How to arrange a private car and driver in mainland China

Travelers ask for a “car in China” and mean three different things: a self-drive rental, a taxi they will hail, or a driver who stays with them for the day. On this site, a private car is the third. It is a vehicle and a driver, matched to the city, the dates, the party, and the luggage. China On Call does not list a starting rate, because a four-hour city loop and a mountain day are not the same job.

When the car earns its place

Ask for a car when the places you care about are far apart, when you arrive or leave with bags, or when a public connection would spend the hour you wanted at the site. Beijing to a Great Wall section, the Terracotta Army outside Xi'an, the Stone Forest outside Kunming, a cruise terminal in Chongqing, and the road between Guilin and Yangshuo are ordinary car days.

Do not ask for a car only to sit in it. The Bund, a concession neighborhood in Shanghai, West Lake's nearer paths, and an old town at dusk are often better on foot with a guide. Say which parts of the day are which.

What to put in the first message

• City, and the second city if the car crosses between them.
• Dates, including which day is the arrival with luggage.
• Party size, ages of children, and whether anyone cannot manage long stairs.
• Language. A driver may not speak the language you want for the sites. If you want commentary, ask for a guide as well.
• Flight number and airport, or the station, if you want a meet.
• Hotel area, not necessarily the final room number.
• Large bags, strollers, or a foldable wheelchair.

Airport meets and intercity days

An airport meet needs the flight number more than it needs a long note. If the flight slips, write in the same thread. For an intercity day, say whether you need the car to return or to leave you in the next town. Chengdu to Chongqing, Shanghai toward Hangzhou, and Kunming toward Dali are different shapes: one might be a car, another might be calmer by train. A good reply will say so instead of selling the longer drive.

Tibet, Xinjiang, and permits

Lhasa is not a city you schedule like a coastal weekend. The first day should be light. For travel into Tibet, permits and arrangements apply; we confirm the current rules when you enquire. Parts of Xinjiang are similar: send the whole route, not only the arrival city. China On Call will say when a date cannot be held yet. We do not arrange visas, and Hong Kong and Macau are outside this service.

What you get back

A coordinator replies on WhatsApp with the shape of the day and a quote. You confirm in that thread. The site will not show a “from” price, and it will not show a catalogue of named drivers. If you prefer WeChat, scan the code on the contact page or in the footer. WhatsApp is still the thread we answer.