Shanghai man parks RV on Guangxi street, invites strangers to explore

A motorhome parked on a bustling street in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has drawn widespread attention after its owner — a man from Shanghai — left the keys inside and invited local netizens to enter, explore, and even test-drive the vehicle, Xinmin Evening News reported on Wednesday.

The owner, surnamed Guo, embarked on a road trip in August from Shanghai toward the southwestern border regions, passing through Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong.

On September 10, Guo returned to Shanghai via high-speed rail, leaving the Mercedes-Benz RV parked on Hongdou East Street in Nanning. He placed the key in a small hole near the vehicle's rear frame.

Two days later, Guo posted a video on social media revealing the RV's location and key retrieval method. The clip quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions.

Many netizens praised Guo's "boldness" and his trust in strangers, while others expressed concerns about potential legal risks and questioned the authenticity of the gesture.

In response, Guo explained that many people have never been inside a motorhome, and he wanted to offer them a chance to experience it — even allowing short-term stays or cooking inside. Several locals have already found the key, entered the RV, and shared their experiences with him via video.

However, the key left outside only unlocks the door. To start the engine, a second key is hidden inside the vehicle. Guo stated that anyone wishing to drive the RV must first share their ID and contact information with him — a precautionary measure in case of accidents.

The RV, worth approximately 1.2 million yuan （US$168,840) when new, requires only a standard C-class driver's license. So far, no one has driven it away, though some visitors expressed interest in taking it for a short trip in the future.

One local visitor who experienced the RV on September 16 said, "I've never been in a motorhome before. It felt great. I admire his trust in strangers," according to the report.

On September 17, Guo posted a follow-up video, expressing surprise at the overwhelming response. He emphasized that his intention was simple: Rather than letting the RV sit idle, he wanted to offer potential buyers a hands-on experience. He also mentioned that the vehicle has significantly depreciated in value.

Guo plans to return to Nanning after the National Day holiday to continue his road trip.