FAQ
Question list
Xinjiang Car Rental & Charter · Answers to common questions on tickets, entry, refunds and transport
All 53
Fees 9
Booking 5
Documents 5
Transport 5
Routes 5
Refunds & Changes 4
General 3
Preparation 3
Experience 3
Safety 3
Orders 2
Altitude 2
Other 2
Border pass 1
Insurance 1
How do I book a rental car or a charter? Booking
Choose a vehicle and your travel dates on the "Vehicles" page, enter your pick-up point and contact details, and submit. Our team will confirm the vehicle, itinerary and quote with you, then you pay online once confirmed.
What is the difference between a charter and a rental? General
A charter includes both the vehicle and a driver, is priced by the number of days, and suits travellers who prefer not to drive themselves. A rental is self-drive, requires a valid driving licence held by the renter, and is likewise priced by the day. The exact vehicle and whether a driver is included are stated on each product page.
What documents do I need? Documents
For a self-drive rental you need your own valid driving licence and ID card; some vehicles require at least one year of driving experience. A charter needs no licence — ID cards for the passengers are enough.
How is the price calculated? Fees
Pricing is by vehicle type and number of days. Whether fuel, tolls and the driver's meal allowance are included varies by route and product — please refer to the description on the relevant product page.
Can I pick up or return the car in a different city? Transport
It depends on the route and vehicle. Arrangements can usually be made for major cities such as Urumqi, Ili and Kashgar; returning to a different city may incur a vehicle relocation fee.
How do I check my order? Orders
Click "Order Lookup" at the top of the page, then enter the phone number and ID number you used when booking to see your order status and details.
Can I cancel or get a refund? Refunds & Changes
You may apply to cancel up to a certain time before your travel date; cancelling closer to the date incurs a partial charge under our rules. The exact cancellation terms are stated on the relevant product page.
Which driving routes do you recommend? Routes
Popular options include Northern Xinjiang (Ili, Kanas), Southern Xinjiang (Kashgar, Pamir Plateau) and the Duku Highway. See the "Vehicles" and "Travel Guides" pages for details.
How far in advance should I book? Booking
In the off-season, we recommend booking at least 3 days in advance. The grassland season from July to August and the period around National Day are peak seasons, so we recommend booking 1–2 weeks in advance. Chartered car products with a driver especially need to be booked early so that drivers and vehicles can be arranged. For last-minute car use, you can directly contact customer service to confirm same-day vehicle availability.
How long after placing an order is it confirmed? Booking
After submitting the order, customer service will confirm the vehicle, itinerary and final quote with you during business hours. The order is considered established once online payment is completed. If you need to adjust the itinerary or vehicle type, please contact customer service before pickup; the earlier you adjust, the easier it is to arrange.
Can I consult before placing an order? Booking
Yes. If you are unsure whether the vehicle type, number of days or route is suitable, you can first consult via the contact information on the page. Customer service will suggest a vehicle type based on the number of people, luggage volume and itinerary intensity, and you can place an order and pay after confirmation.
How long before an unpaid order is canceled? Booking
The system sets a payment time limit for unpaid orders; if payment is not made within the time limit, the order will be automatically canceled to release the vehicle to other travelers. If you need to delay payment for special reasons, please contact customer service in advance to explain.
What documents are needed for self-drive car rental? Documents
A valid second-generation ID card and a valid driver's license (C1 or above) of the person picking up the car are required. The documents must be within their validity period and match the person who placed the order. Some vehicle types require at least one year of driving experience; see the product page for details.
Can overseas tourists drive themselves? Documents
China does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) for use on its own. Overseas tourists usually need to hold a valid driver's license from their home country and obtain a temporary driving permit from the local traffic management department before they can legally drive. If it is inconvenient to obtain one, we recommend choosing a chartered car product with a driver, as no driver's license is required to ride.
Do I need to provide documents for a chartered car? Documents
A driver's license is not required for a chartered car, but according to road passenger transport and accommodation registration requirements, passenger ID information is usually required. Overseas tourists please provide passport information to facilitate inspections at checkpoints along the way and accommodation registration.
Must the person picking up the car be the same as the person who placed the order? Documents
In principle, yes. If someone else must pick up the car on your behalf, please contact customer service in advance to explain. The substitute must bring their own valid ID card and original driver's license and meet the driving experience requirements for that vehicle type; otherwise, the store has the right to refuse to hand over the car.
How is the rental fee calculated? Fees
It is calculated as 'number of rental days × daily rental rate for that vehicle type'. The number of days between the pickup date and the return date is the billable days. For example, pickup on October 1 and return on October 4 counts as 3 days. After selecting dates on the product page, the number of days and total rental fee will be displayed in real time.
Does the deposit need to be paid online? Fees
No. The deposit is collected by the store at pickup and refunded after the return inspection confirms no damage and no unresolved traffic violations. It is not included in the online payment amount. Only the rental fee is paid online.
How much is the deposit? Fees
For self-drive vehicle types, the deposit is charged by vehicle type: sedan 3000 yuan, 7-seat SUV 4000 yuan, off-road SUV 5000 yuan. Chartered car products with a driver do not require a vehicle deposit. The deposit amount is indicated on each product page, and the page shall prevail.
When is the deposit refunded? Fees
The refund can be processed after the return inspection confirms no new damage, fuel level meets the agreement, and no unresolved traffic violations. The arrival time depends on the payment method: cash or bank transfer is usually same-day; credit card pre-authorization release generally takes several business days.
Who bears the fuel cost? Fees
For self-drive vehicle types, the renter bears the fuel cost, and the fuel level at return should be the same as at pickup. For chartered car products with a driver, fuel is generally included in the daily rental rate, but there is usually an agreed daily mileage limit (e.g., 300 km), and excess mileage is charged per kilometer.
How are tolls and parking fees calculated? Fees
For self-drive vehicle types, tolls and parking fees are borne by the renter. For chartered car products with a driver, tolls and parking fees are generally not included and must be borne by the user. Please refer to the 'included / not included' list on each product page.
Is there an overtime fee? Fees
Yes. If the agreed return time is exceeded, an overtime fee is charged per hour. The standard varies by vehicle type (about 50–150 yuan/hour), and there is usually a 60-minute grace period. If your itinerary may be delayed, please contact the store in advance to avoid extra charges.
Can I get an invoice? Fees
Yes. After placing an order, contact customer service and provide invoicing information (company name, tax ID, etc.). The invoice will be issued for the actual amount paid. Please confirm the invoice type and delivery method with customer service.
Can I pick up the car at the airport? Transport
Pickup can be arranged at Urumqi Diwopu Airport. We recommend filling in your flight number in the order remarks; the store will prepare the vehicle according to the landing time. After landing, contact the store contact person and proceed to the designated location for handover as instructed.
Can I return the car at a different location? Transport
It depends on the route and vehicle type. Arrangements can generally be negotiated between major cities such as Urumqi, Ili and Kashgar. Returning at a different location may incur a vehicle dispatch fee, and the specific amount needs to be confirmed after calculating based on the itinerary.
Where is the pickup point? Transport
Currently, pickup is mainly in Urumqi, and can be arranged at the airport or a city store. If you start your trip from another city, please contact customer service in advance to confirm the available local pickup methods.
What if the flight is delayed? Transport
Please contact the store or customer service as soon as possible to inform them of the delay. The store will adjust the handover arrangement according to the new landing time. Changes in pickup time due to flight delays usually do not incur additional charges, but may affect the day's itinerary; please communicate in advance.
How many days does the North Xinjiang loop generally take? Routes
The classic North Xinjiang loop (Urumqi–Sayram Lake–Ili–Nalati–Bayinbuluke, or continuing to Kanas) usually takes 7–10 days. If you only travel the Ili route, it can be completed in 5–6 days. We recommend limiting driving to 300–500 km per day.
How to arrange the South Xinjiang route? Routes
A common route is Urumqi–Korla–Kuqa–Aksu–Kashgar, then using Kashgar as a base to visit the Pamir Plateau and Tashkurgan. The whole trip usually takes 8–12 days, depending on whether you extend toward Hotan.
When can the Duku Highway be traveled? Routes
The Duku Highway crosses the Tianshan Mountains and, due to winter snow, is usually open only from around June to October each year. The specific opening and closing dates vary each year. Before traveling, please check the current year's traffic notices from the local transportation department; navigation showing it as passable does not mean it is actually open.
How many kilometers per day is appropriate? Routes
We recommend 300–500 km per day and 4–6 hours of driving, leaving time for sightseeing and rest. Distances between attractions in Xinjiang are long; an overly packed schedule can easily lead to fatigue driving and also compress sightseeing time.
What should I pay attention to when going to the Pamir Plateau? Altitude
Along the China-Pakistan Highway toward Tashkurgan, the altitude rises rapidly, with several viewpoints at 3000–4000 meters, and Tashkurgan town at about 3200 meters. The night before going to the plateau, ensure adequate sleep and avoid alcohol, and do not schedule the itinerary too tightly. If obvious headache, nausea or chest tightness occurs, descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention.
Do I need a border permit to go to Tashkurgan? Border pass
Travel to border management areas such as Tashkurgan usually requires a Border Management Area Permit (border permit). It can be obtained at your place of household registration or locally in Kashgar, generally requiring an ID card; overseas tourists also need to provide passports and other materials according to the regulations at the time. Policies may change; please confirm the latest requirements with the local public security or travel agency before traveling.
Is the plateau route suitable for self-driving? Altitude
The plateau road sections have high altitude and changeable weather, requiring high driving experience and physical condition. If you have no plateau driving experience, we recommend choosing a chartered car with a driver; a driver familiar with the road conditions is safer and better able to handle emergencies.
Is the temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang large? How should I dress? Preparation
The temperature difference is large; you may experience both short sleeves and a jacket on the same day. We recommend layering: quick-dry inner layer, fleece or thin down middle layer, windproof outer layer. Even in summer, bring a long-sleeved jacket and long pants; for the plateau, bring an extra thick coat.
Which months are best for visiting Xinjiang? Preparation
June to October is the best travel season. From June to August, grasslands and lakes are at their best; from September to October, North Xinjiang enters the autumn color season. In April and May, Ili has apricot blossoms and wildflowers; winter is mainly for ice and snow landscapes.
Do I need to prepare my own navigation? Preparation
We recommend installing an offline map on your phone and downloading the Xinjiang region in advance, as signals are weak in some desert and mountainous areas. For self-driving, you can use the in-car navigation together with your phone, and confirm the day's route and gas station locations before departure.
Are there child safety seats in the car? Experience
Child safety seats require advance notice, and we will try our best to coordinate. Due to limited vehicle types and inventory, please specify the child's age and number of children in the order remarks so the store can prepare in advance. If unavailable, we will inform you in advance.
Can I bring pets? Experience
Generally not recommended, as pets may affect the cleanliness of the car and impact subsequent passengers. If you really need to, please contact customer service in advance to explain; pets may be brought only after confirmation, and you must take care of supervision and cleaning yourself.
Can I smoke in the car? Experience
Smoking is prohibited throughout the car. Smoking leaves residual odors and affects subsequent use; if traces of smoking are found in the car, the store may charge corresponding fees according to cleaning standards.
Does the vehicle have insurance? Insurance
All vehicles are insured with compulsory traffic accident liability insurance and commercial third-party liability insurance; the specific coverage is subject to the actual policy of the vehicle. Insurance does not cover losses caused by illegal driving, drunk driving, etc.; the relevant liability shall be borne by the driver.
What if the car breaks down on the road? Safety
First, park the vehicle in a safe location, turn on the hazard lights, and place a warning triangle behind the car. Evacuate all personnel outside the guardrail, then immediately contact the store or customer service. We will arrange rescue or a replacement vehicle. Never attempt repairs yourself in the driving lane.
How to handle a traffic accident? Safety
First ensure personal safety, and call 120 if necessary; then call the police (122) and contact the store, following the traffic police's instructions. Take photos of the scene, license plates, and the other party's information. Do not leave after private negotiation.
Is long-distance driving suitable at night? Safety
Not recommended. Some national roads in Xinjiang have insufficient lighting at night, and livestock and agricultural vehicles are present, posing higher risks. Schedule long trips during the day, drive continuously for no more than 2 hours, and take a 10–15 minute rest at service areas.
How to check my order? Orders
Click 'Order Inquiry' at the top, enter the phone number and ID number used when placing the order to view order status and details. You can also contact customer service using the contact information provided at the time of booking for assistance.
Can I cancel my order? Refunds & Changes
Cancellation can be requested before the vehicle use date. Cancellations close to the use date will incur a partial fee according to the rules; the specific standard is subject to the corresponding product description. It is recommended to place orders after confirming your itinerary to reduce unnecessary losses.
Can I change the vehicle use date? Refunds & Changes
Date changes can be requested subject to vehicle availability; the earlier the request, the easier the adjustment. During peak season when vehicles are in high demand, changes to the desired date may not be possible and are subject to customer service confirmation.
Can I get a refund after payment? Refunds & Changes
Refunds can be requested if cancellation rules are met. Refunds are returned via the original payment channel, and the arrival time depends on the payment channel's processing speed. No refund will be given for vehicles already used or dispatch fees already incurred.
How to choose between chartered car and car rental? General
If you want to control your own pace, have driving experience, and hold valid documents, choose self-drive rental; if you don't want to drive, are an overseas visitor without a temporary driving permit, are traveling on plateau border routes, or are traveling as a group, a chartered car with a driver is more hassle-free. Both methods are priced by the number of days used.
Is there a time difference between Xinjiang and mainland China? Other
Yes, Xinjiang uses Beijing Time, but local daily schedules are generally about 2 hours later than in the mainland. In summer, it is still light after 21:00–22:00, dinner times are later, and shopping malls and restaurants also close later. Take this into account when planning your itinerary.
What vehicle to choose for lots of luggage? General
For 2–3 people with a lot of luggage, an SUV is recommended; for 4–6 people, a 7-seat SUV or MPV; for more people, a 12-seat van or 19-seat minibus. On long loop trips, luggage takes up a lot of space, so it's better to choose a larger vehicle.
Is refueling convenient? Other
There are many gas stations in major cities and along national roads, but distances in deserts and mountainous areas can be 100–200 km. The principle is to refuel when the tank is below half, and be sure to fill up before entering no-man's land, mountains, or plateaus. Refueling requires presenting an ID card for registration.
Not finding your answer? Tap the live chat at the bottom right, or call FAQ.