Originally Posted by
tauphi
This is especially the case in Beijing (and perhaps Shanghai) where non-local drivers can't even legally get a Beijing car registration, which is required for driving through Didi. So rental is the only option for anybody except Beijing locals (and very few Beijing locals drive Didi or taxis). Here is an article in Chinese explaining the mechanics behind this:
https://www.weiyangx.com/330997.html
1. Beijing is challenging because of the lottery system
2. Registering cars in Shanghai costs a lot (i.e. ~60x) more, but my understanding is that anyone, including foreigners, can do the drill