Car Rental in Lijiang

Question

Hi,

I will be coming for 5 days in mid-April. I am interested in renting a car for self driving for that entire period. I am a US citizen and will obtain a Chinese provisional DL when i arrive to China earlier that month.

The only thing i can find online for car rental is Zongbang Auto Rental and i can't seem to find a website for this company to make a reservation.

Has anyone used them or are there any suggestions of a good self drive car rental company in Lijiang? We will be flying in on April 16th.

Answer

Renting a car for self-driving in Lijiang is possible, but there are a few important points to note, especially for foreign visitors using a Chinese provisional driving license.

Regarding Zongbang Auto Rental, it seems that the company does not have a public online booking system, which makes it difficult to secure a car in advance without contacting them by phone or through a local agent. Many travelers have reported that smaller rental agencies in Lijiang operate primarily via walk-in or through hotel referrals.

Here are some practical options and suggestions for car rental in Lijiang:

Local rental agencies: Besides Zongbang, there are other local companies near Lijiang Airport and in Lijiang Old Town that offer short-term car rentals. Many of these can be contacted through your hotel concierge or via local travel agents.
Major Chinese car rental platforms: Platforms such as eHi (易到租车), CAR Inc (神州租车), or UCAR have offices in Lijiang. These companies usually require a Chinese driving license (or provisional if allowed) and a passport for identification.
Hotel-arranged rentals: Some hotels in Lijiang can arrange self-drive cars for guests, which is often more reliable for foreign visitors, as the hotel staff can guide you on necessary paperwork and insurance.

Tips for self-driving in Lijiang:

Ensure your provisional Chinese driving license is valid for the type of car you plan to drive.
Check with the rental company about insurance coverage, especially for mountainous roads near Lijiang, such as to Tiger Leaping Gorge or Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Book in advance if possible via a Chinese-speaking contact, because April can be a busy travel month and car availability may be limited.
If you prefer not to deal with paperwork or language barriers, consider hiring a car with a driver, which is a common and safe option for tourists exploring Yunnan.

In summary, while Zongbang Auto Rental exists, you may have better results using larger Chinese rental companies or arranging through your hotel. Always confirm that your provisional driving license is accepted and check the insurance coverage for your intended routes.

Car Rental in Lijiang

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