Electric vehicles drive hotel-free travel trend in China

A couple from Guangdong traveling along the G331 highway in a motorhome changed their plans and stayed two days in Suibin County. They were attracted by clean streets, convenient facilities, and views of the border river.

The Sayram Lake Dianjiangtai Starry Sky RV Camp (Xinjiang) accepts reservations via the official WeChat mini-program/account 'Sayram Lake Tourism', as well as major OTA platforms Ctrip, Fliggy, Meituan, and the Baolige hotel group's direct channels. During peak season (June–August, October) advance booking of 1–3 days is recommended. The camp operates year-round; RVs feature a transparent roof for stargazing, private bathroom, and underfloor heating, operable down to –30 °C.

A flash flood in Weiyuan County, Gansu, China, on July 26 killed 10 people and injured 23. Provincial Party Secretary Hu Changsheng called for enhanced rainfall monitoring and safety inspections of tourist facilities, including motorhome and caravan campsites, and for the evacuation of visitors.

A guide for family trips to Qinghai Lake in 2026 lists five accommodation types: a lakeside prairie eco-resort, guesthouses near Heimahe, Tibetan family inns, RV campsites, and hotels inside the scenic area. Peak-season (July–August) prices range from 200 to 1,500 yuan per night. The scenic area has introduced a full-oxygen service system, nighttime entertainment, and eco-education programs.

China's motorhome market is experiencing rapid growth, boosting production activity. A motorhome campsite with sea views has opened in Qingdao, Shandong Province. Manufacturer Qing sold 100 units last year and 80 in the first half of this year, projecting sales of up to 200 units this year. The Chinese government supports the industry through domestic demand stimulus, including measures for vehicle tuning, motorhomes, and rentals. Shandong Province has been designated a priority development zone for motorhomes.

Amid China's economic slowdown and rising travel costs, a growing number of young people are opting for car camping on weekends as a cheaper alternative to foreign trips or hotel stays. This trend has created a new market worth billions of dollars. Electric vehicles with V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability allow using the battery as a power source for appliances, while camping mode and large batteries ensure comfortable overnight stays. Manufacturers like BYD, Li Auto, Nio and Xpeng actively promote this concept in their advertising.