Since becoming the world's largest car exporter, China opened electric vehicle factories to tourist visits in 2026. Factory tours have become the country's most popular and newest attraction. Currently, international tourists are visiting and learning at famous electric vehicle factories such as Xiaomi, NIO, BYD, and XPeng.
Each factory offers different experiences. To visit the Xiaomi factory, you must pass through a lottery selection system, making it extremely difficult to gain access. The NIO factory is most convenient for English-speaking visitors and allows learning about battery-swapping technology. XPeng factory is family-friendly and easy to gain entry, while BYD factory currently requires group pre-registration to visit and explore.
For international tourists wanting to personally test drive Chinese electric vehicles, applying for a temporary driving license is necessary. Most factories and showrooms typically only allow test drives if you can present a Chinese temporary driving license. However, even without a license, visitors can observe car interiors and technological features on display.
Additionally, international tourists with a temporary driving license, passport, and payment method can rent electric vehicles and travel. Although public electric vehicle charging stations are abundant throughout China, a Chinese phone number is usually required to use them. Therefore, when renting an electric vehicle, it's necessary to ask the rental company in advance which charging app you should use.
Ref: notesfromchina
