The selection event began on June 6, 2012, inviting recommendations for routes from tourism bureaus across the country, car clubs, and self-drive enthusiasts. After expert panel evaluations and voting, 66 shortlisted routes were officially announced at the Shanghai Anting Auto Exhibition Center on September 29, 2012. At the same time, the official website of the 2012 China Self-Drive Route Selection (www.ijia360.com/36roads) was launched. Following more than two months of online voting, by December 31, 2012, we received over a million votes from auto enthusiasts nationwide. Based on the results, the final top 20 short routes, 10 medium routes, and 6 long routes were selected as the Best 36 Self-Drive Routes of 2012. They are:
Short Routes:
Beijing, Changbai Mountain, Chengdu, Dalian, Jiangnan Ancient Towns (Wuzhen), Huangshan, Hangzhou, Jingdezhen, Longyou, Nanjing, Putuo Mountain, Qufu, Qiandao Lake, Shanghai, Shaoxing, Suzhou, Taishun, Wuyishan, Yangzhou, Yangcheng Lake
Medium Routes:
Anhui, Henan, Fujian, Guangdong, Shandong, Hunan, Guangxi, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sichuan
Long Routes:
Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Southeast Guizhou, Gansu, Yunnan
From the voting results of the most popular short, medium, and long routes, it can be seen that short routes emphasize different “themed travel.” Themed travel is a relatively new travel concept in recent years, referring to an in-depth exploration and experience of a specific topic or destination, offering a unique travel experience. Medium routes place more emphasis on “cultural travel.” Cultural travel refers to trips aimed at experiencing local traditional culture, following the footsteps of cultural figures, or participating in local cultural activities. Seeking cultural enrichment has become a trend among today’s travelers. As for long routes, people tend to prefer “route-based travel.” The earliest form of “route culture” originated in the United States. The famous Route 66 represents the American ideals of dreams, freedom, and exploration. Nothing is more thrilling than driving along the road, truly feeling the dreams that rush toward you and the bold spirit of freedom.
The final selected routes will be permanently featured on Aijia.com (www.ijia360.com), and the 36 winning routes will be compiled into the 2013 edition of 《36 Must-Drive Routes for Every Auto Enthusiast》, which will be released nationwide on March 6, 2013.
Aijia Media has always been dedicated to promoting car life and car culture. The “China Self-Drive Route Selection” uses recommendations and votes from netizens and experts as the judging criteria, and invites the Tourism Planning and Development Research Center of East China Normal University as its academic advisor. The event will be held annually to provide the latest information and recommendations for auto enthusiasts.
Special thanks to the following partners for this event
Strategic Partners:
Navigation Dog (Chief Mobile Navigation), Zailushang (Chief Travel Sharing), Seesaa Photo (Chief Imaging Support), Tencent Weibo (Chief Weibo Platform), Tencent Video (Chief Video Platform), Tencent Auto (Chief Auto Media), Travel World (Chief Travel Magazine), Auto Expo (Chief Auto Magazine), China Outdoor Media Network (Outdoor Media Platform), CAS Tuning Car Show (Tuning and Self-Drive Platform)
In-depth Media Partners:
Travel Media: Travel Times, China City Travel, Auto Self-Drive Travel, Ctrip Free Travel, Travel Intelligence, China Ancient Towns Network, Expert Traveler, Car Journey, Harmonious Journey, Photography Travel, Shanghai Weekly
Auto Media: Sedan Intelligence, NetEase Auto, Phoenix Network, iCar Auto, Dynamic Drive, Auto News Network, Sohu Auto, Elite Car Owners
Supporting Organizations:
China Auto Consumption Network, China Gold Online, Electric Vehicle Era Network, CheWen Network, Global Auto Network, CheYi’an, Car Fans Home, Auto Evaluation Network, Gasgoo Auto Network, Youche Network, Greenfield Outdoor Network, Car Tour Hub, Soufang Network, China Daily Network, AsiaInfo Auto Network, China Buy Car Network, Auto World Network, Auto Times Network, Urban Auto Network, China Used Car City, United Off-Road, DiZu Auto Network, Aiche Network, Shanghai Auto Network...
Special Support: China Self-Drive Travel Mainstream Media Alliance