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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.
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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 nigh...
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.
China — fuel prices
Updated: 08.08.2026
92号汽油
$1.18 /l
CNY7.97 · €1.02/l
42 of 140
cheaper than 71% of countries
95号汽油
$1.25 /l
CNY8.46 · €1.09/l
20 of 93
cheaper than 80% of countries
98号汽油
$1.48 /l
CNY9.98 · €1.28/l
11 of 25
cheaper than 60% of countries
柴油
$1.13 /l
CNY7.65 · €0.98/l
35 of 141
cheaper than 76% of countries
Best regions in the coming days
Country overview
Avg. score
49
Top city
Tibet Autonomous Region 90In China, car camping cut hotel revenue by 8.2%. Also: the Nissan Interstar-e Relax electric camper at €89,900 and an overnight ban in Llandudno.
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A budget travel trend of overnight stays in electric cars is gaining popularity in China. During the Spring Festival holiday, some tourists spent up to 11 days on the road, visiting multiple cities, with total trip costs under 8000 yuan (approx. $1100). This format saves on accommodation and allows for flexible route planning.
In Anshan, China, a growing number of residents are converting ordinary cars and SUVs into 'bed cars' for long-distance travel, spending only 500–2,000 yuan on basic equipment like folding mattresses, privacy curtains, and portable power supplies. This trend reduces travel costs significantly compared to traditional tours or purchasing a motorhome, and is boosting local sales of outdoor gear and auto service.
In China, a driver named Wu Niu converted his sedan into a camper with water, electricity, and a bed for a trip to Tibet. The modification allows travel with minimal expenses, making it suitable for budget tourism.
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.
According to data published on August 14 by Blue Whale News, 'bed car travel' (床车旅行) is gaining popularity in China. On e-commerce platforms, a single inflatable car mattress has sold over 600,000 units. Travelers report saving on accommodation and transport, but complain about cramped space and inconvenience. Hotels are feeling the pressure: data from Hotel shows that from June 29 to July 26, 2026, national hotel RevPAR fell 2.8% year-on-year. In June, China's Ministry of Commerce and eight other departments issued a notice supporting the development of the RV camping industry.
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.
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.
China's Ministry of Commerce and eight other agencies introduced support policies for the automotive aftermarket, boosting demand for motorhomes and camping. Sichuan Quanyi Environmental Equipment Co., Ltd. in Qingbaijiang District (Chengdu) has orders through October, with capacity nearly fully utilized. The company is adding production lines and expanding into overseas markets.
A motorhome traveler warns that fuel costs during long trips can exceed hotel accommodation expenses. He notes that the real costs of maintaining and operating a motorhome are often underestimated and advises carefully weighing all expenses before purchasing.
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