From “niche toys” to “mass lifestyle”, RVs are entering the vision of Chinese families. Driven by multiple factors such as policies, technology, and market demand, this’ revolution on wheels’ may reshape the definition of future travel.
With the upgrading of domestic tourism consumption and the continuous rise of self driving tourism, the once niche mode of transportation, RV, is rapidly entering the public eye. According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, in the first three quarters of 2023, China’s RV sales increased by 58% year-on-year, with a market size exceeding 10 billion yuan, becoming a “dark horse” in the automotive consumption field.
In the post pandemic era, the demand for “safe, free, and in-depth” travel experiences among domestic tourists has surged, and RVs have rapidly emerged with the flexibility of “stop and go” and the comfort of “home”. From the Northwest Ring Road to the Sichuan Tibet Highway, from coastal campsites to rural areas, RV travel videos have become popular on social media, driving more consumers to try this new type of travel.
Mr. Li, a Beijing RV owner, said, “Taking family camping in the suburbs on weekends and long-distance self driving during holidays can not only solve accommodation problems, but also provide access to niche attractions. According to data from a certain e-commerce platform, the number of RV orders in car rental services will increase by 210% year-on-year in 2023, and the number of applicants for C6 driver’s licenses (required for trailer RVs) will double compared to the same period last year.
Unlike the early customer structure dominated by retirees, the current RV market is showing a trend towards youthfulness and family oriented. Data shows that the proportion of middle-aged and young people aged 30-45 exceeds 60%, with significant growth in parent-child family users.