China's RV and camping boom drives full-chain growth in rentals, sales, and modifications

Under a pilot program approved by China's Ministry of Commerce, Qingdao and Yangzhou are developing the RV and camping sector. Qingdao has launched new campsites integrating sea and hot spring resources, while local RV manufacturers ramp up production: one company sold 100 units in 2025 and 80 in the first half of 2026, targeting 160–200 for the year. In Yangzhou, home to the largest private RV manufacturing base, parking and land-use issues are being addressed: 4 standard campsites and 2 high-standard bases have been built, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually.

China's Ministry of Commerce and eight other agencies have jointly released a new regulatory package for the automotive aftermarket. The policy introduces a unified list of permitted modifications and technical standards for components, filling a long-standing national regulatory gap. Suppliers must now shift from non-certified parts to mandatory AEC-Q100 certification. In the motorhome sector, the policy promotes specialized chassis, energy storage systems, and battery-separated insurance models. Pilot cities (Hangzhou, Chengdu, Yangzhou) are already forming regional clusters: Hangzhou for charging infrastructure, Chengdu for repair parts, and Yangzhou for motorhome manufacturing. The first list of certified suppliers is expected by the second half of 2026, with the aftermarket supply chain for components and motorhome services reaching a mature legal framework by 2027.

Longde County (Ningxia) is experiencing a summer tourism surge due to its cool climate (average 18°C) and improved RV infrastructure. Dozens of RVs from various Chinese provinces have parked at the Hongya farmers market campsite. Local authorities provided water, electricity, and EV charging stations, attracting tourists escaping heat elsewhere. The new camping model shifts tourism from transit to long-stay and wellness-focused travel.

The Xingyu Dongfeng Xiaokang 2026 motorhome, a Class B model, has entered the Russian market. It features a 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 143 hp, a manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Dimensions are 5780×2115×2790 mm, with six seats. Equipment includes a 12V 400 Ah lithium-ion battery, a 3000 W inverter, 400 W solar panels, 100 liters of fresh water and 50 liters of gray water, plus a stationary air conditioner, diesel heater, and an external slide-out gas stove. The price is 3.5 million rubles.

An owner of the Li Auto i6 shared their experience using the vehicle for overnight camping. Folding the rear seats creates a flat sleeping area. Camping gear was also tested during the trip.

Carryboy (Thailand) and Farizon (a Geely subsidiary) have unveiled an electric motorhome based on the Farizon Super Van at the Bangkok International Motor Show. The vehicle lacks a central pillar, creating a wide entry, and has a layout with a bathroom behind the entrance, a U-shaped dinette, and two sleeping areas for 4–5 people. It is powered by an 82 kWh battery (range up to 372 km) and 650 W solar panels. Starting price is about 2.8 million Thai baht (≈$77,000).