Motorcycle
8-Day Northwest Yunnan Cross-Border Motorcycle Loop via Mohan
Mohan · Xishuangbanna · Dali · Shangri-La · Deqin · Lijiang · Mojiang · Mohan
- Mohanstart · border
- Jinghongday 1
- Daliday 2
- Shangri-Laday 3
- Feilai Templeday 4
- Lijiangdays 5–6
- Mojiangday 7tour ends day 8
Route map
Tap the map to open it full size.
Tour overview
This short cross-border motorcycle journey is designed for riders who want to experience the highlights of northwestern Yunnan within a limited time.
Enter China with your own motorcycle through the Mohan–Boten international border crossing from Laos. After completing immigration, customs and temporary vehicle procedures, begin the ride through tropical Xishuangbanna before heading north towards Dali.
From Dali, the route climbs into the mountains of northwestern Yunnan, reaching Shangri-La and continuing to Deqin, home to some of the best views of the Meili Snow Mountains.
The journey then turns south through the mountain roads of the Grand Shangri-La region towards Lijiang, where a full rest and exploration day is included.
The return route heads through central and southern Yunnan via Mojiang before arriving back at Mohan, where the motorcycles complete their temporary exit procedures before returning to Laos.
In just eight days, this itinerary combines tropical rainforest, alpine landscapes, Tibetan-influenced highlands, ancient towns and some of Yunnan’s most memorable motorcycle roads.
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 completed, enter China and ride through tropical Xishuangbanna to Jinghong.
2Jinghong → Dali
One of the longest riding days of the journey. Leave tropical Xishuangbanna and ride northwest across Yunnan as rainforest scenery gradually gives way to plateau landscapes and mountain country. An early departure is essential.
3Dali → Shangri-La
Leave Dali and ride north towards the higher elevations of northwestern Yunnan. Pass valleys, mountain scenery and minority communities before reaching Shangri-La in the evening.
4Shangri-La → Deqin / Feilai Temple
Continue along the G214 through high mountain valleys and the Baima Snow Mountain area towards Deqin. Stay near Feilai Temple, where weather conditions may allow spectacular views of the Meili Snow Mountains.
5Deqin → Lijiang
Leave the Meili Snow Mountains and ride south through the mountain landscapes of northwestern Yunnan. Pass through dramatic valleys and highland roads before returning to Lijiang.
6Lijiang – Rest & Exploration Day
Enjoy a full rest and exploration day in Lijiang. Visit Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe or take a short scenic ride in the surrounding area depending on weather and group preference. This is also an important day for motorcycle checks and recovery before the return ride.
7Lijiang → Mojiang
Ride south across central Yunnan, leaving the highlands of the northwest behind. The landscapes gradually change as the journey heads towards the warmer regions of southern Yunnan. Arrive in Mojiang, known for its Tropic of Cancer location and Hani cultural heritage.
8Mojiang → Mohan Border – Exit China
Continue south through tea-growing country and tropical landscapes towards Mohan. Complete the required motorcycle temporary-entry cancellation, customs exit procedures and immigration formalities before crossing the Mohan–Boten border and completing the journey.
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.
- Long Riding Days: Days 2, 7 and 8 involve substantial riding distances and require good motorcycle experience, physical endurance and time management.
- High-Altitude Riding: Shangri-La, Baima Snow Mountain and Deqin are located at significant altitude. Riders should monitor their physical condition carefully.
- Mountain Roads: The Dali–Shangri-La–Deqin–Lijiang sections cross winding mountain terrain with significant elevation changes. Weather, landslides and road works may affect travel time.
- Night Riding: Long-distance night riding is generally avoided, especially in the mountain regions of northwestern Yunnan.
- Lijiang Rest Day: Day 6 is an important recovery and experience day, improving both comfort and overall trip balance.
- 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 procedures, weather, road conditions and local traffic regulations may change. The tour leader may adjust daily routes 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, hotel accommodations, attraction entrance tickets.
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.