Chongqing - Fresh off the National Day and Mid-Autumn holidays, China’s travel landscape is steadily turning greener. Ministry of Transport data show daily cross-regional trips averaged 304 million, with self-driving making up 80%. New energy vehicles (NEV) usage hit 12.5 million, up 70%, while highway traffic nearly doubled to 62 million vehicles.

User "Xinghe" shares their road trip experience driving a Xpeng P7 through the Qinghai-Gansu loop on Xiaohongshu during the National Day holiday. (Photo/Xiaohongshu)

With hotels growing pricier and crowded, more travelers, especially younger ones, opted for NEVs and camping instead, fueling a surge in NEV use and giving rise to a new wave of budget-friendly, eco-conscious tourism.

The shift away from hotels to "mobile hotels"

One significant shift during the holiday was the rise of the "mobile hotel," as many young travelers chose to use their EVs as mobile homes instead of booking costly hotel rooms. Chain hotels saw notable growth, with Vienna Hotels up 32% and Home Inn's room rates increasing by 27.1%, according to the 21st Century Business Herald.

One EV traveler, Tang Xiaobai, saved over 2,000 yuan (about 281 U.S. dollars) in accommodation costs by using a "bed car" for a 13-day trip across Northwest China. Another traveler, Ao Liao, spent 3,000 yuan for a 67-day journey through 20 cities. He shared on social media, "EVs are incredibly cost-efficient. I drove from Guangzhou to Xinjiang, covering 7,238 kilometers in 67 days, charging 2,027 kWh, and spent only 1,671 yuan."

Such travel has allowed people to enjoy a unique holiday experience that combines the freedom of the road with the comforts of home. As Tang Xiaobai reflected after staying in scenic spots like Qinghai Lake, "No hotel can provide a window view like this."

A user shares their first day of the National Day holiday, driving an EV Qyuan on a road trip through western Sichuan on Xiaohongshu. (Photo/Xiaohongshu)

This shift can be attributed to both the affordability and versatility of modern EVs. Many NEVs now offer larger interiors and more practical features, including external power outlets that can support everything from portable stoves to projectors and small washing machines. These vehicles also come equipped with cooling and heating systems, enabling travelers to maintain a comfortable environment with minimal energy consumption.

The economic impact: a struggling hotel industry

While EV owners were enjoying a cost-effective way to travel, the hotel industry faced significant challenges. Many hotels, especially in popular tourist areas like the Sichuan-Tibet highway, experienced high vacancy rates, with some even resorting to offering steep discounts or combining tent accommodations with hotel services to attract guests.

Hotel operators have reported difficulties in meeting their financial targets, with many establishments unable to fill rooms despite lowering prices. In response, some hotels have started offering "tent + hotel" packages to appeal to campers who still require basic services like hot showers and meals.

Social media platforms have played a crucial role in facilitating this change by allowing travelers to share tips on where to camp, charge their EVs, and find other useful information.

Expanded charging infrastructure eases range anxiety

According to the Ministry of Transport, this uptick in EV travel was supported by an 118% growth in charging infrastructure over the previous Labor Day holiday, ensuring that travelers had ample access to charging stations along the highways.

By the end of August 2025, the country had 17.35 million EV charging points, marking a 53.5% increase from the previous year. This expansion includes 13,379 charging stations equipped with high-power chargers and over 100,000 high-power charging guns. 

For instance, in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, high-traffic service areas like Kelameili Desert Park have introduced charging robots and mobile energy stations to reduce wait times during this holiday.

The Luotuo Quanzi Highway Service Area in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. (Photo/Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Transportation Department)

This trend toward EVs aligns with China's broader strategy of transitioning to green transportation. EV sales have already exceeded 45% of total car sales in the first 8 months of 2025. As more young people embrace sustainable travel, the convenience and cost-effectiveness of NEVs have made them the preferred choice for travelers.