Edison China Journeys · Updated October 27, 2026
Short answer
Choose a vehicle around both people and bags. “SUV” or “van” describes a broad category; it does not establish the exact passenger space, luggage capacity or comfort of the vehicle you will receive. The proposed vehicle and arrangement should be confirmed before booking.
Start with your luggage
Send the number of large suitcases, cabin bags and other items. Approximate dimensions or a luggage photo can help if you have bulky bags, a stroller or equipment. Tell us whether all your luggage travels with you each day or stays at your hotel.
An advertised seat count does not tell us how much luggage fits when the required seats are in use. A larger vehicle may be worth considering even for a small group, depending on the bags and the length of your driving days.
Describe the journey
For each day, specify the pickup and drop-off areas and any planned stops. A station transfer, a day of sightseeing and a one-way journey between cities require different arrangements. If your accommodation is inside an old town, share its location so the accessible meeting point can be checked.
Tell us about preferred passenger space, difficulty using steps, or a child-seat request early. We can then check a suitable arrangement and its availability rather than choosing by category alone.
Four travelers or seven: count people and bags together
Four travelers plus a driver use five seats before any separate guide is added. With several large suitcases, an SUV may be less practical than an MPV even if the passenger count fits. Ask for the proposed vehicle’s luggage arrangement, not just its category.
For seven travelers, the vehicle must accommodate all seven guests, the driver, any accompanying guide and the luggage. Ask whether a stated seat count includes the driver, and whether the quoted luggage space remains available with every required seat in use. A larger van may be needed, especially with suitcases, a stroller or equipment.
Hotel access and stops with luggage
A hotel inside Dali Old Town, Shaxi, Lijiang’s old towns or Dukezong may need a pickup at a vehicle-accessible entrance. Share the hotel location and discuss the walking distance, steps and luggage assistance rather than assuming the car can reach the door.
If you explore a town or scenic area during a transfer, agree the waiting period, where you will meet the driver and how your bags are handled. Overnight luggage storage, a different driver the following day or a separate luggage delivery is a separate arrangement to confirm.
What your written quote should cover
- Service dates, pickup and drop-off points, planned stops and waiting time.
- Vehicle category, space for your travelers and luggage, and any child-seat request.
- Whether fuel, tolls, parking, driver expenses and overnight costs are included.
- Any guide, online support, tickets, meals or accommodation included or excluded.
- Service-hour or distance limits, changes, extra costs and how they are agreed.
- Currency, payment schedule, cancellation and refund terms before payment.
What to include in a quote request
- Travel dates and number of travelers; children’s ages if relevant.
- Pickup and drop-off locations, plus the days needing a vehicle.
- Planned sightseeing stops and anything already booked.
- Luggage count and approximate sizes.
- Driver-only transport or an accompanying English-speaking guide.
- Vehicle preferences and an optional budget range.
If some details are undecided, say so. We can identify what needs confirming before a meaningful quote is prepared.
Common questions
Does a private car include an English-speaking guide?
That is a separate service choice. Your quote should identify transport and any accompanying guide clearly. Include the guide in the passenger count on the dates they travel in the same vehicle.
Ask about your trip →Is an SUV enough for four travelers with large suitcases?
It depends on the actual model, suitcase sizes and whether a guide also rides with you. Four travelers and a driver already occupy five seats. Send the number and approximate sizes of all bags so an SUV and an MPV can be compared on usable space. A category name alone is not a confirmed luggage arrangement.
Ask about your trip →Can seven travelers use a seven-seat vehicle?
First clarify whether the stated seven seats include the driver. If they do, only six guest seats remain before any separate guide is added. For seven travelers, request a vehicle with enough seats for everyone and enough luggage space with those seats in use. The exact model and arrangement must be checked rather than booking by the label alone.
Ask about your trip →Do we need the same vehicle every day of an independent trip?
You can request a car for selected transfers or sightseeing days and leave free days unbooked. Say whether you prefer one continuous vehicle arrangement or separate local services. The itinerary and quote should identify who provides each segment, and whether any cross-city positioning or driver overnight expenses apply.
Ask about your trip →What should the quote explain?
The service dates, proposed vehicle arrangement, planned route, included costs, exclusions and any limits on service time or changes.
Ask about your trip →Can I change stops after receiving a quote?
You can request changes. Extra distance, time, overnight arrangements or a different vehicle may affect availability and price, so confirm revisions before relying on them.
Ask about your trip →