A national camping service network system should be established to provide high-quality camping routes and meet the public's need for camping tourism and leisure, according to guidelines issued recently by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and 13 other departments. 

In recent years, camping has become a popular tourism activity in China, as a way to relax, enjoy nature, and meet other outdoor enthusiasts.

According to a research report on China's camping economy, the core market scale of China's camping in 2021 reached 74.75 billion yuan ($10.4 billion), generating an upstream and downstream market of around 381 billion yuan. The market is expected to exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2024.

To meet rising demand, the supply of camping services should be expanded, and local governments should be encouraged to build public campsites considering their needs and conditions, said the guidelines.

For example, efforts will be made to explore and support the development of camping services based on repurposed golf courses and rural homestays. Tourist scenic spots and resorts, urban recreation sites, and country and sports parks with suitable conditions should feature functional camping areas. Moreover, urban parks will be encouraged to mark out day-camping areas in vacant spaces, on lawns, or in lower spaces among trees.  

Various forms, such as caravan camping and tent camping, should be vigorously developed to meet diverse needs. In addition, campsites should be guided to integrate with museums, art festivals, music festivals, sports and other recreational activities to enrich the camping experience. Camping services should also be upgraded by combining them with outdoor exercises, nature-based science promotion and health care. 

To achieve economies of scale, a whole industrial chain of camping should be developed to facilitate large-scale operations and incubate high-quality brands. Camping equipment, training, and supporting services like catering are all important links on the chain.  

The guidelines also underscore the importance of green and safe camping. Camping businesses should acquire relevant permits and abide by food, sanitation, environmental protection, fire and disaster prevention regulations, and other requirements. They should also clearly price their products and provide customers with true and accurate marketing information. Campers should be guided to embrace green tourism and achieve low-carbon, "footprint-free" camping.

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