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Zoey Zhang

A man from eastern China leaves his Mercedes-Benz camper van unlocked and invites strangers to take it on an adventure.
The first family to hit the road had a “wonderful journey”, and before long, the bold car relay idea exploded across the internet.
The 38-year-old owner, surnamed Guo, from Shanghai, owns a million-yuan (US$140,000) camper van. What he does for a living is undisclosed.
In August, he travelled across the country, but a month later, feeling homesick, returned to Shanghai by train.

He left his vehicle parked on a street in Nanning, Guangxi province in southern China.
Guo shared the car’s location and key details in an online video, captioning it: “The key is here. I have gone home. Whoever wants the car can take it.”
The vehicle also has a motorcycle for passenger use and a bed inside.
Guo explained that the camper van often sat unused, which he considered a waste of resources, so he decided to share the joy of travel.
“It is also a test of trust,” he said.

Guo hid the key to start the vehicle inside the car and set a password.
In an interview with Jimu News, Guo said that anyone who wants to take the car must contact him online, where he would verify their identity, large vehicle license and trip purpose.
The first beneficiary was a retired soldier surnamed Mo.
On September 19, Mo set off on a three-day road trip in the camper van with his wife and daughter.

Before hitting the road, he recorded a video, promising to take full responsibility in case of any accidents.
Mo called the journey “wonderful and beautiful”, adding that his daughter enjoyed every moment.
On the final day, he returned the car to its original spot in Nanning, giving it a thorough clean.
“Brother Guo is so kind. I want to repay him with the same kindness,” Mo said.
The camper van was returned without a scratch, and Guo was delighted to make new friends through this experience.
He mentioned there were no tracking devices on the vehicle.
Others have also joined in. One man and his girlfriend reportedly took the car for a half-day trip.
Guo said he hopes to turn his experiment into a new model for free camper van sharing.

“I am thinking of improving the system so that the travellers, the car and I are all protected.”
Opinions on the car relay were divided on mainland social media.
One online observer said: “I support Guo in spreading kindness. He makes me believe that this is still a loving world.”
However, another netizen raised concerns: “This is too risky. If someone drives the car, gets into an accident and flees, would Guo be responsible? How would the insurance handle it?”
“Guo’s intentions are good, but he is too idealistic. Some might treat the vehicle as a free bed for the night and leave it in a mess,” added a third.


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The owner of a camper van in China leaves his expensive vehicle unlocked and invites strangers to use it. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

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A woman sits at the wheel of the motorhome and checks her mobile phone. Photo: Handout

The “relay” camper van comes complete with a motorcycle for added enjoyment. Photo: Handout

Camper van owner Guo pictured alongside his “open to strangers” vehicle. Photo: Handout

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‘Idealistic’ motorhome owner hands over keys after running checks on person taking wheel; act of kindness faces mixed reaction on social media


‘Idealistic’ motorhome owner hands over keys after running checks on person taking wheel; act of kindness faces mixed reaction on social media.


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China camper van owner leaves vehicle for strangers to use, creating viral ‘car relay’

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}‘Idealistic’ motorhome owner hands over keys after running checks on person taking wheel; act of kindness faces mixed reaction on social media

‘Idealistic’ motorhome owner hands over keys after running checks on person taking wheel; act of kindness faces mixed reaction on social media