China boosts RV tourism: rental fleet expansion and 'Thousand Books, Ten Thousand Stations' project

Chinese media published a selection of SUVs for summer road trips with a budget of about 200,000 yuan. The list includes Haval H9, Dongfeng Yipai 008, Tank 300, BJ40 eREV, and Buick Envision Plus. Key specifications such as drivetrain type, range, dimensions, and target audience are provided for each model.

A user rented a BYD Qin Plus DMi through Shenzhou car rental service in Guizhou for a trip from Guiyang to Anshun, Libo, and Kaili. The rental cost 776 yuan for 2 days and 2 hours, with total expenses of 1438 yuan (about 360 yuan per person). The car was delivered 30 minutes late without compensation, and fuel consumption was higher than advertised.

In the first half of 2025, China sees increased demand for family road trips due to a series of holidays (Qingming, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival). GAC Toyota launched the electric sedan Platinum 7 (Bozhi 7) with a length of 5130 mm and wheelbase of 3020 mm, featuring a HarmonyOS cockpit and Momenta R6 autonomous driving system. Pre-sale discounted price ranges from 156,800 to 209,800 yuan. The manufacturer offers battery warranty and compensation for quality-related accidents.

Chengdu Guoxin Car Rental has released a detailed itinerary for a self-driving trip along the Western Sichuan Loop (川西小环线) for July-August 2025. The route includes 3-day and 5-day options with visits to Mount Siguniang, Shuangqiao Valley, Tagong Grassland, Moshi Park, and other locations. The guide provides preparation tips: check brake system, tire pressure at 2.5 bar, mandatory snow chains on Zheduoshan and Balangshan passes, and speed limit of 70 km/h on Highway 318.

A Chinese company from Guangdong province has filed a patent for a camper concept built on a standard maxi-scooter. Unlike traditional motorhomes based on SUVs or pickup trucks, this vehicle features a compact cabin with four windows mounted on the rear. Dimensions, interior layout, and mounting points are not disclosed in the patent documentation. The sleeping arrangement is expected to be a semi-reclining seat, limiting the concept to short rests rather than overnight stays. If produced, it could become the smallest camper in the world.

Five Vietnamese tourists rented a motorhome for a 16-day trip through southern Xinjiang, China. The rental cost 2,800 yuan (about 11 million VND) per day, including a driver. The route included Kashgar, Lake Karakul, the Taklamakan Desert, and Muztagh Ata glacier. Total expenses were about 55 million VND per person.