10 years experiences driving from UK overland to China – and back!
UK to China overland through Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan (alternative routes/ some travellers go through Turkey and the trans-Caspian route)
With 15 years sharing my experience organising the MotoExplorers China Expeditions; I’ve built excellent relationships with Chinese and local partners. Our Chinese travel partners are familiar with all of the correct procedures and are well connected with additional ‘local contacts’, in all provinces, including the western Xinjiang province, which is the best border for western travellers to enter China from.
Riding motorcycles & vehicles overland to China
I am often asked if it is possible to take motorcycles across the border into China, or is it possible to put the bike on a truck and then start riding once you’ve crossed into China? Whilst freedom to ride around the World is something as motorcyclists and overlanders we all dream of, many Countries including China have their own unique rules and laws to govern how we must comply to cross their borders with our foreign owned vehicles and motorcycles.
Vast array of motorbikes and riders on the Silk Road
China is amongst the strictest Countries when it comes to access for foreign registered motorcycles. Once you’ve passed their frontier and started riding inland, you’ll soon be travelling un-hindered, like a local! Chinese motoring comes in all shapes and sizes! generally there’s not a lot of respect to western style codes of the highway!
The best approach is to ride like a local and focus on making progress with the natural flow of traffic. Although at time it might not be apparent, they do have traffic rules and a highway code in China! Even odd English road signs!
Travelling overland through you will experience almost every type of creative traffic motion you’ve ever experienced, including some strange luggage carrying techniques!
Riding & driving UK to China – supported overland expeditions
Scouting, exploring, inspiring and sharing – overland China
We support the true spirit of adventure motorcycling. Ride freely at your own pace, paying fair local prices, enjoy the support of a ride team & professional, experienced local guides and fixers, without over pampering, or over-charging!
We first rode overland Asia in 2009, with 12 motorcycles, to scout out the MotoExplorers Silk Road expeditions, riding across Country, by the Great Wall to Beijing, West to Eastern China. There has always been a lengthy process to follow, which does tend to fluctuate year to year, just to add to the challenges! The bottom line is; to ride foreign registered motorcycles in China, you need to co-work your travel plans with local licensed Chinese travel agents, fixers and government approved tour operators who hold the correct licenses, qualifications and motorcycle expedition operators license and most importantly, are highly experienced overland motorcycle riders themselves.
About Motoexplorer Steve Hotson
How to bring foreign registered bikes and vehicles into China
