Spaniard launches startup to show Beijing’s hidden gems

A visitor enjoys a walking tour with Beijing Hutong Trips.[Photo provided to China Daily]

 

Based on three criteria- popularity, policy environment and intelligent support - Beijing tops the list with the highest score 96.448, almost 36 points higher than the second runner-up Shanghai.

"It seems like everyone around me is starting to do something on their own", said Zhang Wenhan, a 29-year-old white-collar worker who is also an Airbnb host.

"It's so easy to utilize apps and social media to start a small business, and people with the same minds can connect and share our resources and stories," Zhang said.

Casellas also noted the convenience the Internet has brought in a sharing economy era.

"I sent out 150 emails once on a website where people rent out their places. I got many friendly responses; some hosts even brought me customers," he said.

"A host who brought me customers owns a 500-square-meter courtyard, ancient and beautiful. I plan to make her place a stop on my tour, so this can also bring her potential business if anyone on my tour wants to experience local living instead of staying in a hotel," he said.

According to the China Tourism Academy, China saw first time growth in inbound tourism over the last three years in 2015. Last year, 133 million foreign visitors came to China, a four percent growth year on year.

"We plan to grow big, and explore all possibilities on the hospitality chain, and beyond," Casellas said.