Cost calculator
How to read the result
Self-drive
Cheapest per-day if you have 4+ people and know Chinese road signs. But you eat the parking fees, the fuel at mountain prices (~¥7.8/L but marked up in remote townships to ¥8.5), the tolls on G75 highway, and any traffic violation. Foreign licence is not valid — you need a Chinese licence.
Hired driver
Day rate typically ¥500–800 for a 7-seat van (the standard for karst routes). Driver meals and lodging are your responsibility — add ¥80–120/day for that. Tips are not expected but ¥100–200/day is welcome on long mountain routes.
Bus + Didi
Cheapest on paper, slowest in practice. Long-distance buses cover hub-to-hub, but the last 30–80 km into a village will need a hired car or a moto. Half your day vanishes in waiting rooms.
What this tool can't tell you
- Whether a specific driver will actually know the mountain road you want — always check the route on a map first.
- The condition of the rental vehicle. Book through a platform (携程, 飞猪) that lists inspection photos, not a roadside stall.
- Real-time road closures. Mountain roads in Qiandongnan wash out in Jun–Aug; check the Anshun/Kaili traffic police WeChat that morning.
- Whether your hotel can be reached by bus. Many village homestays are 5–15 km from the nearest bus stop.
Common questions
Can I drive in Guizhou with an international licence?
What about Didi (ride-hailing)?
Do drivers speak English?
Sources & reference data
Day rates aggregated from 携程 / 飞猪 listings 2025–2026; fuel prices per CNPC/Sinopec Guizhou region bulletin; G75 Guiyang–Anshun toll table 2025. Your actual quote will vary — call 2–3 drivers before committing.