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China Travel Guide: Itchy Boots, China trip advice & tips

Itchy Boots

China Itchy Boots travel advice: explore real journeys, destination experiences and practical advice from travelers.

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24 videos
  1. Unit 731: the horrific secret hidden in Harbin, China |S8, EP156
    24 min
    2026-09
    Unit 731: the horrific secret hidden in Harbin, China |S8, EP156Harbin's Dark Secret: A Ride to Unit 731 in Northeast ChinaAmap, China's navigation app, can show how many traffic lights remain before you reach a destination. It can help you prepare for urban traffic and understand hHarbin's Russian and European architecture is connected to its railway history. Russian workers arrived in the 1890s to extend the Trans-Siberian Railway, and tAutumn, Harbin / Heilongjiang
  2. I’m being followed by an unmarked white van in China |S8, EP155
    19 min
    2026-08
    I’m being followed by an unmarked white van in China |S8, EP155China Motorbike Ride: Bad Weather, Giant Drones, White VanBefore leaving Arxan, fill up your tank even if you think you have enough. There would be no petrol stations along the 350-kilometer route, so starting with a fSeek out quiet backroads in northern China. The route from Arxan toward Jalaid was nearly empty, with wildflowers and rolling hills, and riding there felt more Summer, ArxanHarbin / Inner Mongolia
  3. The Chinese village that looks nothing like CHINA (and how to get there) |S8, EP154
    28 min
    2026-08
    The Chinese village that looks nothing like CHINA (and how to get there) |S8, EP154Arxan: China's Border Village That Doesn't Look ChineseOn a long daily ride, check your motorcycle oil level especially with a vintage bike. Itchy Boots removes the side panel and tops up a little oil, reminding ridAt a remote Chinese lunch stop, payment may rely on WeChat only. Alipay did not work, so having a local companion or a friend to transfer money can save you wheSummer, Arxan / Inner Mongolia
  4. Caught between mudslides in China |S8, EP153
    29 min
    2026-08
    Caught between mudslides in China |S8, EP153Caught Between Mudslides in China: Motorbike Routes BlockedSummer,
  5. Everything changed in a split second |S8, EP152
    18 min
    2026-08
    Everything changed in a split second |S8, EP152Overlanding in Rural China: Solo Rider Faces a Flash FloodWhen riding alone on muddy roads, anticipate deep mud pits and slippery edges. Balance carefully and avoid sudden movements to prevent sliding.In rural China, not all vendors accept mobile payment. Ask locals for help; they may pay for you and refuse repayment, offering a memorable free meal.Summer, Linxi / Inner Mongolia
  6. Like this from now: Itchy Boots side-car? |S8, EP151
    23 min
    2026-08
    Like this from now: Itchy Boots side-car? |S8, EP151When Riding Isn't Possible: Sidecar Adventure Across ChinaSlow down to 30-40 km/h at corners when riding a sidecar, especially until you get used to the handling.When turning right in a sidecar, the sidecar can lift up. More weight helps keep it down.Summer, BeijingChengdu / Inner Mongolia
  7. I wasn’t supposed to find this part of the Great Wall of China |S8, EP150
    21 min
    2026-08
    I wasn’t supposed to find this part of the Great Wall of China |S8, EP150Finding a Secluded Section of the Great Wall of ChinaSummer, Beijing
  8. The corner of China next to Mongolia, Russia and North-Korea that nobody visits |S8, EP149
    20 min
    2026-08
    The corner of China next to Mongolia, Russia and North-Korea that nobody visits |S8, EP149China's Border Ride Near Mongolia, Russia, North KoreaSummer, Beijing
  9. Crossing the CHINA - MONGOLIA border |S8, EP126
    22 min
    2026-03
    Crossing the CHINA - MONGOLIA border |S8, EP126Crossing the China-Mongolia Border by Motorcycle with Itchy?On the Mongolian side, expect fewer cameras and a more relaxed border experience; stay flexible with your paperwork.Plan for a short first-night stop in a border town if money or SIM access is uncertain; Mongolian ATMs may be affected by power outages.Spring, Erenhot / Inner Mongolia
  10. I got stopped by Chinese Border Police |S8, EP125
    26 min
    2026-03
    I got stopped by Chinese Border Police |S8, EP125Riding near the Mongolia Border in Xinjiang China: Drone FilFor a room in border towns without foreigner-friendly hotels, contact the local police ahead of time and politely request permission to stay. They may grant it.In remote areas, shortcut dirt roads may be off GPS but save time. Follow a local guide or rely on alternative maps if possible.Spring, UrumqiKashgarTurpan / Xinjiang
  11. Heading deeper into the land of the DRAGON (unseen China) |S8, EP124
    26 min
    2026-03
    Heading deeper into the land of the DRAGON (unseen China) |S8, EP124Unseen China Adventure: Deep into Xinjiang by Motorbike withTry the home-cooked meals when visiting a local family; you’ll see how food builds connections across cultures.Note the changing architectural styles as you move from Uyghur-influenced areas to more mixed Han-Uyghur towns.Spring, BalikunWusu / Xinjiang
  12. I am riding on MARS (finally found it!) |S8, EP123
    21 min
    2026-02
    I am riding on MARS (finally found it!) |S8, EP123Mars-like landscapes in China: overlanding on a vintage bikeIn China, only hotels with a special license can host foreigners, limiting accommodation options to mostly three-star hotels in cities.Mandarin Chinese is very complex with thousands of characters; don't expect to pick it up quickly, even 'hello' and 'thank you' can be challenging to pronounce Winter, Shanshan / Xinjiang
  13. FORGOTTEN BUDDHA's in CHINA |S8, EP122
    25 min
    2026-02
    FORGOTTEN BUDDHA's in CHINA |S8, EP122Forgotten Buddhas in China Desert Caves and Drone FilmingWhen traveling through China on a tight visa schedule, always have a backup plan for unexpected mechanical issues, as waiting for parts may not be possible.Visit the Tuyugou grottos near Turpan for centuries-old Buddhist caves, but be aware that many frescos were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.Winter, Turpan / Xinjiang
  14. The SECRET TUNNELS of CHINA |S8, EP121
    30 min
    2026-02
    The SECRET TUNNELS of CHINA |S8, EP121Exploring the SECRET TUNNELS of Xinjiang: Kuitun to TurpanDrWhen riding in Turpan's extreme heat, check tire pressure frequently as temperatures can reach 50°C and affect tires.Visit the Turpan depression, the second-lowest spot in the world at 154 meters below sea level, formed by tectonic activity.Winter, KuitunTurpan / Xinjiang
  15. Avoid this motorcycle shop in CHINA! |S8, EP120
    22 min
    2026-02
    Avoid this motorcycle shop in CHINA! |S8, EP120Winter Ride Through the Tianshan Mountains China Motorcycle旅Order tires in advance for remote workshops and verify compatibility with your bike tubes or tubeless setup.Be prepared for ice on shaded bends; slow down and keep a wide buffer to avoid lowsiding on high passes.Winter, NalatiKuitun / Xinjiang
  16. I need an ALIEN TRAVEL PERMIT for this road in CHINA |S8, EP119
    22 min
    2026-02
    I need an ALIEN TRAVEL PERMIT for this road in CHINA |S8, EP119Riding Duku Road in Xinjiang: Kuqa to Nalati Adventure and DForeign riders need an Alien Travel Permit for the Duku Road. Apply through a local guide at least 60 days before the planned ride.All motorcyclists must take a 20-minute rest at checkpoints on the Duku Road. Hydrate during the required stop and enjoy the view.Winter, KuqaNalati / Xinjiang
  17. A SANDSTORM hit the largest desert of CHINA and I'm in it |S8, EP118
    21 min
    2026-02
    A SANDSTORM hit the largest desert of CHINA and I'm in it |S8, EP118Sandstorm in Taklamakan Desert Xinjiang with Itchy BootsSandstorms can sharply reduce visibility, so reassess conditions before continuing a ride. Itchy Boots encounters a fresh storm near Tazhong and adjusts to the The video shows trucks being tested in dunes, where vehicle performance depends on soft sand, its depth, and tire type. Consider the terrain when choosing equipWinter, / Xinjiang
  18. Chinese police escort to enter SANDDUNE DESERT |S8, EP117
    27 min
    2026-02
    Chinese police escort to enter SANDDUNE DESERT |S8, EP117Taklamakan Desert Overland in China with Police Escort | Itc94% of China's population lives east of an invisible line; the Taklamakan Desert lies in the sparsely populated west.The Taklamakan is a rain shadow desert surrounded by mountains, creating an extremely dry sand dune environment.Winter, UrumqiDunhuang / Xinjiang
  19. Heading deeper into CHINA, uncovering its secrets |S8, EP116
    27 min
    2026-02
    Heading deeper into CHINA, uncovering its secrets |S8, EP116Overlanding China Filming Techniques and Drone Shots on the路Use the highway first, then explore backroads for scenic desert approaches and desert-edge views later in the day, as the host describes on the route toward HotCheck tire pressure while riding and match the rear tire's bar/psi setting. Use reminders during movement so you do not forget to recheck it.Winter, UrumqiKashgarTurpan / Xinjiang
  20. Heavily guarded petrol stations in Xinjiang province, China |S8, EP115
    26 min
    2026-01
    Heavily guarded petrol stations in Xinjiang province, China |S8, EP115Xinjiang Adventure: Heavily Guarded Petrol Stations and RoadHaving a Chinese driver's license and local plates simplifies riding legally, but always carry the official card and paperwork.In Xinjiang, theft is very rare. It is often safe to leave your belongings unattended due to pervasive security cameras.Winter, Yecheng / Xinjiang
  21. This is China's MOST RESTRICTED province: Xinjiang | S8, EP114
    30 min
    2026-01
    This is China's MOST RESTRICTED province: Xinjiang | S8, EP114Xinjiang Motorcycling: Exploring Kashgar's Silk Road HistoryUse shared scooters in old town areas for cheap short hops; bring your own helmet and be mindful of area restrictionsFixing your phone can be fast in big cities; carry local SIM or arrange repair on site while you exploreWinter, Kashgar / Xinjiang
  22. I entered WESTERN CHINA | S8, EP113
    20 min
    2026-01
    I entered WESTERN CHINA | S8, EP113Motorcycling Western China: Border Crossing & Guide AdventuresAfter finishing immigration, plan the next steps to Topa for final customs clearance and prepare for the ride on a busy road with ongoing construction.Expect to get a Chinese driver’s license with help from Mr. Bing, and coordinate fuel access using a Chinese ID card.Winter, Kashgar / Xinjiang
  23. I am crossing the border into CHINA (leaving KYRGYZSTAN ) |S8, EP112
    21 min
    2026-01
    I am crossing the border into CHINA (leaving KYRGYZSTAN ) |S8, EP112Crossing into China from Kyrgyzstan: Border Crossing Drama,Be prepared for long border queues and a strict entry process; allocate extra time, stay warm, and keep documents ready.Cross into China requires a local guide; coordinate with your contact beforehand and ensure they meet you at the border.Winter, Tash Rabat / Xinjiang
  24. Unpredictable weather on the SILK ROAD to CHINA |S8, EP111
    20 min
    2026-01
    Unpredictable weather on the SILK ROAD to CHINA |S8, EP111Riding the Silk Road toward China: 15th Century CaravanseraiCheck road conditions near the Chinese border as rivers can wash away paths, forcing long detours.Fill up petrol before remote stretches; from this point to the China border and beyond, no fuel stations exist for 100+ kilometers.Winter, Naryn / Xinjiang
There are 24 China travel vlogs/videos about Itchy Boots. Get travel tips, rules and advice for "Itchy Boots". China Travel Guide: Itchy Boots