From in the sky to on the road

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Li Chengrui doesn't like to be bound by a schedule when traveling. The 24-year-old Beijinger has rented cars to travel to Qinghai Lake, Gansu province and Yanqi Lake because he believes traveling by car offers more freedom.

"We just drove through the scenic spots," Li says.

"If we're tired or find a gorgeous place, we can stop and do whatever we want. We can play our favorite songs on the road. The trips were awesome. I'll never forget them."

Driving is convenient since attractions are spread out.

Chen Tong agrees driving is faster than public transport.

The 23-year-old college graduate from Guangdong province enjoyed freedom when she rented a car with her former roommates to travel to the Conghua Hot Springs near Guangzhou as a graduation trip.

They decided to rent a car since the location was only two hours from their home but public transport wasn't convenient.

Two of the women were eager to use their new driver's licenses.

Having a car also made pickup easy since the group had scattered around the city since moving out of the dorms.

The only problems were rental proved complicated and expensive for a student budget, especially since they opted for a safe vehicle.

But she's glad she did.

"It was a rainy day," Chen says.

"Driving on the highway was like steering a boat ... (It) was really scary."

She says she'd rent a car to travel again if the destination was within a three-hour drive.

Indeed, it seems the need for speed and the desire to steer their own courses will continue to drive China's car rental market.

Paige Sheffield contributed to this story.