Chinese campers under 100,000 yuan: a look at affordable models

From July 16 to 20, 2026, the Henghe motorhome camp in Yangcheng County, Shanxi Province, will host a festival featuring motorhome and tent camping, barbecue with a professional team, an outdoor swimming pool with separate deep and shallow areas, and evening live music. The event is organized by the Yangcheng Information Center and the Henghe town government.

On July 10, two themed motorhomes from Songming County (Kunming) drove through Nanjing's central streets, including Xinjiekou and Binjiang, as well as near the Nanjing Eye and Confucius Temple landmarks. Inside, the temperature was kept at 20 °C to replicate Songming's cool climate. Attendants in traditional Chinese costumes handed out fresh-cut flowers and discount coupons for local hotels, shops, and tourist attractions. The campaign aims to attract tourists and potential property buyers.

Xiaomi has no plans to produce motorhomes, despite their fit with the 'human-vehicle-home' ecosystem. In 2024, about 30,000 self-propelled motorhomes were sold in China, less than 0.2% of the total passenger car market (over 20 million units). The market is too small to recoup R&D and production investments. Additionally, China lacks motorhome infrastructure: few campsites, charging and waste disposal points, and tall motorhomes often cannot enter underground parking and are restricted on central roads. In 2021, Xiaomi built one demonstration motorhome on a Maxus chassis with 60 smart devices for a fan, but it was a one-off project.

The 24th Beijing RV Expo and the 33rd China International RV Camping Conference will take place from September 11 to 13, 2026, at the RV World venue in Fangshan District, Beijing. The event is co-organized by RV World Group, 21st Century RV, and RV Family. It will feature over 100 domestic and international motorhome brands, chassis manufacturers, parts suppliers, and camping equipment providers. Highlights include new model launches, business matchmaking, expert talks by long-distance travelers, and social activities for RV owners.

Five locations in Jiangsu province have been chosen for family camping with children, including Taihu Bay Camping Valley (investment 350 million yuan, area about 700 mu) with full amenities, and Niujiao Village Happy Farmland Resort focusing on rural activities. Zhenze Youlan Paradise has a 20,000 sq m lakeside lawn. Overnight stays are possible at Taihu Bay Camping Valley and Niujiao Village, while Hongshan Sports Resort and Zhenze Youlan Paradise are better for day trips.

Authorities in Yiwu County, Xinjiang, have selected three camping sites for motorhome travelers: the Wetland Flower Sea in Tuhulu Township, Foshan Sports Ground, and the Integrity Culture Theme Park. The move aims to regulate parking and protect the environment. Visitors must follow rules including a ban on open fires and proper waste disposal.