Car Rental in China
AnyRentCars is an information partner of Localrent. The entire process of searching, booking, and prepaying is handled via the secure Localrent system. This guarantees you direct prices from local car rental companies and official service support throughout your rental period.
Money-saving tip: Car delivery to smaller towns may incur extra fees. Choose pickup at airports or major cities to avoid unnecessary logistics costs.
Discover China and the surrounding regions by road
China offers vast and diverse landscapes. Drive toward the historic Great Wall near Beijing. Explore the ancient history of Xi'an. Visit the scenic Li River in Guilin. A rental car allows for spontaneous stops. You can explore remote tea plantations in Yunnan. Reach the coastal beauty of Hainan island. Navigate the neon streets of Shanghai easily. Avoid strict bus schedules and crowded trains. See hidden mountain villages in Sichuan. Travel through rice terraces at your leisure. Discover the quiet charm of old water towns. A car makes long-distance travel much more personal.
Selecting the right vehicle for your China trip
The right vehicle changes your travel experience. Select a model based on your specific route.
- Compact cars and hatchbacks: These are great for crowded cities. They offer high fuel efficiency. Maneuvering through narrow alleys becomes very easy. They are ideal for solo travelers.
- Sedans and family cars: Choose these for long-distance highway travel. They provide a smooth and quiet ride. There is plenty of room for heavy luggage. Ideal for group trips across provinces.
- Crossovers and SUVs: These are best for rugged terrain. Use them for mountain treks or rural roads. They offer extra safety and better visibility. Perfect for exploring the highlands.
Benefits of booking your China rental with us
We prioritize your convenience and ease. Our system ensures a smooth rental process.
- Transparent pricing: See the total cost immediately. We never add hidden charges later. No surprises at the rental desk.
- Flexible deposit options: We offer low deposit requirements. Cash deposit alternatives are also available. This helps manage your travel budget.
- Free cancellation: Stay flexible with your travel dates. Cancel for free before the rental starts. Planning your trip becomes much easier.
- Convenient local delivery: We deliver the car to your location. Find us in major cities or nearby areas. We bring the vehicle to your hotel.
Rental Requirements & General Terms
Driver's License
Valid national license required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended or mandatory for non-residents in most countries.
Minimum Age
Usually 21+ years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a "young driver fee" depending on the local rental policy and car category.
Security Deposit
A valid credit card (Visa/Mastercard) in the main driver's name is required for a refundable security deposit upon car collection.
Insurance (CDW)
Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are typically included in the price with a standard deductible (excess).
Car Availability
Maximum availability, standard baseline prices.
Rare vehicle classes (convertibles, minivans) are running low.
Economy class is almost completely sold out.
Only luxury SUVs or premium segment vehicles remain.
Booking Service Recommendation:
To lock in the best rate and guarantee the availability of your preferred vehicle class, we highly recommend booking in advance. Free cancellation is available for most offers.
Weather and driving conditions in China
Car selection recommendation:
Driving in China involves diverse climates, ranging from snowy northern mountains to humid southern monsoons. For maximum safety and comfort across these varied terrains, we recommend booking an SUV.
Best periods to book a car in China
The chart shows how rental prices in China change throughout the year relative to the base rate (100%). Book early to lock in the best prices.
July and August are the peak months with the highest demand. For the best deals, consider visiting in November or December. Early booking guarantees the base price.
Driving Rules and Specifics in China (China)
| Speed limits | Urban — 50 km/h, Open roads — 80 km/h, Motorways — 120 km/h. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol limit | 0.02% BAC (Extremely strict enforcement). |
| Driving side | Right-hand traffic |
| Headlights | Required at night and in tunnels. |
| Mobile phone use | Hands-free only. |
| Seat belts | Mandatory for all passengers. |
| Child seats | Required for children under 12 or 1.35m. |
| Toll roads | Extensive electronic toll network. |
What tourists need to know before driving in China
- Drunk driving — extremely severe penalties, including detention.
- Speeding.
- Driving without a Chinese license (IDPs are not valid).
- High-tech traffic cameras provide automatic AI enforcement.
- Heavy reliance on local navigation apps like Baidu Maps or Amap.
- Strict lane discipline in major metropolitan areas.
Emergency services in China (China)
Popular Cities in China
Direct car rental locations in major cities
Answers to your questions about China
Did not find the answer? Contact our 24/7 support team.
Car rental in China allows you to select a vehicle, choose rental dates, and define pickup and drop-off locations. After booking online, the car is collected from the selected location under the rental provider’s terms and conditions. The rental agreement outlines usage rules, mileage limits, and responsibilities during the rental period.
To rent a car, drivers usually need a valid driving license, a passport or government-issued ID, and a payment card. Some rental providers may require an international driving permit or apply minimum age and driving experience rules.
Yes, airport pickup is available in many locations in China. Rental desks may be located inside the terminal or nearby, with shuttle service provided by the rental company if needed.
Car rental services typically offer economy cars, compact models, sedans, SUVs, vans, and premium vehicles. The available car categories depend on location, demand, and the rental provider’s fleet at the time of booking.
Basic insurance coverage is usually included with car rental bookings, depending on the provider and location. Insurance terms, coverage limits, and optional protection packages are displayed before confirming the reservation.
Most car rental bookings allow cancellation or modification before pickup, subject to the provider’s policy. The exact conditions, deadlines, and possible restrictions are shown during the booking process.
In most cases, a credit or debit card is required to complete a car rental booking and collect the vehicle.
Additional drivers may be allowed if they meet the rental requirements and are added to the booking agreement.
Mileage policies depend on the rental provider. Some rentals include unlimited mileage, while others apply distance limits.