Driving a car allows you to go wherever you want and stop whenever you like — it’s the most carefree and liberating way to travel. Especially in a vast country like China, traveling by car lets you reach hidden gems that tour groups can’t access, and explore borderland charm and unique ethnic minority cultures. Overcoming the challenges of renting a car and obtaining a driver’s license in China, Austrian Peter Schindler founded the self-drive tour company 〈On the Road in China〉 in Hong Kong. In addition to arranging car rentals and hotel bookings, the company offers itinerary planning, lead vehicles, and accompanying drivers. Products already available in the Taiwan market include multiple tour options of varying lengths, among which the 7-day 〈Exploring Yunnan’s Mountain Kingdoms〉 itinerary lets you fully experience the joy of self-driving.
From today’s perspective, first-time visitors to Shaxi Town in Yunnan might be struck by its seemingly remote and rustic appearance. Yet, this place was once a thriving trade hub along the ancient Tea Horse Road, and is often referred to as “China’s Second Zhouzhuang” due to its cultural heritage featuring “1 river, 2 streets, 3 bridges, and 8 scenic spots.”
This ancient town, having endured millennia of history through growth, prosperity, and decline, has preserved a wealth of cultural treasures well worth exploring and savoring.
Located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Yunnan (at the border of Lijiang County and Shangri-La County), Tiger Leaping Gorge boasts the title of China’s deepest canyon and is known as “the world’s most perilous gorge.” Its awe-inspiring natural wonders — roaring rapids, clouds of spray, thunderous waves, and sky-piercing peaks — are truly breathtaking and deserve to be experienced firsthand.
However, due to limited transportation options, many tour groups visiting Yunnan do not include stops at Shaxi or Tiger Leaping Gorge. Even when they do, visits are often brief and superficial, making it hard to fully appreciate their richness. That’s where the “Self-Drive China” itineraries come in, offering the freedom to explore China’s borderlands and catering to the adventurous spirit of self-drive travelers.
Headquartered in Hong Kong, 〈On the Road in China〉 is a professional travel consultancy specializing in self-drive tours to China’s border regions. In addition to helping travelers obtain temporary Chinese driver’s licenses, the company partners with China Avis to provide Toyota 4WD SUVs for self-drive adventures. Taiwanese participants on the 7-day 〈Exploring Yunnan’s Mountain Kingdoms〉 tour can drive to the ancient town of Shaxi to explore its historic civilization or visit the most spectacular viewpoints in Tiger Leaping Gorge to admire its grandeur.
〈On the Road in China〉 prides itself on carefully planned itineraries, with each vehicle equipped with pre-set satellite navigation systems. The service includes assistance with obtaining temporary licenses, car rental, maintenance, and insurance. Throughout the trip, a fully equipped lead vehicle accompanies the group, staffed by 〈On the Road in China〉’s professional guides, licensed Chinese tour guides, and local experienced drivers, ready to assist travelers at any time. Each vehicle is also equipped with a two-way radio.
The 〈Exploring Yunnan’s Mountain Kingdoms〉 self-drive tour begins in Kunming. Taiwanese travelers must arrange their own round-trip flights between Taiwan and mainland China. Other costs covered in the tour package include airport transfers in mainland China, domestic flights between Kunming and Lijiang, accommodation, meals, fuel and toll fees for the self-drive vehicle, and travel insurance.
The 7-day 〈Exploring Yunnan’s Mountain Kingdoms〉 self-drive tour highlights include: 1. Exploring markets near Dali Ancient Town or relaxing at the Xilin Estate by Erhai Lake in Xizhou; 2. Visiting the well-preserved town of Shaxi; 3. Driving alongside the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and marveling at the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge, carved by the roaring river through thousands of meters of cliffs; 4. Traveling to Songzan Tacheng near Hadavillage; 5. Experiencing the unique charm of Shangri-La in Yunnan; 6. Strolling through Lijiang Ancient Town and immersing yourself in the culture of the Naxi people.
When self-driving in Yunnan, it’s important to consider the risk of altitude sickness, as some areas are above 2,400 meters. Due to individual differences in health, 〈On the Road in China〉 advises travelers to assess their physical condition, consult with their doctor, and share itinerary details, altitude levels, and overnight elevations with their physician.
INDEX
●On the Road in China
Website: www.ontheroadinchina.com