Renting a car is the best way to explore Sichuan beyond Chengdu, where mountain roads, minority villages and national parks sit far from the rail network. Rental cars are cheap to hire and the expressways are excellent, with smooth surfaces and clear signs. The single most important warning is that mainland China does not recognize an International Driving Permit for most nationalities, so a foreign visitor generally needs a valid Chinese driving license to drive legally. If you do not have one, sit in the passenger seat, hire a car with a driver, or stick to trains and organized tours, rather than risking a fine or worse.
Where and How to Rent
Major Chinese rental brands such as Shenzhou and eHi have desks at both airports and at downtown stores. Book online in advance, bring your passport, your Chinese driving license if you have one, and a credit card for the deposit. Cars are mostly automatic compacts and sedans, with a few SUVs for mountain trips. Check the bodywork for scratches and photograph them before you drive off, so you are not blamed for damage you did not cause. Return the car with a full tank, or the rental company charges a premium.
Rules of the Road
- Drive on the right. Speed limits on expressways are usually 100 to 120 km/h, lower in towns and near schools.
- Seat belts are compulsory for everyone, and drunk driving is punished severely with fines and license suspension.
- Many downtown zones and scenic spots have electronic tolls and parking fees; keep a small amount of cash.
- Traffic signs are in Chinese, so use a navigation app that works offline, such as a downloaded map.
- Honking is common and aggressive; stay calm, keep to your lane and do not retaliate.
Best Self-Drive Trips
A half-day loop to Dujiangyan and Qingchengshan, about an hour away, is the classic easy trip. A longer weekend run takes you through the mountains toward Emei Shan or the Bipenggou valley, where autumn colors are spectacular. Roads are well maintained but climb steeply, so avoid night driving in the mountains, when fog and stray animals are a real risk. Bring water, snacks and a fully charged phone, and tell someone your route if you go deep into the hills.
Fuel, Tolls and Parking
Fuel stations are everywhere and staff fill the tank for you. Expressway tolls are collected at gates, and many cars use an electronic tag, so keep cash for manual booths. Parking at scenic spots costs around 10 to 20 yuan a visit. Do not block local lanes, and never park on sidewalks overnight. In mountain tunnels, switch on lights and keep a safe distance.
License Reality Check
Do not assume an International Driving Permit alone is valid; in practice, foreign visitors without a Chinese license risk fines. A few rental firms hire cars with an included driver, which is the legal and safe compromise. Check that the rental insurance covers the mountain roads. Download a Chinese navigation app, since foreign maps work poorly for driving. Toll booths take cash, and credit cards are rarely accepted at fuel stations. Let someone know your route before long mountain drives.
Practical Information
- Requirements: passport, valid Chinese driving license, credit card for deposit; an International Driving Permit alone is usually not enough.
- Rental desks: at both Chengdu airports and downtown stores.
- Cost: about 150-300 yuan per day for a compact car plus tolls and fuel.
- Tips: Inspect and photograph the car. Use offline navigation. Do not drive at night on mountain roads.
