Camping Party 'Dream of the Great River, Stars over Fen and Huang'

China has seen growing interest in overnight stays in converted vehicles and motorhomes after the national holidays. Social media views on the topic of sleeping in cars exceeded 100 million, while searches for overnight stays in electric vehicles doubled year-on-year. Self-drive trips account for nearly 80% of domestic tourism. In September 2026, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and nine other departments issued nine measures to boost motorhome consumption, including expanding campsites. By the end of 2025, China had more than 3,100 motorhome campsites. Shandong province has built dozens of campsites and roadside stops; a campsite in Rizhao operated at full capacity during the holidays. A motorhome rental outlet in Jinan reported a rise in customers born in the 1990s and 1995s, with rental periods of 3–7 days.

On the evening of 4 October, motorhome owners from across China gathered at the parking lot of Houtu Temple in Wanrong County, Shanxi Province, for a camping event titled "Dreaming by the Great River, Stars over Fen and Huang." Participants played games and performed. The county is developing tourism along the Yellow River.

Chinese company Wild Land has unveiled the PickupMate Trunk camper, which converts a standard pickup bed into a two-level living space. An electric lifting mechanism deploys the structure at the push of a button: the upper level becomes a sleeping area, while the lower level remains an enclosed living zone. When folded, the module is 63 cm high and weighs 208 kg (Small) or 220 kg (Large); the compact version measures 169 x 148 x 63 cm. The upper tent sleeps two, with a bed length of up to 3 m, a peak height of 117 cm, and 11 windows. An integrated 86.4 Wh battery powers the lifting mechanism, LED lighting, and a four-channel audio system. The camper is controlled via remote and can be installed without irreversible modifications to the vehicle.

Families convert passenger cars for sleeping: 6-day costs range from 1600 to 1689 yuan. Experts warn of safety risks and lack of infrastructure.

BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu has visited caravan manufacturer Jiazhilv twice, according to the report. The visits are linked to a combination in which Fangcheng Bao provides mobility and a Jiazhilv caravan provides accommodation. The package starts at 69,800 yuan. Jiazhilv will exhibit at the Wuhan International RV Show from October 10 to 12.

The Guantu motorhome and motorcycle campsite in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, opened during the National Day holiday, offering free access to the public, vehicle owners and tourists. The site covers nearly 70 mu and is divided into motorhome parking, static motorcycle display, lawn activity and service areas. It operates on a long-term free basis with no minimum spending, and commercial services are discounted by 50% during the promotion period. A related 150,000-square-metre BAMCC automotive and motorcycle culture plaza is under construction, with above-ground work about 90% complete and a full opening planned for June next year.