Road trip on the Tibetan Plateau: searching for wild hot springs at 3,800 meters

China is seeing a surge in demand for motorhomes and camping. Exports of motorhomes from Rongcheng reached 1.06 billion yuan in the first half of the year, up 21% year-on-year, while domestic sales grew by over 40%. Motorhome rentals also rose, with occupancy in popular cities exceeding 70% in the last two months and orders up more than 50%. Authorities are introducing support measures, including easing road regulations and improving campsite infrastructure.

Dongfeng Fengxing Lingzhi EV, a large electric MPV, is available from 89,900 yuan. In summer 2026, discounts up to 21,600 yuan are offered in Binzhou, Yunfu, Liu'an, and other cities. The vehicle is 5.14 meters long with a 3-meter wheelbase, suitable as a base for camper conversions. Versions with 420 km and 460 km ranges are available, along with an extended-range hybrid version. It is recommended to perform conversions only in certified workshops to avoid registration and insurance issues.

A video blogger traveling by motorhome in Xinjiang in winter reported that a fox stole and ate a dish of stir-fried pork kidneys he had cooked at -16°C. The video also shows him collecting coal for free heating.

In Guizhou province, the cool climate is fueling a new type of tourism: motorhome travel and camping. This has become a popular way to escape the summer heat, attracting tourists seeking cooler mountain and water destinations.

Dongfeng Xinghai V9 pop-top camper prices announced: Enjoy Edition (4-seat) promotional price from 223,800 yuan, tax-exempt, on-road about 234,000 yuan; Comfort Edition (7-seat) from 243,800 yuan, on-road about 253,000 yuan. With trade-in subsidy, the base price drops to 198,800 yuan. The factory pop-top plug-in hybrid MPV offers 200 km electric range and 1,300 km combined range.

According to a publication dated August 6, 2026, three verified routes for summer motorhome camping are proposed: around Taihu Lake from Shanghai (3 days, 2 nights, return trip about 3 hours), a suburban route from Chengdu (low altitude, no altitude sickness), and a grassland route from Beijing (Zhangbei Grassland and Ulan Butong, about 3 hours to the scenic area). It is recommended to check water tank levels and tire pressure before departure. The routes cater to different traveler categories: beginners, families with children and elderly, and experienced drivers.