Shanxi province develops standards for car-based camping

Authorities in Shanxi province have introduced a regulatory framework for "bed-car" travel, where ordinary passenger vehicles with folded seats are used as sleeping spaces. Under the local standard, campsites must have at least 20 pitches for motorhomes and caravans, a mixed-use pitch of at least 70 sq m, 220V power, AA-grade toilets and Wi-Fi coverage. Along the three tourism highways totaling about 5,000 km (Yellow River, Great Wall and Taihang), serviced stops with water, waste disposal and electricity are being set up. The provincial self-drive and camping association says unregulated overnight parking and illegal vehicle modifications create risks of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as environmental pressure.