Sandaohezi — VanSky 68 (Comfortable)

Liu Peijin, a 69-year-old former soldier from Weifang, Shandong province, has spent over a decade traveling across China in a camper with his paralyzed wife, refusing to let her spend her final years in a hospital. In 2010, the woman suffered partial paralysis on her left side due to diabetes complications. In 2014, the couple set off in an ordinary car, later upgrading to a camper van equipped with two beds, air conditioning, and a kitchenette. Liu acts as driver, cook, doctor, and caregiver, administering medication, foot baths, and rehabilitation exercises. They have visited 31 of China's 33 provincial-level regions. In April 2026, a video of Liu feeding his wife went viral on social media. The couple now plans a new trip to lesser-known destinations in China.

As summer ends, motorhome camping is gaining popularity. A 5-day route connects Hai Tuo Valley in Hebei, the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, and forests near Beijing. It features well-equipped campsites, stargazing, and tips on safety and gear.

The article describes a five-day family summer itinerary in Liaoning Province, featuring Qianshan Mountain (5A scenic area), Laoyuanzi amusement park, and motorhome camping in Benxi. The per-person budget ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 yuan, with mountain temperatures 6-8°C lower than in the city. Families without a car are advised to focus on Anshan, while those with a car can combine both destinations.

Benxi in Liaoning Province offers 136 campsites, an average summer temperature of 22°C, and 76% forest coverage. A 3-day, 2-night itinerary connects river beaches, karst landscapes, and rural farms. Camping at Dashi Lake costs 300 yuan per person, and motorhome rental is 400 yuan per night, with no reservation required. Fenglinggu campsite requires booking three days in advance. The budget for two people is about 2,100 yuan.

Reports have emerged about a one-of-a-kind motorhome owned by actor Jackie Chan. The vehicle features an interior comparable to a five-star hotel, and maintenance costs are reportedly substantial. Specific details about the vehicle's specifications and expenses have not been disclosed.

On popular routes such as the Qinghai-Gansu and Sichuan-Tibet corridors, a growing number of travelers are sleeping in their vehicles instead of staying in hotels. This has created a paradox: tourist cities are crowded, but hotels and guesthouses are underutilized. In 2025, China registered 7,376 campervans, an 85.61% increase year-on-year, and the number of self-propelled motorhomes exceeded 13,000. Key drivers include the affordability of electric vehicles with camping features and the spread of information about free parking spots on social media. However, many travelers are returning to hotels due to discomfort, such as poor sleep and lack of amenities. Authorities are beginning to regulate this practice, introducing rules that prohibit setting up tents and cooking in public areas, and are proposing to create low-cost overnight zones with basic services.