With music floating in the air, families barbecue beside their tents at a campsite in suburban Beijing. The children, who have spent the day playing outdoors, help their parents with dinner by passing them food to place on the grill.

For many Chinese parents, this type of getaway has become increasingly popular. It is a chance to break free from urban responsibilities and get close to nature with their children.

A report released by online travel agency Trip.com Group last week showed that the expenditure on trips by Chinese families in the first half of 2021 has increased by 41% from the same period last year, with a surge in camping and outdoor activities.

Many parents consider camping to be a great opportunity for children to experience the outdoors and develop skills, curiosity and courage.

Zhao Yihong, a mother in Beijing, says her son still recalls their trip to Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park in Guangdong province two years ago, when they camped in a tent outside the glasshouse of pandas.

"He was deeply impressed," Zhao says. "Being able to sleep and wake up watching the pandas developed his love of animals."

Many guesthouse operators in Beijing, Shanghai and Sichuan province are joining the camping market, offering diverse experiences such as campfires, outdoor cinemas and archery camps.