China's motorhome market surges

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 flash flood in Weiyuan County, Gansu, China, on July 26 killed 10 people and injured 23. Provincial Party Secretary Hu Changsheng called for enhanced rainfall monitoring and safety inspections of tourist facilities, including motorhome and caravan campsites, and for the evacuation of visitors.

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.