Chinese SUVs increasingly doubling as motorhomes as policy boosts camping economy

BAIC has launched the Ruisheng Wangpai M7 camper, starting at 89,800 yuan, based on the Wangpai M7 MPV, with factory-approved legal modifications and a registration certificate marked as "camper". The vehicle is 5.24 meters long, 1.95 meters high, equipped with a 1.95×1.47-meter bed and a 12V 2400W DC inverter air conditioner, with optional 36L water tank and 3000W inverter. Compared to self-converted MPVs (which cost 20,000-30,000 yuan extra and face inspection risks), the factory camper is cheaper and compliant.

The electric version of the Ruisheng M8 camper has not been launched, and no official timeline has been announced. The petrol version, priced at 126,800–153,800 yuan, is currently available. The vehicle is a mid-size MPV with a wheelbase exceeding 2,900 mm and a body length over 5 meters, suitable for camping conversions. If released, the electric version is estimated to cost 180,000–200,000 yuan, 50,000–80,000 yuan more than the petrol version. Drawbacks of the electric version for camping include limited range, conversion restrictions, and lower resale value.

A veteran is traveling through Xinjiang in a motorhome, stopping at campsites for rest and supplies. On a rainy evening, he enjoys a glass of wine.

At the 27th Shanghai RV & Camping Expo held August 22-24 at the Shanghai Automobile Exhibition Center, Maxus unveiled the Traveler V90 10th Anniversary Edition. The model features a 2.0L turbo diesel engine with 375 N·m peak torque, a French Punch 6AT gearbox, a 48V electrical system with 10 kWh battery and 4 kW inverter, and a 150L fresh water tank. Interior uses E0-grade eco-friendly panels with formaldehyde levels 40% below national standards.

The 27th Shanghai RV and Camping Expo opened on August 22, 2026, at the Shanghai Automobile Exhibition Center. More than 600 motorhomes and campers are on display, including electric and hybrid models. Notable exhibits include the SAIC Maxus hybrid motorhome 'Xintu Yuanjie Shenghuo Jia' with a 35.2 kWh battery and the Vala KCar camper priced at 99,800 yuan. In the first half of 2026, 5,315 campers were registered, a 64.2% increase year-on-year. The exhibition area has grown by 20% and the number of exhibitors by 30% compared to last year.

Under new 2026 rules, overnight camping in Xishuangbanna is only permitted at licensed commercial campsites, highway service area RV stations, and designated municipal parking areas. Overnight stays on riverbanks, in primary rainforests, and nature reserves are banned. Daytime temperatures in the city average 30-35°C, while Menghai tea mountains reach 22°C and rainforests 24-26°C. A 7-day trip costs 1,060-8,000 yuan per person. Recommended itineraries: families with children should choose Mengyuan Fairyland and Dai Park; budget travelers can bring their own tents; RV users should use official stations.