Gansu Party chief orders safety checks on motorhome campsites after flash flood

A couple from Guangdong traveling along the G331 highway in a motorhome changed their plans and stayed two days in Suibin County. They were attracted by clean streets, convenient facilities, and views of the border river.

The Sayram Lake Dianjiangtai Starry Sky RV Camp (Xinjiang) accepts reservations via the official WeChat mini-program/account 'Sayram Lake Tourism', as well as major OTA platforms Ctrip, Fliggy, Meituan, and the Baolige hotel group's direct channels. During peak season (June–August, October) advance booking of 1–3 days is recommended. The camp operates year-round; RVs feature a transparent roof for stargazing, private bathroom, and underfloor heating, operable down to –30 °C.

A guide for family trips to Qinghai Lake in 2026 lists five accommodation types: a lakeside prairie eco-resort, guesthouses near Heimahe, Tibetan family inns, RV campsites, and hotels inside the scenic area. Peak-season (July–August) prices range from 200 to 1,500 yuan per night. The scenic area has introduced a full-oxygen service system, nighttime entertainment, and eco-education programs.

Amid China's economic slowdown and rising travel costs, a growing number of young people are opting for car camping on weekends as a cheaper alternative to foreign trips or hotel stays. This trend has created a new market worth billions of dollars. Electric vehicles with V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability allow using the battery as a power source for appliances, while camping mode and large batteries ensure comfortable overnight stays. Manufacturers like BYD, Li Auto, Nio and Xpeng actively promote this concept in their advertising.

According to the National Energy Administration (NEA), China had over 21 million EV charging points by Q1 2026, up about 50% year-on-year. This has fueled a 'car camping' trend where owners use EVs as mobile homes, saving on hotels. The IEA reports China accounts for over 65% of global public charging points and over 80% of fast chargers. Automakers like XPeng and BYD add sleep modes and V2L features for cooking and work. The camping accessories market is projected to reach $72 billion by 2030, per iiMedia Research.

The largest camper base in China, with 728 standard pitches, has opened at Parking Lot No. 4 in Baili Dujuan, Guizhou Province. Originally built as overflow parking for the spring rhododendron bloom, the site now operates year-round at 20 yuan per day for a standard spot and 38 yuan for VIP. In 2025, the base hosted 54,500 camper vans and 151,400 tent campers. Local authorities upgraded utilities and added showers after visitor feedback, without outsourcing management.