Sleeping in cars is becoming a mass trend in China, with travelers skipping hotels to stay overnight in their vehicles. Media data shows that short-video views on the topic reached 9.8 billion in summer 2026, and Xiaohongshu reads exceeded 110 million. In 2025, China registered 7,376 caravans (up 85.6% year-on-year) and 13,258 motorhomes, excluding privately converted cars. The trend is driven by electric vehicles with external power supply and climate control, making overnight stays comfortable. Hotels are feeling the impact: Guojin Securities reports that revenue per room at economy hotels fell more than 8% year-on-year in the first week of summer 2026, and on popular routes in Qinghai and Gansu, revenue dropped to 60% of last year's level.
