Private driver in China

Hi there, I’m planning a 3-week trip to China next summer with my husband and our three kids (ages 2, 5, and 7). I haven’t booked the long-haul flight yet (likely arriving in Beijing or Shanghai), but the plan is to then take a domestic flight to Chengdu or even Yibin to spend 13–15 days in Sichuan. My itinerary isn’t set in stone, but I’m thinking Yibin, Leishan, Emei, Bifenxia, Tagong, Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, and back to Chengdu. We usually travel with a rental car and my husband drives, but that’s not an option in China. I’m not ruling out the train for some routes (like Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou), but with kids and luggage, I think the easiest option is to hire a car with a driver, even for 3–4-hour trips. I’ll book all my hotels in advance. Can I rely on the hotel to arrange this kind of service: departure from Yibin, visit Leishan (with a few hours’ wait), then drive to Emei? That would mean a full-day service with a different drop-off point than the pick-up, and leaving luggage in the car during visits. If so, what should I expect in terms of prices? Or should I book all the transfers through an agency? The prices seem really high that way. Thanks for your input! My main question is about transport, but any feedback on my itinerary is also welcome.

Hi there,

Back when I traveled to Sichuan 20 years ago, it was relatively easy to organize this kind of excursion through the guesthouse and using public transport. Nowadays, I’m not so sure. And since a stay in China doesn’t really leave room for improvising on the spot, I think the car + driver option is the best choice, especially with 3 kids. Otherwise, you can always book a taxi for the day through your hotel. We’re heading back to China (Gansu and Zhangjiajie) and will be exploring Gansu by car. Try checking with an agency like Ciel Yunnan. They can provide just the car without accommodations.

Thanks for your replies. My question is about transportation, but any feedback on my itinerary is also welcome.

You're welcome...[;]

Since it’s now possible to travel from Belgium to China without a visa, I’m thinking of going for two weeks at the start of the year.

I’m really excited to explore the factories and get a feel for daily life there.

I’ll keep you posted! !

Hi there, Did you end up going to China after all? How did it go? Have a great day