Chinese RVs: from budget camper to two-story hybrid

In Xinjiang, at -14°C, a traveler, feeling cold, retreated to a motorhome where he heated it with coal and prepared a stew of cabbage, pork, and tofu. The video was posted on Weibo. The author noted that this heating method and the meal helped him warm up.

Starting in 2026, overnight camping in Xishuangbanna is only allowed at three types of sites: officially certified campsites, highway service area RV stations, and municipal designated parking areas for motorhomes. Fees range from 30 to 120 yuan per day. Testing showed daytime temperatures can reach 38-40°C, while nights are cooler at 22-25°C. The minimum budget for 7 days is 1,060 yuan per person excluding transport, with a comfortable option at 5,000-8,000 yuan.

Mohe, known as China's 'Arctic Pole', has been included in the list of special tourism destinations under the 15th Five-Year Plan for tourism development. In July, searches for RV campsites in Heilongjiang Province increased by 65% compared to June, and searches for RV camping in Beijicun surged 20-fold year-on-year. The RV campsite in Beijicun receives up to 120 vehicles per day, and the annual tourist flow in 2025 reached 2.7288 million, generating over 2.5 billion yuan in revenue.

In Genhe, Inner Mongolia, traffic police visited a motorhome campsite to educate tourists about road safety. Officers highlighted hazards on forest roads, such as sharp bends and steep slopes, and explained the dangers of speeding, fatigue, and distracted driving.

The publication issued recommendations for safe motorhome driving in winter. Advice includes checking tires, fluids and lights before a trip, using winter tires or snow chains, and maintaining distance and smooth control. For overnight stays, it recommends choosing a level site, ensuring ventilation and preventing water pipes from freezing.

Vala has launched the kcar model with a starting price of 99,800 yuan, targeting daily-use motorhome buyers. The vehicle measures 3685×1530×1980 mm, offers a CLTC range of 305 km, and supports fast charging. The base version is priced at 99,800 yuan, while the version with an optional package costs 139,600 yuan. It features a 30.6 kWh battery and provides 3.3 kW of external power supply.