By Journalists Zhu Ke and Mao Chenyu, and Correspondent Zhu Bin

On June 10, at the camping base of Chengli Xinfu Xiangyang Automobile Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Chengli Xinfu”) in the Dongjin New Area, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, a brand-new Class C motorhome stood quietly in the sunlight, its polished exterior gleaming brightly. Zhang Min, a young man from Shaoxing in Zhejiang Province, crouched beside the vehicle, running his hand carefully along every seam as if inspecting a long-awaited treasure.

“I first came across it on a short-video platform about six months ago. After watching for a few days, I was ‘hooked.’ The more I watched, the more interested I became.” Zhang recalled with a smile. “The first time I came here was to travel and look at the vehicles. The second time, I placed an order right away. Today I’m picking up my motorhome, and I’ll also take the opportunity to visit the Ancient City of Xiangyang—a perfect two-in-one trip.”

Zhang was not simply buying a vehicle; he was driving away with a mobile business. The motorhome will carry his market-stall business from Xiangyang to the night markets and bustling streets of Shaoxing.

Behind him, welding sparks flew across Chengli Xinfu’s production line. The company’s orders have already been scheduled through mid-August.

Over 80% of Orders Come from Online Channels

For most people, livestreaming platforms are places to buy everyday products such as cosmetics, snacks, clothing, and shoes. At Chengli Xinfu, however, livestreams are used to sell motorhomes worth hundreds of thousands of yuan—and business is thriving.

Inside the showroom, seven full-time livestream hosts each operate their own broadcasting station, going live every day to give viewers detailed tours of the vehicles. They explain everything from chassis structures and body materials to water and electrical systems. When viewers ask how many people can sleep inside, the hosts climb into the vehicle and demonstrate on the spot. When asked about fuel consumption, they bring the dashboard close to the camera so every figure can be seen clearly.

Thanks to this straightforward and transparent approach, the company’s livestreaming accounts have attracted more than 70,000 highly targeted followers.

“A motorhome isn’t a fast-moving consumer product. It’s normal for customers to spend several months going from initial interest to making a purchase,” said veteran livestream host Zhao Mingliang. Many potential buyers watch the broadcasts every day without saying a word, only reaching out for a quotation after six months of observation. One customer, Tsering Drolma from Qinghai Province, completed the entire process online—from browsing vehicles and selecting configurations to negotiating the contract and making payment. The two met in person for the first time only on the day she picked up her vehicle. “She told me she had watched my livestreams for three months. She had even become accustomed to my speaking pace and felt she could trust me,” Zhao said.

Since the beginning of 2026, Chengli Xinfu has sold more than 160 motorhomes, with over 80% of orders originating from online livestreaming platforms. A smartphone screen has become a gateway connecting Xiangyang-made motorhomes with customers across China.

Winning the Market Through Hard Power

Online traffic may attract customers, but product quality is what ultimately earns their trust.

In Chengli Xinfu’s production workshop, motorhomes are being transformed from sheets of steel into fully equipped mobile homes. One standout product is the company’s BYD-based Class C range-extended motorhome, built on a dedicated light-truck motorhome chassis. Its living compartment is noticeably longer than those of comparable models.

“For the same Class C motorhome category, our interior space is simply more spacious. Customers can feel the difference the moment they step inside,” said Zhao Xinghong, General Manager of the Motorhome Division.

Even more impressive is the company’s pop-top second-floor technology. Constructed from aviation-grade aluminum and equipped with a four-axis synchronized lifting mechanism, the structure remains exceptionally stable when raised and fits seamlessly when lowered. Only a handful of manufacturers nationwide can mass-produce this technology.

For Zhang Min, the most attractive feature is the modular body design. “If part of the body gets damaged, you don’t have to replace the whole structure. You only repair the damaged part, which saves a lot of money in the long run,” Zhang explained while pointing to different sections of the vehicle with confidence.

A combined fuel-and-electric driving range of 1,000 kilometers, spacious interiors, advanced pop-top technology, and lower maintenance costs together form the foundation of Chengli Xinfu’s ability to stand out in today’s highly competitive motorhome market.

Over 200 Service Stations Nationwide

Selling the vehicle is only the beginning of the story.

One of the biggest pain points for motorhome owners is maintenance. These vehicles travel long distances and are used extensively, yet repairs—especially to the living-compartment components—can be inconvenient. In many cases, owners must return to the factory for servicing, resulting in considerable time, expense, and frustration.

Chengli Xinfu’s solution reflects the practical and welcoming spirit of Xiangyang. Located in central China’s transportation hub, Hubei Province sees large numbers of travelers driving between destinations such as Yunnan Province, Hainan Province, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region during holiday periods. Its factory has become a popular stopover for motorhome enthusiasts, offering free inspections, water refills, and charging services while welcoming visitors like old friends.

At the same time, Chengli Xinfu has established a network of more than 200 franchised service stations nationwide. Repairs to the living-compartment systems no longer require a return trip to the factory, allowing owners to receive support wherever they travel. “We want every customer who buys one of our vehicles to feel confident no matter where the road takes them,” Zhao Xinghong said.

From the greeting “Welcome to the livestream” heard online to a cup of hot tea and a complimentary vehicle inspection offered at the factory, Chengli Xinfu has woven trust into every aspect of its service.

As the interview concluded, Zhang Min sat in the driver’s seat of his new motorhome, adjusting the navigation system. Lowering the window, he waved to the staff and called out, “If you ever come to Shaoxing, be sure to look me up—I’ll be your tour guide!”

Amid laughter, the Xiangyang-made motorhome, still bearing temporary license plates, slowly rolled out of the factory gate. Ahead lay the emerging industrial parks of the Dongjin New Area. Beyond them stretched highways leading toward countless homes illuminated across the country.

An increasing number of motorhomes are departing from Xiangyang and setting out on journeys to destinations nationwide.