motorcycles and tractors were blamed for 25 deaths in more than 210 traffic accidents, said the paper, citing the provincial traffic police administration. Another 279 people were injured in the mishaps. The administration has suspended all the illegal plates and driver's licenses issued in the seven areas, the paper said. It also launched a six-month crackdown on illegal plates and driver's licenses across Hebei. Prosecutors said traffic police in Wuqiang, Hejian, Qingxian, Cangxian, Dacheng, Wuji, and Shenze issued the plates and licenses to outsiders at unspecified lower prices than the normal level. The report said some of the vehicles were allegedly stolen or substandard. Drivers didn't take a medical or give a test to get licenses in these areas. The scandal surfaced in mid-2002 when police in neighboring Beijing found it suspicious that many vehicles carried Hebei plates. Among the six officers, four were from Wuqiang, including the county's former top traffic police chief Geng Tongling. The two others from Hejian City and Qingxian County have been bailed out. Geng's department allegedly issued at least 28,000 plates and licenses from February 2000 to last October, earning 3.5 million yuan. It allegedly forwarded 1.33 million yuan and used the rest to fund construction of 30 villas for its employees. The villa project has since been suspended. Each villa was valued at 260,000 yuan. [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 16 August 2005).] |
hello,
a frenchman has been driving recently in china for a few months on a bike that he bought in china (is he still there now ?) : i don t know more about the administrative part of his trip (driving license, numberplate, license, ownership ...). i read an article about him in a french magazine in feb or march 2005 and met his brother who works at the Federation Francaise de Motocyclisme. he has been travelling for 20 years around the world, almost non stop. his name : fred. you can email him directly at : fredtranduc at yahoo dot com hope it helps [This message has been edited by vincent danna (edited 04 October 2005).] |
apparently, he (frenchman) is in china now with bike (french bike), coming from central asia :
http://www.moto-autour-du-monde.com/ there s no administrative details on his website yet on how he managed to import his bike but maybe you can email him |
hei butchman
"might know more then you about biking in China!" sorry man, i think u r just a little bit over confidence. i'm a native chinese. riding my bike in shanghai since 16 years old(illegal age http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif ) well, at this moment i'm not living in shanghai. but i still know a lots friends with their big bike and do nite pursuit in sub shanghai(of course illegal). here i just wanna help people who wanna travel in china with bike. I dont inspire people to do illegal. just introduce some small tricky. maybe i can present some my friends in shanghai to u guys. they can help you to solve some problems for the traffic. anyway i hope i can meet u guys next time in shanghai. "obeying the rule is against the rule" -- That's shanghai one more chinese saying: "grassroot always has solution to screw goverment policy up" enjoy the life there. Fons |
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally posted by vincent danna: apparently, he (frenchman) is in china now with bike (french bike), coming from central asia : http://www.moto-autour-du-monde.com/ there s no administrative details on his website yet on how he managed to import his bike but maybe you can email him -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- his direct email on his site i m not sure from where he managed to enter china : kirg, kaz, tajik ? but he managed without paperwork, guide, big money offer. an other frenchman who was travelling with him until uzbekistan (they split since) has just entered china same style (no paperwork, no guide, no money needed) from druzba in kazakstan : his direct email : christophe dot arnaud at tiscali dot fr good luck --------------------------------------- Jean-Loup's address removed as per his request, by Grant [This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 19 September 2005).] |
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do not know the bike or seller, was only contacted regarding the Suzuki DR800. any questions contact seller directly, please. Suzuki DR800 for sale, ridden from France to China. Details: · Trail bike, 35,000 Km · Modified for traveling, i.e. optimized for weight and mechanical accessibility · No Chinese papers, but possibility of having French papers (to be discussed) · Asking price: 4,000 US$ · Available end September / early October Please contact Jean-Louis Fournier directly at to_aspara @ yahoo.fr Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on the road..... Butch [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 07 September 2005).] |
Salut !
Je suis entre en Chine avec ma moto il y a plus d un mois par le Kazakhstan au poste frontiere de Druzba. Sans aucune difficulte et avec la gentiellesse et l amabilite Chinoise. Un copain vient de passer aussi -christophe- avec la meme facilite ! Je vous souhaite un bon voyage ! Jean Loup ------------------ |
Sorry...
Hello! I entered to China with my motor bike more than one month ago by Kazakhstan at the border post of Druzba. Without any difficulty and with the kindness and the Chinese kindness. A buddy has just passed also - Christophe - with the same one facilitates! I wish you a happy voyage! Jean Loup |
Well, this is my experience about entering in china,
i cross the border yesterday (06 september) from Kazakhstan to China at Druzba check point, it was really easy, the staff was friendly, some of them speak english. They just check carefully all my stuff (two times), and about paperworks, i just need my passport with visa and my french motorcycle passport, i did not use my "carnet de passage", pay nothing and have just to fill a custom declaration saying my motorcycle was my only value and where i have also have to write the cost of my bike... i don't know how i'll manage that in the future, especialy to leave the coutry... they also ask me many times where did i plan to go, i say that after xinjiang i was thinkink to head to beijing an the custom officer tell me "have a nice trip" when he give me back my passport. Yesterday, on the road, police stops me, they just check my passport, register my visa and let me go. I hope this could help you Christophe [This message has been edited by chrisxr (edited 28 September 2005).] |
Met a young English lady a few days ago who told me she had been living in Beijing and had just cycled from there through Mongolia to Russia. Apparently even that is illegal and in a place where foreign bicycle travellers have to pass through Chinese police used to stop and "fine" them. She was surprised that it hadn't happened to her.
According to her travel through China for foreigners is only allowed by public transport. Don't forget what sort of regime we are talking about here. My inlaws regularly host Chinese students and according to them criticizing the Government will land them in prison. Doing it in writing means death. China is open??? |
G'Day
"...According to her travel through China for foreigners is only allowed by public transport...." woah! myself must be doing illegal driving (car/motorcycle) since 1989 in PRC... funny the PRC government issues Chinese Driving License to Foreigner living / working in China, makes you wonder, eh?! quite sure you never been to China and do not believe everything being told. Best Regards, seeya in the pub or on the road... BUTCH Shanghai/China |
I think what she meant (and probably said) is that foreigners aren't allowed to travel between provinces, other than by public transport. Isn't that what you wrote here about m/bike riding yourself, or does my memory fail me?
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that interprovince travel ban concerns motorcycles only. we drive cars all the time to different PRC provinces.... riding motorbikes as well to different provinces but getting away with it just being foreigners on the motorbikes.... Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on the road..... Butch |
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I ask you to withdraw my personal address E mail of your message. ------------------ http://www.moto-autour-du-monde.com |
sorry. grant and i have done it on all the messages.
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My experience in China 2004 was: All foreigners are welcome, with or without own vehicles; exspecially policemen are real "friends and helpers". I crossed the borders four times, first north (near Mudaniang / Vladivostok), second to Laos, 3rd from Vietnam and 4th to Nepal - no problems at all with the bike.
But I know from another biker, Jesus Reyes, who tried hard to come into China from Laos side in 2004 / 2005, and did not succeed - they made some "custom problems". I believe, they are still "training" now at the chinese borders, how to deal (in a uniqe way) with border crossing bikers / cardrivers. Maybe also possible, that the "security faction", which still is alive in PRC, stroke back; but that will not be sustainable, because China want to be a free and liberal country ("Democracy"), and will become in (much) less than 10 years - that's my good feeling. I had the opportunity to look into the Chinese Law about Entry and Exit the country, and there is not a single chapter, paragraph or rule about vehicles - such rules, if exist, are all beside and under the prior Entry/Exit law (custom-/security rules, etc.)! When you are inside China, it is very recommended, to come in contact with journalists and make some interviews with nice pictures (I had about 10 such interviews, also TV); they are very keen on foreign travellers this times, because this is new for China, and foreigners used to be only businessmen). And that newspaper articles with fotos of you and your bike are very helpful for communication with non english speaking natives and (maybe) some authorities. So try it out yourself with good trust in the future - it only can become better; good luck, Norbert Berentz (BMW R 80 GS) e-mail " nobtz@web.de " . |
Good luck, keep far away from the dezert, there are some forbidden zones. If you are stopped by the army, it will be a big trouble to a rider without guide.
[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 23 September 2005).] |
hi all
áfter reading the whole thread it seems we were very lucky in a way. Maybe the right theme for the topic would have been "Is China open?" Our excuses to all the lads ´n´ lasses we might have led astray. To go the way. We went. But if you don´t go you will never know. Keep the black part down Goetz ------------------ ïóòü = öåëü |
Hi, Im new to this forum, but im sure i will be around for a while longer
I am currently plannning a trip from southampton to hopefully, hong kong. So far there dosnt appear to be any major problems any of the countrys i wil be going too. however china seems to be very difficult. For starters i don not want or can afford a guide. so any news on the entering a bike to china, and has anybody managed it from the mongolian borders, as that is where i will be coming from. |
svenpwrenn,
Sorry, no advice - just to let you know that I'll be trying China in 2007. Probably from Mongolia but maybe Kazakstan. Like you I don't really want a guide if I can help it. So if all else fails I will just rock up at the border and wing with as much official paperwork as I can find. But in the mean time I have about 18 months to try to find the cheapest official way in. Watch this space. Mind you, I was intending to leave China and enter Vietnam. But it would seem that Vietnam is even harder than China to get into with a bike. Ultimately, if you don't ask, you don't get and anyway if they don't let us in we can always ship out of Ulaanbaatar. Hmmm... if no Vietnam, Laos or North Korea? |
Mmmm. yeah, that will be my last measure. if i cant get through with a bike. I will leave it behind or get it shipped out of uulam and carry on the rest of the way on foot/train. hitch hike etc... Lets keep each other updated on our progress. At the moment I have just contacted the Chinese embasy with all the details of my trip, see if i can get them on my side at all.
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Some expats in China claim that carrying a Carnet would allow to bring a bike into China. I think it's just a fantasy, but would be curious if anyone can confirm it.
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G'Day,
give me the details of one PRC bike owner sucessfully importing a bike or bringing a bike into China with a Carnet. now of many people who tried to enter PRC with Carnets, no one suceeded to my knowledge.... the only possible "cheap" way is bribing your way into PRC or smuggle the bike somehow. not encouraging the illegal ways at all and you could end up with serious other problems..... Seasons Greetings! Best Regards, Butchman |
Iv seen all your posts butchman, and I cant help but feel you are realy negative about this. You are not helping anyone, and all u seem to do is promot ur bike tours. why dont u try to keep a bit of a opened mind. I know getting into china is difficult, but nothing is impossible. some people have made it there, and I am currently in a ongoing discusion with the chinese embasy in england to try and get there help.
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Yeah mate I aggree with your comment, I have spoken with quite a few people that have manged to get into China and had no problems once in there, but I have only ever heard of bad rumours off bad things happening once you enter PRC, never a true 'bad' story, Butchman you never encourage anyone mate and try to spell out that it is impossible but people do it and have alot of fun at the same time.
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bike tours? sorry to dissapoint you but not involved in any commercial bike tour business. we are a group of bikers living and working in China (Shanghai), myself since 1989 in China. yes, keeping a very open mind and we arrange our own club tours in China among our Shanghai group of 15 bike owners. only posting the hard truth, you have to face the hard facts, its nearly impossible to enter China. nobody of our group has any interest to assist in any way with bike import into PRC. too much hassle and miles of "Red Tape in PRC" and we are all involved in different business (nothing bike / travel industry related). for your info, we had again a great last ride of the year (3 days) recently in Beijing with mates: http://tinyurl.com/9lcfx just sorting through pics of july 2005 Lanzhou --Lhasa-- Mt.Everest Base Camp (China) three week ride and will upload them in the future. good luck with your PRC Embassy negotiatons and our ways might cross in PRC one day.... its a small world.... Seasons Greetings! Best Regards, Seeya in the Pub or on the road.... Butchman |
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come over to China and enjoy the country.... thats what you want to hear? no worries! having a lot of fun in China? you bet... again no worries! once again met crazy dutch guy Sjaak in Beijing going around the world on his Yamaha R1, check: http://www.sjaaklucassen.nl and some detailed pics of his Yamaha while in Beijing: http://tinyurl.com/9lcfx you might be able to get a ride with world famous Helge Pedersen: http://www.globeriders.com during there tours in / out of PRC: http://www.globeriders.com/tours_mai...rs_gsr07.shtml http://www.globeriders.com/tours_mai...rs_gwt06.shtml Seasons Greetings! Best Regards, Seeya in the Pub or on the road.... Butchman [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 23 December 2005).] |
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Butch probably is negative & rightly so. Most = 99%? of people don't do it or get into China. It’s generally agreed that you can’t just enter as you please on your own. “We all” know that. But if you want to pay big bucks & sign up with a guide & tour group, then yes it is open. What would you prefer Butch to say? He simply states the facts, from experience. Agreed that there are individuals who have succeeded. But they would be the first to acknowledge that they were lucky & their success was probably a one-off at that particular border crossing. You can probably count the recent success stories on your 2 hands. Take the 30th November post by Goetz, the guy who originally started this particular thread “China is Open.” Even he now apologizes & says “after reading the whole thread it seems we were very lucky in a way. Maybe the right theme for the topic would have been "Is China open?" Our excuses to all the lads ´n´ lasses we might have led astray. “ So even good ol Goetz thinks that he may have lead some people up the garden path with his post. In matters like this then, where lots of time (=money) is involved it’s probably best to err on the conservative side & be negative. That way you won’t be disappointed if you fail. Should Butch go the other way & advise: “yep no worries mates” China is open. Its real easy now, just roll up at any remote border & you can sweet talk your way in with a little bit of patience & money.” If he offered advice like that he’d really make some enemies & be totally despised. But by being negative & realistic he’s doing everyone a good service with his advice. It’s funny how some people don’t want to take no for an answer & believe that the rules don’t apply to them, they know better than the locals as they are a (future) RTW rider. It would be good if svenpwrenn kept everyone informed of his success at the Chinese embassy in England & pending entry into China, after 20 days of ongoing discussion he must have just about cracked it now & he will only have positive news. Robborxv I reckon that the reason you don’t hear of too many true bad stories, only rumours, is that because most of them don’t want to talk about it. Butch keep giving out the advice as you see it mate! China is not open for every motorcyclist all the time at every border crossing. |
Well im affraid we will have to agree to disagree on this. I belive that with the right amount of time/effort/skilss anything is possible and no boredres are closed. I agree that it is difficult, and it is only fair that butchman should highlight the problems. however all he does is keep saying that it is impossible and nothing else. We have got the point now. so unless he has something else new to say that he shouldnt say anything. Even if only one person had made it into china that would have proved that it isnt imposible. The fact that a handfull have made it through, is very promising. I know he is a local of china, but china is a very big country and there are many locals out there. Having been to Hong - Kong, Macau and china Two years ago I know a large amount of locals. All of which understand the difficulties I will face but are still helping me. Sending letters in chinese to embasssys, explaining to me various regulations, and even giving me free hotel stays. So butchman, although ur expert knowledge is welcomed, unless you have anything new to say, then dont say it at all.
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regret to dissapoint you once again, I am not a LOCAL as in Chinese Citizen.... never been... never will be.... Happy New Year and all the best with your future PRC travel plans! Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on the road.... Butch ps; they had this TV program the other day.... the big police plan for 2006 is to get rid of all mopeds, scooter, bikes in Shanghai within the inner ring road! |
Just a couple of thoughts on this subject from someone who has riden through China on a bike...
We just rode through Western China (Xinjiang Province) from the Torugart Pass in Kyrgyzstan to the Khunjerab Pass in Pakistan. This was all done the "legal" way, with the Chinese driver's licence, Chinese registration and guide through a Chinese travel agency. These are the offical regulations for bringing a vehicle into China. One thing to keep in mind is this...China is a modern country, their customs posts are all computerized and they all know the rules regarding the importation of vehicles. Additionally, the parts of China that most people want to ride through, Xinjiang Province, Tibet, etc, are very sensitive areas and visitors to these areas are under even more scrutiny. Even if a handful of people have gotten their bikes into China, they are truly in the minority. Is it worth planning a big trip around something that has a small to non-existent chance of happening? And what will you do when China refuses entry for your vehicle from the country you came from...you have already been stamped out of that country...if you had a single entry visa, how will you get back in??? This could put you in a real tough situation and China may very well impound your vehicle until you get things sorted out. Of course, anything IS possible. People have won the lottery, been struck by lightning and lived, and gotten into China with their vehicle completely independently. Just don't count on it. Its all about odds... ------------------ Dave www.mototrekker.com |
I fully realise that China is a hard place to get into, however, I personally intend to head that way in 2007 and try my best to get in. Of course there is a pretty reasonable chance that I won't make pass the border post. Should that happen I will be shipping out of Ulaanbaatar. Good luck to everyone heading that way this year.
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In my opinion the small border passes is more useful. You have more chances to get in the China from Kazakhstan(Druzhba) or from Russia (Zabaikalsk) than from Mongolia (Zamyn Uud) or Kirgizstan (Torugart). The Customs officers in small border passes see very few foreign travellers and often do not know what to do. Smile on your face and a small souvenir will be very useful there.
Alex |
I'm thinking about trying it in 2007. I think with the Beijing Olympics coming up in 2008, China should open up.
------------------ Random attempts have been made at RTW on a '65 Ducati 250cc |
I'm trying this year too. Pakistan, Arunachal Pradesh (India) and Nepal will be tested.
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doubt very much that anything changes regarding bike travel because the 2008 Olmpics will be hostet in Beijing. they start to implement new rules and regulations to clean the air and stop pollution for the olympics.... watch this space for banning certain vehicles in the 2008 Olympic cities. Police push as moped owners to follow ban 2006-01-07 Shanghai Daily WITH gasoline-powered mopeds banned from driving on local roads since January 1, traffic police are urging the owners of about 20,000 of the vehicles in the city to discard them and swap their license plate for one they can use on an LPG-powered moped. Gasoline-powered mopeds were banned because they produce a large amount of pollution and there are environmentally friendly alternatives on the market. Police said the last batch of licensed gas mopeds in the city are due to be discarded as their eight-year service period has officially ended. Discarding the vehicles is mandatory. Owners can go the police station to exchange their license plate for an LPG license or choose to stop riding the fuel-power two-wheelers, police said. The deadline for swapping the licenses is February 10. Police are also giving up all of the gasoline-powered mopeds in their fleet, which have been in use for many years and are not in great shape. Those caught riding the vehicles face a fine of up to 50 yuan, and those that can not provide proof they own the vehicles will be detained by police, as many mopeds on the street are stolen, police said. *** sidenote: 1 US$ = 8.3 RMB *** ------------------ Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on the road somewhere..... BUTCH [This message has been edited by butchman (edited 17 January 2006).] |
butchman,
as foreigners willing to enter china the easiest and cheapest way for most of us (to avoid the guide and the 200 usd/day things, etc ...), we are looking for and sharing info to manage this way. your posts / point of view / mood as a citizen or expat. (whatever your nationality) can be different than the posts / point of view / mood of travellers, don t you think ? what we all wish is to enter china and share good info from the inside (people who live in china) or the outside (travelers who have been there). if you can help in this way, your help / local expertise whatever pessimistic, optimistic, straight, cool, would be very much appreciated ... cheers, |
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sorry to upset some people again... currently the only legal way is to go through official PRC government channels and pay the fees and obtain permission and neccessary documents (import permit, d-license, etc). all the other options are still illegal. sneaking a bike into PRC does not entitle you to drive in China since you need a Chinese driving license to drive a motorized vehicle. no overseas / foreign d-license accepted in China. without valid China d-license you are commiting a crime under PRC law. end of story! we face challenges as well with our big motorcycles in PRC like cities banning and outlawing motorcycles, 85+ cities banning motorcycles, streets in Shanghai / Beijing off limits for bikes (any size), no license plates / rego for bikes with a displacement larger then 250cc in certain cities, interprovince travel ban for motorbikes.... etc... etc... PRC = Peoples Republic of Changes is not motorbike friendly! keep that always in mind. Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on the road.... Butch |
Look butchman, You have posted again, the exactly same information that you have posted over and over again before! So unless you have anything new to post then just stop posting! you realy not helping anyone, ur just upseting them! or start a new post! but let people on this post display there ideas and sucess or disapointment, it is a game of trial and error and the more people try then the more lickly it is to become possible!
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sounds like you do not want to face the real hard facts.... and think you can change China's policy regarding border crossings and vehicle import with your one man crusade! you make me laugh very hard and loud! they http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/ should be able to shed some light on your questions regarding driving license and vehicle import. Best Regards, Seeya in the pub or on China's roads.... Butch |
OK guys,
Cool it with personal attacks! It seems some people have managed to get across the border and drive alone without any trouble in China. As pointed out, this does not make it "officially OK." Possible? Yes. A legal right? No. I am going to (try to) lock this topic to give everyone a chance too cool down. Start a new thread if you have any NEW information to ad. If you have information on "other-than-official" travel in China, please put a disclaimer in your post, so people will not get an idea that anyone can do this with no problem. Thank you, Your moderator |
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