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characteristics of the vehicle and traffic restrictions into account.
The motorcycle navigation system can take into consideration information such as engine displacement and vehicle registration details, and can suggest routes that take motorcycle-specific restrictions into account.
The Amap Global version, available in several languages, has been designed to make the app easier for foreign travellers to use. Alternatively, Apple Maps can be used, while Google Maps is, for obvious reasons, unreliable in China.
Google Translate
It is a valuable ally when it comes to overcoming the language barrier. In addition to translating written text, it allows you to use your smartphone camera to read Chinese menus, signs and directions, as well as a voice function to translate conversations.
For independent travellers, the ability to download language packs in advance and use some functions without an internet connection is particularly useful.
Trip. com
It is one of the most convenient platforms for foreign travellers organising their journey through China. It allows you to book hotels, flights and, above all, trains, with an interface available in English and other languages.
For motorcyclists, it can also be useful when deciding to leave the saddle temporarily and make use of China’ s extensive railway network. There is also 12306, the official platform of China’ s railway system, which now offers services to foreign travellers as well.
HOW CHINESE PEOPLE DRIVE
Chinese roads can initially be disorienting for European motorcyclists. Major urban and intercity roads are often very wide, with three or four lanes in each direction, while the frequent presence of traffic lights and speed limits generally makes traffic slower than one might expect.
Driving in China mainly requires some time to get used to local traffic patterns and also to the physical positioning of traffic lights, which are often located on the far side of the intersection. Particular attention should be paid to cars, scooters and motorcycles entering the road from side streets, often quite decisively, as well as to intersections and lane changes.
Traffic drives on the right and, on roads with several lanes travelling in the same direction, Chinese regulations require motorcycles to use the far-right lane. Overtaking is normally carried out on the left, although on multi-lane roads we frequently encountered vehicles overtaking on the right.
Motorways are a separate matter. We encountered
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