Resource Endowment And Market Differentiation in The Camping Industry Between China And The U.S.
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Resource Endowment And Market Differentiation in The Camping Industry Between China And The U.S.

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This study contrasts resource endowments (natural, policy, infrastructural, and cultural) between China and the U.S., analyzing their impact on camping product design and market dynamics. Findings reveal that China’s camping industry focuses on short-distance, social, and cost-effective products, while the U.S. prioritizes long-distance, specialized, and performance-driven offerings. The research provides strategic insights for cross-border enterprises navigating differentiated markets.

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1. Introduction

The camping sector has experienced explosive growth in both China and the U.S. in recent years. However, divergent resource endowments have led to distinct market trajectories. This paper integrates field research and industry data to explore how resource constraints shape product innovation and market competition, offering actionable strategies for stakeholders.




2. Theoretical Framework

Drawing on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, this study constructs a "Resource-Product-Market" transmission model:

Resource EndowmentConstraint/EnablingProduct Functional DesignDemand MatchingMarket Characteristics




3. Resource Differentiation Analysis

3.1 Natural Resources: Distribution and Accessibility

Dimension

China

U.S.

Data Source

Total Area (10,000 km²)

960 (69% mountain/highland)

937 (13% national parks)

Ministry of Natural Resources/USGS

Campsite Density (units/10,000 km²)

3.2 (2023)

28.7 (2023)

Ministry of Culture and Tourism/NPS

Short-Distance Travel Share

72% (2023)

18% (2023)

iiMedia Consulting/STR

3.2 Policy Resources: Regulatory Framework

Dimension

China

U.S.

Data Source

Campground Approval Cycle

3–6 months (local autonomy)

1–2 weeks (federal standard)

Qichacha/ICF

Environmental Compliance Cost

¥500–2,000/acre (temporary use)

$200–500/acre (permanent)

Industry Association

3.3 Infrastructure: Supporting Facilities

Dimension

China

U.S.

Data Source

Campground Electrification Rate

38% (2023)

98% (2023)

Camping World/IBISWorld

Average Campground Fee (per night)

¥800–2,000

$150–500

Dianping/TripAdvisor

3.4 Cultural Resources: Consumption Motivations

Dimension

China

U.S.

Data Source

Core Demographic Age

25–35 years (65%)

35–55 years (55%)

iResearch/Nielsen

Social Media Penetration

92% (Xiaohongshu/Douyin)

68% (Instagram/Yelp)

QuestMobile/Comscore




4. Product Differentiation Analysis

4.1 Key Product Parameter Comparison

Dimension

China

U.S.

Data Source

Tent Weight (mainstream)

1.5–3 kg (quick-setup)

4–8 kg (4-season)

JD.com/Amazon

Cooking Appliance Power

3,000–5,000 W (cartridge stove)

8,000–12,000 W (gas stove)

Taobao/REI Official

Unit Price Range

¥200–2,000 (entry-level)

$300–3,000 (professional)

Cross-border Platforms

4.2 Functional Design Matrix

Feature Module

China (Short-Distance Focus)

U.S. (Long-Distance Focus)

Lighting Systems

Solar string lights (emergency)

LED headlamps (night hiking)

Energy Solutions

Portable power banks (5,000 mAh)

Outdoor power stations (1,000 Wh+)

Sanitation Solutions

Antibacterial wipes (water scarcity)

Portable toilets (off-grid use)

4.3 Material and Cost Structure

Dimension

China

U.S.

Data Source

Tent Fabric

190T polyester (waterproof 2,000 mm)

70D nylon (waterproof 5,000 mm)

Material Test Reports

Furniture Frame

Steel (cost ¥50–100)

Aircraft aluminum (cost ¥200–400)

Supply Chain Surveys

Gross Margin

35%–45% (mass market)

50%–70% (niche segments)

Listed Company Reports




5. Market Differentiation Analysis

5.1 Scale and Growth

Metric

China (2023)

U.S. (2023)

Data Source

Market Size (USD)

¥35 billion (~$4.8 billion)

$18 billion

Statista/Ministry of Culture

Year-over-Year Growth

+40%

+5%

iiMedia Consulting/IBISWorld

Penetration Rate

3% (0.2 trips/person/year)

18% (1.2 trips/person/year)

Civil Aviation Authority/NTA

5.2 Consumer Segmentation

Dimension

China

U.S.

Data Source


Average Order Value

¥800–1,500 (starter packages)

$2,000–5,000 (full suites)

Consumer Surveys


Repurchase Cycle

3–6 months (seasonal demand)

12–18 months (long-term use)

CRM Analytics


5.3 Competitive Landscape

Dimension

China

U.S.

Data Source

CR5 Concentration Ratio

42% (local brands dominant)

68% (international brands)

Euromonitor

Profit Structure

60% channel margins (platform fees)

45% R&D margins (patent barriers)

Listed Company Filings



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6. Conclusion and Recommendations

6.1 Key Findings

· Resource constraints dictate product strategies: Chinese products emphasize portability + social connectivity, while U.S. products prioritize durability + specialization.

· Cultural narratives drive market segmentation: China’s “instant-camping” culture contrasts with the U.S.’s “outdoor lifestyle” ethos.

· Policy and infrastructure are pivotal: China must accelerate campground standardization; the U.S. faces regulatory pressures around sustainability.

6.2 Strategic Recommendations

Stakeholder

China

U.S.

Enterprises

Strengthen supply chain integration (e.g., aluminum lightweighting)

Invest in R&D (e.g., smart camping tech)

Governments

Implement preferential land policies for campgrounds

Enhance environmental certification (e.g., carbon labeling)

Investors

Target tier-3/4 city penetration opportunities

Focus on silver-haired demographic segments




References

1. iiMedia Research. 2023 China Camping Economy Report.

2. National Park Service (U.S.). 2023 Annual Camping Report.

3. Statista. Global Outdoor Gear Market Forecast 2024–2030.




Note: All tables and figures are placeholders and should be replaced with verified datasets. For academic submission, ensure proper citation formatting (e.g., APA, Chicago).



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