Motorcycle
14-Day Mohan & Yading Cross-Border Motorcycle Adventure
Mohan · Xishuangbanna · Dali · Lijiang · Meili Snow Mountains · Yading · Xinduqiao · Ya'an · Huize · Mojiang · Mohan
- Mohanstart · border
- Jinghongday 1
- Daliday 2
- Lijiangdays 3–4
- Feilai Templeday 5
- Shangri-La Town (Yading)days 6–7
- Xinduqiaoday 8
- Ya'anday 9
- Suijiangday 10
- Huizeday 11
- Mojiangday 12
- Mengladay 13tour ends day 14
Route map
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Tour overview
This cross-border motorcycle adventure combines the tropical landscapes of southern Yunnan with the legendary mountain roads of the Grand Shangri-La region and western Sichuan.
Enter China with your own motorcycle through the Mohan–Boten international border crossing from Laos. After completing immigration, customs and temporary motorcycle procedures, ride north through Xishuangbanna towards Dali and Lijiang.
From Lijiang, the journey climbs into the Hengduan Mountains, passing through Shangri-La before reaching Deqin and the spectacular Meili Snow Mountains.
The route then crosses into western Sichuan through deep river valleys and remote mountain country, eventually reaching Yading and its famous sacred peaks.
After a full sightseeing and recovery day in Yading, continue through Daocheng and Litang before joining the legendary G318 highway towards Xinduqiao, Kangding and Ya'an.
The return journey crosses southern Sichuan and northeastern Yunnan through Suijiang and Huize before turning south through Mojiang and Xishuangbanna.
The expedition finishes back at Mohan, where the motorcycles complete their temporary exit procedures before returning to Laos.
Day by day
1Mohan Border → Jinghong
Complete immigration, customs, temporary motorcycle entry, vehicle inspection, temporary registration, driving documentation and insurance procedures at the Mohan–Boten border. Once formalities are complete, enter China and ride through tropical Xishuangbanna to Jinghong.
2Jinghong → Dali
One of the longest riding days of the journey. Leave tropical Xishuangbanna and travel north across Yunnan, watching rainforest scenery gradually give way to highland mountains and valleys. An early departure is essential.
3Dali → Lijiang
Enjoy a relaxed riding day through the landscapes of northwestern Yunnan. Pass rural villages and mountain scenery before reaching Lijiang, with time to explore its historic old town and experience Naxi culture.
4Lijiang – Rest & Exploration Day
Enjoy a full day to rest and explore Lijiang. Visit Lijiang Old Town and Shuhe or take a short scenic ride into the surrounding countryside. It is also a useful day for motorcycle checks before entering higher mountain regions.
5Lijiang → Shangri-La → Deqin / Feilai Temple
Follow the G214 north into the greater Shangri-La region. Ride through high mountain valleys, Shangri-La, Benzilan and the Baima Snow Mountain area before reaching Deqin and the magnificent Meili Snow Mountains.
6Deqin → Derong → Xiangcheng → Shangri-La Town (Yading)
One of the most demanding yet rewarding riding days of the expedition. Leave the Meili Snow Mountains, cross deep river valleys into western Sichuan and ride through Derong and Xiangcheng before reaching Shangri-La Town, the gateway to Yading.
7Yading – Scenic Exploration Day
Leave the motorcycles behind for most of the day and explore Yading using the required scenic-area transport. Depending on local conditions, discover Chonggu Temple, Luorong Pasture and views of the three sacred peaks.
8Yading → Daocheng → Litang → Yajiang → Xinduqiao
Return through Daocheng and ride across the high landscapes of Haizi Mountain towards Litang. Join the famous G318 highway and continue through alpine grasslands, mountain passes and river valleys via Yajiang to Xinduqiao.
9Xinduqiao → Zheduo Pass → Kangding → Luding → Ya'an
Follow the G318 east and begin descending from the Tibetan highlands. Cross Zheduo Pass, ride through Kangding and the Dadu River valley and continue via Luding towards the greener landscapes around Ya'an.
10Ya'an → Leshan Area → Yibin Area → Suijiang
Begin the return journey towards Yunnan. Ride south through the edge of the Sichuan Basin and pass the Leshan and Yibin regions before reaching Suijiang beside the Jinsha River.
11Suijiang → Zhaotong Area → Huize
Cross back into Yunnan and ride south through the mountainous landscapes of northeastern Yunnan. Pass the Zhaotong region before arriving in the historic town of Huize.
12Huize → Central Yunnan → Mojiang
Continue south across central Yunnan towards the warmer landscapes of southern Yunnan. Pass the greater Kunming and Yuxi regions before reaching Mojiang, famous for the Tropic of Cancer and Hani culture.
13Mojiang → Pu'er → Xishuangbanna → Mengla
Ride south through Yunnan's famous tea-growing country. Tropical and subtropical vegetation gradually returns as the route passes through the Pu'er and Xishuangbanna regions before reaching Mengla for the final night in China.
14Mengla → Mohan Border – Exit China
Ride the final short stage to Mohan. Complete the required motorcycle temporary-entry cancellation, customs exit and immigration procedures before crossing the Mohan–Boten international border and completing the expedition.
Important tour information
- Cross-Border Motorcycle Entry: This itinerary is designed for riders temporarily bringing their own foreign-registered motorcycles into China. Rider and motorcycle documents must be reviewed before arrival.
- Mohan Border Formalities: Entry procedures may include immigration, temporary customs importation, vehicle inspection, temporary Chinese registration and permit, compulsory motor insurance and temporary Chinese driving documentation.
- Driving Requirements: Riders must meet the legal requirements applicable to motorcycle operation in China at the time of travel.
- Long Riding Days: Day 2 is an exceptionally long riding stage. Days 6, 8, 10 and 12 also involve substantial distances and require good riding experience and endurance.
- High-Altitude Riding: Deqin, Yading, Litang and Xinduqiao are located at significant altitude, so riders should monitor their physical condition carefully.
- Mountain Roads: Northwestern Yunnan and western Sichuan contain steep valleys, high mountain passes and winding roads. Weather, landslides and road works can affect travel times.
- Yading Scenic Area: Motorcycles cannot access all visitor areas inside Yading. Mandatory local shuttle or scenic-area transportation may be required.
- Night Riding: Long-distance night riding is generally avoided, particularly in the mountain sections around Deqin and Yading.
- Return Route: Huize–Mojiang–Mengla involves several consecutive long-distance stages. Final motorcycle routing should be reconfirmed before every departure.
- Motorcycle Preparation: Riders should service their motorcycles before entering China and carry essential tools, tyre-repair equipment and commonly required spare parts.
- Route Flexibility: Border operations, weather, road conditions and local traffic regulations may change. The tour leader may adjust daily routing or overnight stops when necessary while preserving the core experience.
Prices
Choose your motorcycle. Prices are per person.
Fixed group dates can have their own tour fee — see Group departures. What's included
Ways to ride this route
Join a group
Fixed dates, a tour leader up front and riders from around the region beside you.
Add to any trip
Ask for a quote
Ask for a quote
Ask for a quote
What's included
Included
all fees related to bringing vehicles into China, a support vehicle for the entire journey, services of a guide in Tibet, hotel accommodations, attraction entrance tickets, and the Tibet Travel Permit for foreign nationals.
Not included
meals, transportation costs in the event of vehicle breakdown, fuel expenses, or any other expenditures not explicitly mentioned under "included costs."
Questions riders ask
How to Join Our Boutique Group Trips
1.We regularly update our schedule with the latest travel dates for each year. You can browse our available itineraries, select the one that suits you best, and get in touch with us to sign up. Once your booking is confirmed, simply make your own way to our designated meeting point—we’ll take care of everything else.
2.For your trip, you'll need to prepare your own equipment, such as cycling gear and a helmet, for safe driving.
How to Customize Your Own Itinerary
1.If you have your own group and require a custom travel itinerary, please contact us to arrange a tailored service.
2.We offer a range of options, including support vehicles, photographers, maintenance technicians, motorcycle ride leaders, and translator-guides.
3.If you have specific itinerary requirements for entering China by private vehicle, we can also provide customized arrangements.
How do I apply for a temporary Chinese driver's license?
1. We require an image of your home-country driver’s license in order to translate it and prepare the necessary documentation.
2. Currently, this service is available in Kunming, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Urumqi.
3. Regarding vehicle pickup in Chengdu: due to recent policy adjustments, it is no longer possible to process temporary driver’s licenses there. You must obtain your temporary license elsewhere; therefore, we recommend securing it in advance before traveling to Chengdu to pick up your vehicle.
4.The process for obtaining a temporary driver's license typically takes about two hours to complete.
5.Service hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.