Aerial photo taken on June 27, 2020 shows a glamping resort on top of Yongan Mountain in Chang'an Township of Fuyang District, Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. Township-level governments in Fuyang District have worked in collaboration to maximize the Huyuan River's ecological resources and promote local ecotourism. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

 Watching the stars while lying in a tent hotel or sitting under a large outdoor shade and sipping coffee certainly sounds like a thrilling treat. Chinese travelers are savoring such experiences, as glamping has emerged as a new vacation trend.

During the recent National Day Golden Week holiday in the beginning of October, Zhao Yue from Beijing joined her friends for a vacation in a camping pitch in the scenic Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gannan located in Northwest China's Gansu Province.

Nestled at an average altitude of 3,000 meters, a vast plateau grassland there offers the perfect retreat in nature's embrace. The site has a row of camping tents as well as steel-framed tents with ethnic Tibetan-style decorations and modern facilities, offering urbanites like Zhao a fusion of tradition and luxury.

"The hotel is where stunning nature meets modern luxury, and spending a night there, surrounded by mountains, was like living in the natural wilderness," Zhao said.

Although a room costs 1,000 yuan ($157), Zhao cherished the opportunity to relax in the natural environment.

Such tent hotels that are built in forests, valleys, on the grassland, or along rivers are increasingly gaining popularity among Chinese tourists. Many travelers also prefer to set up their own tents on campgrounds by renting equipment.

This fascinating new vacation trend features camping with basic amenities and, in some cases, resort-style services.

Unlike traditional camping, glamping is a quest for escapism with the adventure recreation of camping.

Chen Xin, who has worked in the tourism sector for years, said that the new trend helps relieve the pressure of urbanites by inducing a sense of calmness as one embraces nature.

She added that many tourists come to glamping destinations and do nothing but relax.

"Everything is about efficiency in Beijing while time seemed to have slowed down when I spent the vacation at the tent hotel," said Zhao, adding that it was an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.