When Camping Becomes a Way of Life

The camping market continues to heat up

During this year's May Day holiday, the camping market continued to heat up. According to Tongcheng Travel data, search interest in "camping"-related travel increased by 117% month-over-month during the May Day holiday. Bookings for hotels and B&Bs tagged with "camping" on the Ctrip platform increased by 153% compared to the Qingming Festival holiday. Data from Qunar.com shows that since April this year, searches for "camping"-related terms on the platform have increased 2.5 times year-over-year and are four times the same period in 2020. Bookings for camping-related products (accommodation and tours) this year are approximately three times higher than last year.

Data released by iiMedia Research shows an upward trend in the camping economy: From 2014 to 2020, the market size of China's camping sites increased from 7.71 billion yuan to 16.8 billion yuan, a compound annual growth rate of 13.9%. In 2021, the camping site market grew by 78%, reaching 29.9 billion yuan, and is expected to reach 35.46 billion yuan in 2022. Thirty percent of consumers spend between 3,000 and 5,000 yuan on camping equipment, and 18.4% spend over 10,000 yuan.

According to industry insiders, the most direct reason for the popularity of camping is that the pandemic has restricted long-distance travel, both internationally and out of province, making short-distance camping in the suburbs a preferred option. Furthermore, from a long-term perspective, with the current increase in per capita disposable income in my country, consumer demand for outdoor leisure activities has continued to rise in recent years, with camping being a prominent example.

Camping has become a lifestyle

Camping is also very popular in Dalian this spring. On weekends, half of the people in my WeChat Moments are setting up tents. With the sun shining brightly and a gentle breeze, a tent, an open space, and a table of exquisite cuisine—camping has become a popular way to embrace nature. Free-to-access parks like Labor Park and Swan Lake Park have become popular destinations for locals seeking leisure and tourism.

Camping used to be a niche hobby. Traditionally, consumers brought basic equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and portable tables and chairs, seeking a safe, convenient, and cost-effective camping experience. However, in recent years, with the rise of platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, premium camping has become a trend across social media platforms. This style incorporates an outdoor aesthetic and features amenities like canopies, gas stoves, and star-shaped lights, offering a comfortable experience and diverse scenery, satisfying the young consumer's pursuit of a sense of ritual.

In scenic areas surrounding cities, many tourism businesses are incorporating trendy camping elements, creating a new "camping +" business model. Reporters discovered that many traditional scenic spots, resorts, and family-friendly destinations in Dalian have integrated their campgrounds with unique camping experiences. These campgrounds offer a variety of activities, making them a great choice for camping novices. "We can spend a whole day enjoying the natural oxygen bar with children and the elderly. It's perfect for weekends when we don't want to travel far but still want to connect with nature," said Mr. Lu, who was taking his family camping for the first time.

Shimengou, Zhuanghe

Driving from the city center, Shimengou takes just over two hours. Here, you can enjoy vast expanses of green slopes, hills, forests, and river valley meadows. Under the blue sky, you can occasionally spot herds of cattle. Known as Dalian's "Little Switzerland," this is a perfect spot for advanced campers, but you'll need to bring your own gear.

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Wafangdian Dapingshan

This is a small, beautiful campground located in Hegou Village, Wafangdian. "Mountains and waters await you as soon as you open the door, and the starry sky is within reach." The rugged mountain roads are a real test of driving skills. Bring a tent that's just the right size, plenty of luggage, and watch the sunrise and sunset, overlooking the Dongfeng Reservoir, and experience the vast majesty of nature. If you enjoy mountaintop camping, this is a great option.

Noline Offline Outdoor Life

As the concept of "wild luxury camping" sweeps across social media, experiencing a luxurious outdoor lifestyle has become a staple on today's young people's holiday itineraries. Driving through a tree-lined path, the view suddenly opens up: mountains, lush greenery, and small tents dot the landscape. This "offline outdoor campground," not far from the city, offers a sophisticated camping experience with just nice clothes and a camera.

Noshi Orchard

From the city, drive over 80 kilometers to Noshi Orchard. Set up camp in the orchard and enjoy the vibrant spring scenery and the aroma of fruit. You can also pick fruits and vegetables here. There's a small fishing lake next to the campsite, and you can enjoy a lively bonfire party in the evening. Camping

Miyuan Camping Base

The Lushun Cherry Blossom Garden is not only a great spot for cherry blossom viewing, but also a great place for camping. Rent a tent in the garden, gather a few friends, and camp under the cherry trees. Watching the blossoms drift across the sky, you'll feel like you're transported to an anime world.

Camping Guide

| Dalian News Media Group reporter Shi Jing |

There are many newcomers to the camping craze. Besides choosing the right destination, it's essential to have all sorts of camping gear. "As the saying goes, the most expensive thing is to buy the wrong gear," said Qian Qiang, founder of Offline Outdoor.

Camping Gear: "For families with children or casual campers, a small, lightweight, and easy-to-setup quick-opening tent is the preferred choice." Qian Qiang recommends that beginners and park enthusiasts keep their camping gear simple and lightweight. For sophisticated campers, a tent, canopy, table, chairs, and cooking utensils are essential. Picnics are the heart of camping. Choose a gas stove or fire pit and use the accompanying cooking utensils. For overnight stays, heaters, sleeping bags, air mattresses, camping beds, and outdoor power supplies are essential.

Choosing a Campsite: Qian Qiang says that established campsites not only have comprehensive facilities but also have dedicated staff to assist with any issues, making them more suitable for beginners and beginners. For outdoor enthusiasts, choose open, flat areas when camping. In summer, stay away from rivers and seek a location sheltered from the wind but not close to mountains. Be wary of potential landslides.

Insect and Fire Prevention: Always have sufficient and effective mosquito and insect repellent available for camping. Be wary of snakes when camping in the woods. Bring some realgar powder to sprinkle around your tent. Qian Qiang recommends avoiding eating in the tent to avoid attracting insects. Furthermore, campsites often have a high concentration of flammable materials, so be sure to pay attention to fire safety.

Protect the Environment: Maintain a clean campsite, avoid damaging trees and plants, and take away any trash you create.

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Health "Prescription"

| Dalian News Media Group reporter Tai Zhi |

Wear a mask to protect against allergens. Li Qiao, director of the Allergy Department at Dalian Dermatology Hospital, said that spring and summer are peak seasons for skin allergies. Campers who are allergic to plants and flowers should wear masks and long-sleeved clothing when outdoors. Upon returning home, they should promptly change their coats and wash their hands and face to reduce the chance of pollen lingering.

Be fully equipped for UV protection. UV allergies can lead to photodermatitis. Li Qiao said that UV rays are stronger in spring and summer, especially at the beach, in the mountains, and in cars. When camping, a sun hat, sunglasses, and a parasol are essential sun protection. Choosing and using sunscreen correctly is also crucial.

Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants to protect against mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are very active in spring and summer. If insect saliva or venom penetrates the skin, it can cause inflammation, redness, swelling, and possibly skin infection. Li Qiao reminds campers to avoid scratching mosquito bites. When camping, avoid sitting or lying in grassy areas or woods for extended periods. Wear long-sleeved clothing, tie your pants tightly, and avoid sandals. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.

Be mindful of food safety during barbecues. Many campers choose barbecue as a staple food. The Dalian Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention reminds residents to ensure the freshness of food before grilling. Avoid eating undercooked meat during barbecues, as it may contain parasites or pathogens.