Camper travel gains popularity, reshaping hotel market

Liaoning province is creating a motorhome living model with two types of sites: on expressways and in urban areas. The project includes a motorhome stopover in Shenyang and a motorhome campsite at the Linghai service area. The report is dated 21 September 2026.

China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Ecology and Environment and other departments issued measures to stimulate motorhome consumption. The document encourages new energy motorhomes, requires campsite siting to comply with farmland protection and ecological red lines, and promotes leave-no-trace camping. According to a report by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, sales of self-propelled motorhomes exceeded 20,000 units for the first time in 2025, while sales of new energy motorhomes for long-distance travel rose 229% year-on-year.

Chinese outlet Sina published a selection of four three-day motorhome routes tested in August–September 2026. The budget ranges from 500 to 2,500 yuan per vehicle depending on the route. The routes cover Beijing suburbs, Bashang grasslands, the area around Taihu Lake and Longhu Mountain. Each includes campsites with electricity and water, as well as limitations: no facilities at wild sites and booking required 3–14 days in advance.

Beijing Man Site Special Vehicles unveiled the Monster motorhome based on the Sanjiang Watel chassis, featuring a 6.7-litre Dongfeng Cummins diesel, all-wheel drive and 1000 litres of water. Price not disclosed.

China's State Council has forwarded a 10-department document titled "Measures to Promote Motorhome Consumption," containing nine policy points. Mandatory scrappage is removed for small and micro non-commercial motorhomes, aligning their service life with passenger cars; for rental motorhomes the limit rises from 15 to 25 years, and for residential trailers from 15 to 20 years. Local authorities are encouraged to build dedicated motorhome parking areas, while expressway service areas are to provide water, electricity and waste disposal. A C6 driving licence category is to be added, alongside new safety standards and support for new-energy models.

China's State Council has forwarded a document titled "Several Measures to Promote Motorhome Consumption," prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and nine other departments. The document outlines nine measures covering campground construction, tourism product supply, and rental services. According to the RV division of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, sales of campers for short trips rose 85.61% year-on-year in 2025, while sales of new energy motorhomes for long-distance travel increased 229%. The measures are expected to expand campground infrastructure and stimulate consumption in the sector.