Campsites adds color, fresh spark to Qingdao WCNA

The Xuejia island seaside campsite offers stunning scenery with tents scattered across the landscape, drawing tourists from all over to enjoy the coast, relax, and soak up the lively atmosphere. [Photo/IC]

Camping is becoming the premier leisure identity of Qingdao West Coast New Area. By transforming abandoned beaches, idle coastlines, and rural fields into a comprehensive "camping+" ecosystem, the area has leveraged its diverse mountain, coastal, and pastoral resources.

Beyond simple overnight stays, the area has innovatively integrated camping with hotels, agriculture, pet events, and performing arts, creating a dynamic tourism growth engine. To date, 26 high-quality campsites have generated about 100 million yuan ($14.72 million) in revenue while creating nearly 500 local jobs.

Seizing the momentum of becoming a national pilot city for automotive circulation and consumption, the area is now prioritizing car-based camping. By developing themed zones across bays, villages, and forests, the area is building a dense, nationwide network for recreational vehicles. This strategy includes developing "camping+" products such as outdoor cinemas and hosting major events like the 2026 CCPC racing series.

To ensure sustainable growth, the region pioneered the province's first camping management regulations in 2024, shifting the industry from rapid expansion to standardized governance. By addressing infrastructural gaps — including transportation, utilities, and sanitation — the local government is refining urban management to support high-quality long-term tourism.

As tents rise between the mountains and the sea, the camping economy is transforming the region's landscape, blending the natural wilderness with the precision and warmth of modern urban governance.