The summer of 2025 is witnessing a transformative shift in travel behavior across China, as self-drive tourism surges to new heights. According to data from Ctrip Car Rental, domestic car rental bookings during the summer holiday are projected to grow nearly 40% year-on-year, while overseas self-drive rentals are expected to rise by a staggering 60%. This boom reflects a deeper cultural pivot—travelers are no longer satisfied with passive sightseeing. Instead, they’re seizing control of their journeys, valuing autonomy, flexibility, and immersive experiences above all.
Behind this surge are three powerful trends reshaping the industry: transparent pricing, trust-building services, and social media-driven thematic travel. These forces are not only changing how people travel but also where they go—fueling a surprising rise in lesser-known destinations.
The Rise of the New Road Warrior: 80s, 90s, and 00s Take the Wheel
The core demographic driving this movement remains the 80s and 90s generations, who together account for nearly 70% of all rental bookings. As their spending power grows, so does their demand for quality and clarity. These travelers now expect premium vehicles, seamless异地还车 (one-way rentals), 24/7 roadside assistance, and most critically—no hidden fees. This shift has led to a 24% increase in mid-to-high-end vehicle rentals, with 85% of this group opting for "all-inclusive" pricing models.
But a new force is accelerating change: Gen Z. The 00s generation has seen a 70% year-on-year growth in domestic car rentals, while those born after 2005—the so-called 05s—have driven a jaw-dropping 230% surge. Even more telling? 45% of overseas rental growth comes from 00s travelers, who are also the primary creators of user-generated content (UGC) on social platforms. Their自驾vlogs and scenic check-in posts make up 55% of all travel-related UGC, turning personal adventures into mass inspiration.
👉 Discover how today’s youngest travelers are redefining road trips with confidence and style.
From Range Anxiety to Road Freedom: The Electric Revolution
Long gone are the days when road trips meant gas stations and emissions. The era of electric vehicle (EV) road travel has arrived. In 2025, pure electric car rentals are expected to skyrocket by 148%, signaling a major shift in consumer confidence.
Why now? Charging infrastructure has expanded dramatically, especially along scenic routes and in rural areas. Travelers report significantly reduced “charging anxiety,” thanks to real-time app tracking, fast-charging stations every 50–100 km on major highways, and EV-friendly accommodations offering overnight charging.
This trend aligns perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable travel. Mid-to-long distance自驾游 (self-drive tours) have increased by 48%, and many of these journeys now feature EVs as the vehicle of choice—especially among environmentally conscious younger travelers.
FAQ: Your EV Road Trip Questions Answered
Q: Are there enough charging stations on remote routes?
A: Yes. Government and private investments have expanded EV charging networks into even third- and fourth-tier cities. Most rental platforms now filter by EV compatibility and display real-time charging station maps.
Q: What happens if my EV runs out of power in a remote area?
A: Major rental providers offer roadside assistance with mobile charging units. Some even partner with local service stations to ensure rapid response.
Q: Is renting an EV more expensive?
A: Not necessarily. With lower maintenance costs and government incentives, many all-inclusive EV rental packages are competitively priced with fuel vehicles.
Transparent Pricing Wins Trust: “All-Inclusive” Models End Hidden Fees
One of the biggest pain points in traditional car rental has been price opacity. Over 30% of customer complaints stem from unexpected charges—hidden insurance fees, service surcharges, or surprise costs for one-way returns.
Enter the “all-inclusive pricing” revolution. In 2025, an estimated 60% of domestic short-trip rentals will be booked under transparent, no-surprise pricing models—an increase of 30 percentage points from the previous year. This shift is directly boosting short-trip demand, with rentals under three days expected to grow by 30%.
Ctrip’s “Hassle-Free All-Inclusive Rent” model has set a new standard by bundling base rent, basic insurance, service fees, and even near-full collision coverage into a single upfront price. No add-ons. No fine print. This level of transparency is now becoming the baseline expectation—not a luxury.
👉 See how transparent booking systems are transforming travel confidence worldwide.
Social Media Fuels Thematic Journeys: From “Dopamine Drives” to Pet-Friendly Adventures
Today’s travelers don’t just want to see places—they want to feel them, share them, and live them. Social platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) and Douyin have turned travel into a form of self-expression.
Popular themes now include:
- “Dopamine Drives”: Colorful, photogenic routes featuring rainbow roads, art villages, and vibrant murals. Hashtags like #DopamineDrive have amassed millions of views.
- Pet-Friendly Road Trips: With more people traveling with pets, demand for pet-welcoming accommodations, parks, and in-car pet kits has surged.
- Glamping + Self-Drive: Combining luxury camping with road adventure, this trend appeals to couples and families seeking nature without sacrificing comfort.
Social influence is now a measurable driver: 38% of booking decisions are influenced by content discovered on social media. Themed自驾trips are expected to account for over 25% of all rentals this summer—a 12-point jump from 2024.
The Small City Surge: Hidden Gems Become Hotspots
Perhaps the most striking trend is the rise of lesser-known destinations. Travelers are actively avoiding overcrowded tourist hubs in favor of authentic cultural and natural experiences.
Cities like Ningde (Fujian), Qiandongnan (Guizhou), Baoshan (Yunnan), Hulunbuir, Jieyang, Jinghong, Yining, Dunhuang, Qionghai, Nyingchi, Yanji, Korla, and Enshi are seeing explosive growth. Collectively, car rental demand in fourth-tier and below cities is projected to grow by over 70%—outpacing even major hubs like Chengdu, Sanya, and Urumqi.
These destinations offer untouched landscapes, rich ethnic cultures, and lower costs—perfect for travelers seeking meaningful connection over checklist tourism.
FAQ: Why Are Smaller Cities Gaining Popularity?
Q: Are infrastructure and services reliable in smaller cities?
A: Yes. Improved highways, expanded mobile networks, and upgraded local hospitality services have made remote areas more accessible than ever.
Q: Can I find international-standard rentals in small cities?
A: Major platforms now operate nationwide. Many offer the same vehicle standards and customer support in smaller cities as in first-tier ones.
Q: Is it safe to drive in unfamiliar rural areas?
A: With GPS navigation, real-time traffic updates, and 24/7 support from rental companies, driving in remote regions is safer and easier than ever before.
👉 Explore how digital platforms are unlocking once-hidden destinations around the globe.
The Bigger Picture: Travel as Identity
As Ctrip’s Vice President Song Zhen noted, today’s自驾boom isn’t just about transportation—it’s about identity. Transparency builds trust, thematic travel fuels emotional connection, and Gen Z’s content creation turns personal journeys into shared inspiration.
From electric vehicles conquering mountain passes to young travelers documenting pet-friendly pit stops in rural Yunnan, the open road is no longer just a path—it’s a canvas for living fully.
The future of travel isn’t just about where we go. It’s about how freely—and authentically—we get there.
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