Chinese tourists save on hotels by sleeping in converted cars

Xu Lin, secretary of the Guizhou Provincial Party Committee, inspected the Yishan Huagu resort and the Huaguan motorhome campsite in the Baili Rhododendron Management Zone. He urged local authorities to develop seasonal residence industry tailored to local conditions. In 2025, tourist arrivals rose by 8.9% and total spending by 11.1%. The province aims to become a top destination for long-stay tourism by 2030.

A detailed itinerary for a 7-day motorhome trip through northern Xinjiang (China) covering about 1500 km has been published. The route includes Ili, the Duku Highway, and Sayram Lake, with emphasis on campsites and supply points. Recommendations cover campsite selection, safety, vehicle preparation, and cost breakdown. Estimated total cost for four people is 12,000–16,000 yuan, with motorhome rental at 800–1500 yuan per day. A C1 or C2 driver's license is sufficient.

The author of the channel 'Nianhan cheping' tested a compact car table for working in a camper. The device is positioned as a portable and practical solution for a mobile office. Details on specifications and price are not disclosed in the article.

This summer, the city of Bijie in Guizhou province became a popular destination for motorhome travelers, with over a thousand vehicles parked in the Baili Dujuan scenic area for three to four months. Local authorities provided infrastructure such as power and water hookups at parking spots, nearby markets and hospitals, and converted idle parking lots into residential zones. The economic impact includes daily spending by tourists on markets, hairdressers, and restaurants, boosting local businesses. The city's long-term strategy focuses on sustainable tourism development, including campsite planning and public service management.

In 2026, vanlife in China has surged in popularity, driven by the low cost of running air conditioning in electric vehicles (about 10-20 yuan per night) and a crowdsourced map of free overnight spots shared by millions on social media.

Renowned Chinese auto journalist Han Lu has taken delivery of a 12-meter Yutong C12 bus in top trim, priced at around 800,000 yuan. He intends to spend at least another 200,000 yuan to convert the bus into a motorhome, bringing the total to about 1 million yuan. The bus features a 9.5-liter Weichai diesel engine, air suspension, automatic emergency braking, and other options.