A home away from home

Luo Jun. Photo provided to China Daily

Most Chinese short-term rental websites are using the same pattern as Airbnb, and play the role of middleman between owners and tenants. Besides safety concerns, some may find the actual housing is different from online photos, and not as good as they expect.

"We provide more than 40 trust and safety tools, which is at the core of everything we do. Tenants should read all the information your host's profile provides and communicate extensively on Airbnb before, during and after a reservation," says Alan Chang, the managing director for Airbnb Northeast Asia. In China and other destinations, visitors are attracted to Airbnb's attractive houses with unique style.

According to Chang, China is an incredible opportunity for Airbnb because of the growing number of Chinese tourists. Airbnb has localized much of its product, and now has a fully translated website and Chinese payment options.

"International travelers from China love our product. You will be able to experience your destination, no matter where it is in the world, like a local, and have a much more unique and exciting trip. For example, staying in a tree house in California or an amazing villa in Thailand," he says.

"The success of such websites are a typical example of the Internet helping to make the best use of idle resources in society. The pattern is based on the trust system, but the system in China is still being built and improved upon," says Li Xinjian, professor of the School of Management, Beijing International Studies University.

According to Li, other advantages Airbnb has in the US are the country's convenient road transport system, popularity of private cars and a mature car rental system.