"The electronic road book is so convenient. We can find all the information we need along our way, including accommodation, attractions, dining spots and gas stations," said Zhong Jie, who recently took a self-driving tour from Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, to Lishui city, also in Zhejiang.

The new electronic road book, brought out by Lishui's culture and tourism department, is an online map especially designed for self-driving trips.

Since its launch on Sept 24, more than 10 self-driving cross-country routes have been launched. As of Nov 4, it has provided travel services for 11,189 self-driving enthusiasts, which local officials said had greatly promoted the development of remote mountainous villages along the routes.

At the start of the year, the regular tourism industry was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially group travel. But at the same time, the outbreak indirectly promoted the growth of the self-driving market, said officials from the Lishui culture and tourism department.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays on Oct 1-8, the outdoor camping base in the Shuiniuping forest area – in Fengyuan township, in Liandu district – saw up to 400 people camping in one day, directly thanks to the electric road book, officials said.

They said the popularity of the base had previously been depressed, due to its remote location and challenging mountain roads.