China Unveils Tourism Plan to Boost Self-Drive Holidays, Modern Campsites and Unique Travel Routes Nationwide

China has embarked on a tourism strategy designed to increase self-drive tourism, improve campsites, and design unique travel routes.
China has rolled out a new national strategy to develop the outdoor tourism sector through increased self-drive tourism and better campsite facilities, with a view to promoting unique travel routes. The objective is to develop recreational travel, enhance tourism spending, and develop camping vacations as a new tourism sector.

The new guideline focuses on developing a complete ecosystem for outdoor travel by improving vehicle services, tourism infrastructure, rental operations, digital solutions and destination experiences. It covers multiple areas of the tourism value chain, from vehicle production and registration to parking facilities, camping sites, travel products and financial support.

The policy has been introduced as China responds to increasing demand for flexible, independent and experience-focused travel. By improving facilities and reducing existing barriers, authorities aim to make self-drive holidays more convenient while creating new opportunities for tourism businesses and local destinations.

China Focuses on Building a Stronger Outdoor Tourism Network

The new measures encourage regions across China to develop unique self-drive tourism routes that connect scenic areas, cultural destinations and outdoor attractions. These routes are expected to create more diverse travel experiences and encourage visitors to explore different regions through independent journeys.

The strategy supports the development of high-quality tourism products that combine road travel, camping experiences and local attractions. Tourism companies will be encouraged to integrate travel services with camping facilities and vehicle rental options to create customised holiday packages.

The approach is designed to expand tourism choices beyond traditional sightseeing by supporting longer stays and more flexible travel patterns. Local destinations can use these new routes to promote regional attractions while strengthening tourism-related businesses.

New Support for Modern Campsites and Travel Infrastructure

Improving campsite infrastructure is one of the key priorities of the plan. Authorities will encourage cities and tourism destinations to develop more dedicated camping facilities with essential services for travellers.

Public parking areas, scenic attraction parking zones and highway service areas will be encouraged to provide suitable spaces for travellers using recreational vehicles and self-drive travel equipment. These facilities will gradually include services such as water access, charging facilities and waste management solutions.

The policy also highlights the importance of improving road accessibility. Local governments will be supported in reviewing urban road management systems to ensure smoother movement for larger travel vehicles.

Height restrictions at major intersections, public parking areas and other important locations will be reviewed with outdoor travel needs in mind. Cities are encouraged to create more centralised parking areas that can support growing demand for self-drive tourism.

Authorities have also called for reasonable parking charges to ensure that outdoor travel remains accessible for consumers.

China Encourages Smarter and Greener Travel Vehicles

The strategy also focuses on improving the quality of travel vehicles used for outdoor tourism. Manufacturers will be encouraged to develop safer, more comfortable and more environmentally friendly models.

China plans to support the development of new-energy and smart travel vehicles that provide better user experiences. Companies will be encouraged to improve vehicle design, technology features and practical facilities for longer journeys.

The guideline also highlights the importance of strengthening technical standards related to vehicle safety and important components. Improvements in areas such as energy storage systems and living facilities will be supported to make travel vehicles more suitable for modern tourism needs.

These measures are expected to support the development of a more advanced outdoor travel market while encouraging innovation in the vehicle sector.

Extended Service Periods to Support Rental Market Growth

To strengthen rental services, China will introduce measures to improve the operational efficiency of travel vehicle businesses.

The service life period for small and compact self-propelled rental vehicles will be extended from 15 years to 25 years. For caravan trailers, the service period will increase from 15 years to 20 years.

The extension is expected to provide more flexibility for rental companies by allowing vehicles to remain in operation for longer periods.

Regions with suitable conditions are also encouraged to establish additional driving licence testing facilities. This will help improve accessibility for travellers who want to participate in self-drive tourism.

Tourism Businesses Encouraged to Create New Travel Products

The new strategy encourages tourism companies to combine vehicle services, rentals and travel experiences into integrated tourism products.

Businesses will be supported in developing customised journeys that include scenic routes, outdoor activities and camping experiences. These products are expected to provide travellers with more personalised holiday options.

The policy also promotes responsible camping practices. Authorities will encourage environmentally friendly travel behaviour, including leave-no-trace camping principles, to protect natural areas and maintain sustainable tourism development.

As outdoor tourism expands, the focus on environmental protection will become increasingly important to ensure that natural destinations remain preserved.

Digital Technology to Improve Travel Services

Technology will play a larger role in China’s future outdoor tourism ecosystem. Rental companies are encouraged to adopt digital solutions that improve customer convenience and operational efficiency.

Businesses will be encouraged to introduce credit-based deposit-free rental services and flexible one-way return options. These services aim to simplify the rental process and provide travellers with greater flexibility.

Artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies will also be promoted within the sector. Companies can use these technologies for personalised travel recommendations, digital vehicle viewing, online consultations and remote customer support.

The integration of digital tools is expected to create a smarter and more connected travel experience for consumers.

Financial Support to Strengthen the Tourism Ecosystem

The policy includes financial measures aimed at supporting businesses involved in outdoor tourism development.

Authorities will encourage the expansion of tourism-related insurance products to provide better protection for travellers and operators. Additional efforts will also focus on reducing operating costs for rental companies and campsite businesses.

By improving financial support and reducing operational challenges, the strategy aims to encourage more businesses to participate in the growing outdoor tourism market.

A New Phase for China’s Domestic Tourism Development

China’s latest tourism strategy represents a broader effort to diversify domestic travel options and encourage new forms of leisure experiences.

Through improved infrastructure, smarter services, better camping facilities and stronger tourism products, the country aims to create a more complete outdoor travel ecosystem.

The development of self-drive holidays and modern campsites could provide new opportunities for regional tourism growth while allowing travellers to explore destinations in more flexible ways.

China has unveiled a nationwide tourism plan to expand self-drive holidays, modern campsites and unique travel routes by improving infrastructure, digital services and travel facilities to meet rising outdoor tourism demand. The strategy aims to boost tourism consumption and create new growth opportunities for destinations and businesses across the country.

With support for technology, sustainability and improved services, China is positioning outdoor tourism as an important part of its future tourism development landscape.