Today, I’ve compiled a list of those向往的自驾出游城市 (coveted cities for road trips) to help give your travel plan submissions a boost.
Shangri-La – suitable vehicle: spacious multi-purpose vehicles. Known as a heavenly place, Shangri-La boasts snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and Lugu Lake. Most importantly, it offers that feeling of being cut off from the rest of the world. As you drive along, you can stop anytime, because everywhere is a view. It’s best to find a vehicle suitable for camping, bring plenty of supplies, and then stop at every spot that captures your heart, quietly enjoying the sense of isolation.
Inner Mongolia Grasslands – suitable vehicle: SUVs with some off-road capability and suitable for highway driving, preferably with a sunroof. When it comes to road trips, you can’t not mention places like the grasslands. Galloping on horseback is the first image that comes to mind, but these days, driving a car is also a great option. Like a modern-day nomad, pack your food, drinks, clothes, and essentials, and hit the road.
Fuchun River – suitable vehicle: cars with a wide field of vision. Most people’s experience of visiting the Fuchun River probably involves drifting down the river on a bamboo raft. But actually, driving along the Fuchun River and taking in the scenery is absolutely delightful. Amidst a sea of green trees, the river frequently comes into view. With the landscape blending into one, roll down the windows and enjoy the natural oxygen bar filled with negative ions. The small pavilions that appear along the way offer perfect spots to stop and step out of the car.
Hainan Island – suitable vehicle: convertible sports cars. Hainan is truly one of the best places in China for a driving vacation. The island’s eastern and western expressways connect all its scenic spots in one seamless drive. The entire toll-free expressway is the perfect place to indulge your love of driving, and the tropical seaside vibe you’ll encounter around every corner adds unexpected surprises to your carefree road trip. Of course, if you’re confident in your driving skills, Hainan is also an ideal place for speeding. The excellent road conditions will definitely let you have a blast.
Jiangnan Towns – suitable vehicle: nimble compact cars. Places like Shaoxing, Zhouzhuang, and Zhujiajiao—all water towns—often make us think of traveling by wooden boat, gliding silently through the canals and soaking in the unique charm of the Jiangnan region. But in places like Shaoxing, where driving is possible, hopping into a small car and weaving through the alleys is also a joy. Want tea? Just pull over. See some street snacks? Pop them into the car and enjoy them to your heart’s content. History comes alive outside your window. It’s even better with some of today’s trendiest music playing—a blend of old and new, offering a uniquely delightful experience.
Tibet – suitable vehicle: rugged, easy-to-repair off-road vehicles. Traveling to Tibet is undoubtedly tough, and driving there is even more challenging—but absolutely worth it. The unique landscapes of the snowy plateau and the mysterious scenery of the Roof of the World—if you just breeze through, you’ll regret such a careless visit. Drive yourself, seek out a demanding journey, and experience the joy and happiness that come after the hardships. Visit sacred lakes, gaze upon holy mountains. Even if you see nothing at all, just stopping and going along Tibet’s barren and seemingly endless roads can leave you feeling like your soul has been completely cleansed.
Hexi Corridor – suitable vehicle: off-road jeeps. The Hexi Corridor is an important ancient transportation hub in western China. Even today, this vital route remains as awe-inspiring as ever. Along the way, you’ll find both the vast natural beauty of deserts and Gobi landscapes as well as historical and cultural sites. Simply flying from one attraction to another would be a waste of such a magnificent expanse of Gobi. Only by driving through it can you truly appreciate the grandeur of this corridor.
With so many amazing cities, has anyone been to any of them? Or is there somewhere you’ve been dreaming of going? Quickly pick your favorite destination and submit your travel plan. A smooth trip and even the championship prize could be yours. With a great mood, let’s hit the road.