CRI听力:China Caravan Expo Held in Beijing

The 80th International F.I.C.C. Rally is bringing together both those who are already a part of China's emerging motorhome world and those keen to join it.

As one of the rally participants, Gu Yuxin, bought his first Recreational Vehicle, or RV, in 2011 and has already upgraded to a new one since then.

He says it lets him link with a larger community of like-minded travelers by joining online camping and caravanning interest groups in China.

"Me and other travellers chat in online chat groups every day. We stay in touch and go travelling together when time permits. Our community allows us to travel more and spend more time together. And lots of RV companies organize trips for customers."

These online interest groups in China have attracted tens of thousands of participants.

Li Sixin, deputy general manager for RV International Trade and Marketing says they have a strong faith in China's market.

"Our sales figures grow by 30 to 50 percent every year. We sold 160 RVs last year, and we're aiming for 300 this year. This year, we've already sold 150 in less than six months."

Despite this, not everyone in China can afford an RV or camping trailer, which could cost tens of thousands of yuan.

Therefore, retailers like LEHERO have scrambled to fill the niche in China's market.

They carry a full line of camping products targeted at China's burgeoning group of SUV owners, which can give them the chance to join in the camping adventure by converting their car roof into a temporary, portable camping space.

Wang Han, LEHERO's general manager, is confident that products like this will be a hit with Chinese consumers.

"Consumers are becoming interested in exploring the wilderness and to enjoy their lives. Also, they are able to afford entertainment. And the total amount of automobiles in China ranks high in the world. These reasons make a booming market in China possible."

The 80th F.I.C.C. Rally is on until this Sunday in Yanqing County, near the Great Wall, northwest Beijing.

Organizers and retailers are hoping more people in China will soon be joining these participants on the open road.

For CRI, I'm Xie Zhao.