As a new type of tourism, camping is injecting new vitality into the recovering culture and tourism industry and becoming a new growth point of tourism consumption in Sanya, South China's Hainan province.

"Camping is perfect for family outing," said a Sanya resident surnamed Yang. "In many campsites, there are outdoor movies, live band performances, campfire dinners and other activities, which are fresh and fun."

The Aurora Outdoor Camping Festival, held from March 24 to 26 at Dadonghai Beach in Sanya, was the first one of its kind in the city. It featured art, markets, exhibitions, music, and camping goods.

"The event has gathered young people to create a diversified camping experience. It aims to stimulate more possibilities of Sanya's culture, ecology and outdoor new life style," said the festival organizer. "The camping festival has invited notable brands to present outdoor camping and life aesthetics, and bring high-quality products and services to the campsite."

Chen Xu, CEO of Toread Holdings Group Co, said during the event that in the future, innovative scientific research technology will be integrated into the development and operation of camping equipment to create better product experience for consumers. Toread's products design will take diversification, lightweight, customization, environmental protection and intelligence into consideration.

"Last year, camping has gained momentum, and camping economy has become a buzzword," said Mo Zhao, founder and CEO of Lehero. "What makes camping so attractive is that it belongs to this modern era, to people who love nature. And I'm confident in its development."

The camping festival is part of the 2023 Hainan international culture and creativity week, which was held from March 24 to 30. With the theme of "Resonance - the burning steppe", the week has a main forum, 30 sub-forums and some cultural and entertainment events. It welcomed representatives of more than 30 cultural and tourism industries, over 300 experts from various research organizations and think tanks, and a total of about 3,000 invited guests to Sanya.

The Aurora Outdoor Aamping Festival is held from March 24 to 26 at Dadonghai Beach in Sanya. [Photo/english.sanya.gov.cn]