China eases rules for motorhomes and car modifications

The city of Anshun in Guizhou province is experiencing growth in motorhome parking facilities, attracting tourists from across China. According to local authorities, over 100 vehicles were registered at one parking lot from May to July 2023, with some guests staying up to five months. The city is developing summer tourism infrastructure, including water, electricity, and public toilets.

A flash flood triggered by heavy rain struck a campsite in Gansu province, northwest China, on July 26, killing 10 people and injuring 23. Local authorities reported that tourists camping in the area were caught in the flood. Rescue teams have evacuated 174 people, and search operations are ongoing.

On July 26, CATL began the Western Sichuan leg of its 100,000 km national road test for the Xinlan chassis, sending a Welltufeng motorhome from Chengdu across the high-altitude plateau. The Xinlan chassis, developed by CATL subsidiary Times Xin'an, is a standardized platform for electric motorhomes, positioned as the 'Android system' for the industry. It features a 270 kW dual-motor all-wheel drive, range-extender hybrid, 68 kWh battery, and over 800 km range. Motorhomes based on the Xinlan chassis start at around 450,000 yuan.

A flash flood triggered by a short but intense rainstorm in the Shuangshimen scenic area of Gansu province, China, killed 10 people and injured 23 others on July 26. The downpour intensified around 2 p.m., accompanied by hail, causing a rapid rise in water levels in a steep mountain gorge. Although the hourly rainfall of 10.9 mm did not meet the threshold for a severe storm, the area's steep terrain and narrow riverbed led to a destructive flood. Rescue teams evacuated 247 people, deploying 305 firefighters and 68 vehicles.

China's Ministry of Commerce and nine other departments issued measures to boost auto aftermarket consumption, accelerating the integration of RV industry with cultural tourism. Jiangling Motorhome, based in Nanchang County, has been in RV conversion for 16 years and consistently ranks among the top three in national sales. The company develops models for family and business travel, leveraging Jiangling Group's chassis technology.

China's camper market is experiencing a surge in sales, boosting production companies. A new campsite with sea views opened in Qingdao, Shandong Province, offering camper rentals. One manufacturer reported selling 80 units in the first half of 2026, projecting up to 200 by year-end. Growth is supported by government measures to stimulate domestic demand, including support for vehicle tuning and camper rentals.