Xiaomi unveils camper SUV with pop-up roof for 299,900 yuan

A woman in China has opted to live in a motorhome near her child's school, stating it is cheaper than renting an apartment in the school district. She said the arrangement also shortens the commute and allows the child more rest. The report highlighted high rents near schools and the financial burden on families.

In 2025, China registered about 23,600 new motorhomes, up 24.5% year-on-year, with the total fleet nearing 270,000 units. The three central provinces of Hubei, Jiangxi and Henan filed 351 new models (39.9% of the national total) and accounted for nearly half of domestic sales. Hubei leads with 54 manufacturers and 253 models, while the city of Suizhou holds a 31% market share, selling over 4,000 motorhomes annually.

Chery has unveiled the entry-level Rivul Qijie A700 camper van, set to debut at the Chengdu RV Show on September 19–21, 2026. The 5.99-metre model, powered by a 2.0T diesel engine with an 8-speed automatic, targets couples and is priced under 300,000 yuan. Equipment includes a 48V 200Ah lithium battery, 510W solar panel, 8000W inverter, 105-litre fresh water tank and a 2.1-metre convertible bed.

A mother in Shandong purchased a motorhome for 200,000 yuan and parked it in a park 700 meters from her son's school to accompany him during his studies. She claims the arrangement is more economical than renting: three years of nearby rent would exceed 200,000 yuan, while the motorhome can be resold for about half its purchase price after high school. Daily parking costs 10 yuan, solar panels cover basic electricity needs, and the son gains 20 extra minutes of sleep. Online commenters noted potential issues including winter heating, summer cooling, wastewater disposal, parking restrictions, and hidden costs such as depreciation and maintenance.

A September 10, 2026 post described the running costs of living in a 12-metre bus-based motorhome. Solar panels and a 40 kWh battery storage system cover electricity needs. A full tank of fuel costs several thousand yuan, while monthly living expenses while parked amount to 4,000–5,000 yuan.

Kainisi has introduced a motorhome based on a light truck chassis, positioned as a budget-friendly option. The model features a distinctive flip-up front section above the cab. The presentation took place at a motorhome exhibition in Chengdu.