A home away from home

Tujia has well-furnished villas of different styles in scenic spots. Photo provided to China Daily

The butler made breakfast for the family and arranged for a local woman to take them to the market to buy groceries and vegetables, and teach them about the region's cuisine. They were then able to cook dishes together as a family.

"We were very satisfied with the family reunion dinner. In the past, we could only dine at restaurants and couldn't really experience the local lifestyle," Wang says.

Qi Hang, 25, an office worker from Beijing, also enjoys staying in a rented home, rather than a hotel.

"It's like being in your own home, and it is cozier than a hotel. It felt good that all of us could play games together in the big sitting room," Qi says.

In November, Qi and nine of her coworkers went to Baiyangdian Lake, Hebei province, for a team building and rented two villas from Tujia.com for one night, for more than 2,000 yuan ($320).

"You only have to bring some clothes because of the good quality amenities such as shampoo, slippers and laundry powder," she says.

Qi likes the considerate, personalized service. She says it's sweet that the person in charge of the property texted her about the local weather, welcomed them on arrival, and told them where they could get a bite to eat.

"It's good for vacations with families, friends and children, who can stay together in one villa, rather than being separated into different rooms in a hotel. Some places even allow you to bring your pet," she says.