Customer Case Study | How a Lakeside Scenic Area in Yunnan Earned ¥300,000 Monthly Using 5 Space Capsules
In recent years, the rise of glamping and experiential tourism has driven growing interest in prefabricated accommodations such as space capsules. These innovative, ready-to-use units offer a compelling blend of futuristic design, comfort, and modular efficiency—making them particularly well-suited for scenic destinations aiming to upgrade their lodging facilities.
In this case study, we explore how a scenic lakeside destination in Yunnan Province partnered with PodVoyager to install five space capsules and successfully transformed its tourism offering, generating an average monthly revenue of RMB 300,000 during the high season.
Project Background
Located on the shore of a pristine alpine lake in northern Yunnan, the project site is known for its year-round mild climate, clean air, and panoramic views of surrounding mountains. The location had long attracted domestic eco-tourists and self-driving travelers, but it lacked distinctive accommodation options that matched the area’s natural beauty.
Before adopting space capsules, the site offered standard wooden cabins and basic camping plots. These traditional structures, though functional, lacked aesthetic appeal and offered limited differentiation in a highly competitive market.
Why Space Capsules?
The site operator was looking for a high-impact solution that met the following requirements:
- Quick installation with minimal disruption to the environment
- Unique, photogenic appearance to enhance online marketing
- High comfort level comparable to boutique hotels
- All-in-one factory prefabrication to ensure consistent quality
- Adaptability to terrain and easy relocation if necessary
After comparing several modular accommodation solutions—ranging from container homes to A-frame cabins—the operator chose PodVoyager‘s space capsules based on the brand’s track record, customization flexibility, and strong visual identity.
Deployment Overview
The project involved the installation of five fully furnished space capsules (three Apple Series and two C Series), positioned along a gently sloped hill overlooking the lake. Key implementation steps included:
- Terrain adaptation & base foundation: Steel piers and adjustable frames were used to minimize land disturbance.
- Delivery & on-site setup: The capsules were delivered fully assembled by flatbed truck and craned into position within a single day per unit.
- Utility connections: Each capsule was connected to the existing power grid, water tank systems, and septic tanks.
- Interior configuration: Each unit featured a queen-size bed, smart lock system, full bathroom, panoramic window, and a lake-facing outdoor deck.
All units were operational within 18 working days from delivery.
Operating Model & Pricing
The owner positioned the space capsules as a premium offering within the accommodation portfolio. Nightly rates varied based on season and day of the week:
- Weekdays (low season): ¥880–¥1,080
- Weekends / holidays (peak season): ¥1,280–¥1,680
On average, the occupancy rate during the high season (May–October) reached 82%, driven by:
- Viral photos and videos posted on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin
- Collaborations with travel influencers and mini-program bookings
- Strategic bundling with lakefront activities (kayaking, campfire BBQ, sunrise yoga)
Monthly Revenue Breakdown
Here’s an example monthly snapshot during the July–August peak:
| Capsule Type | Units | Avg. Night Rate | Occupancy | Monthly Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Series | 3 | ¥1,480 | 85% | ¥113,220 |
| C Series | 2 | ¥1,180 | 78% | ¥85,944 |
| Total | 5 | — | — | ¥199,164 |
With additional revenue from value-added services (breakfast, e-bike rental, firewood kits), total income often exceeded ¥300,000/month during the busiest months.
ROI & Customer Feedback
The initial investment—including unit purchase, logistics, installation, and basic site works—was approximately ¥1.2 million. Based on peak season revenue, the operator expects full ROI within 6 to 9 months, with consistent long-tail earnings through multi-year operation.
Guest feedback emphasized:
- The “Instagrammable” appearance of the pods
- The unexpected comfort and privacy despite the compact footprint
- The seamless indoor-outdoor integration with natural views
- The appeal of “hotel-standard facilities in the wild”
Key Takeaways
This case demonstrates how space capsules can play a pivotal role in elevating tourism destinations. A few lessons stand out:
- High visual impact drives organic marketing. Eye-catching architecture serves as free advertising in the age of social media.
- Speed of deployment matters. Rapid installation means operators can capture seasonal traffic without waiting for construction cycles.
- Factory-standard interiors reduce operational risks. Consistency across units leads to lower maintenance and higher guest satisfaction.
- Premium pricing is possible. Unique design and comfort allow operators to charge significantly above average nightly rates.
About PodVoyager
PodVoyager is a leading supplier of modular space capsule accommodations, offering customizable, prefabricated units designed for high-end resorts, scenic destinations, and off-grid tourism sites. With projects in over 24 countries, we bring factory precision, contemporary design, and global adaptability to every client.
To learn more or start your project, visit: https://podvoyager.com
