“Newcomer” shakes up China’s non-standard accommodation market
Beijing, September 15 — Shanhaibian (Beijing) E-commerce Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Shanhaibian”) held a global launch ceremony for its travel and vacation platform themed “Encounter” at the Grand Hyatt Beijing, announcing the official launch of the “Shanhaibian Travel & Vacation Platform.” The event fully showcased Shanhaibian’s newly introduced private customization services and distinctive destination tourism offerings, refreshing people's understanding of non-standard accommodation travel.
Launch ceremony for Shanhaibian’s full line of new products
At the launch event, 60 media outlets, multiple industry authorities, over 30 top-tier partners, and numerous high-quality clients witnessed Shanhaibian’s maiden voyage. Noted CCTV host Teacher Aqiu, Dr. Cai Jiacheng, Director of Informatization at China National Tourism Administration, and Chairman Mr. Wang Ming discussed new trends in travel. Shanhaibian Executive President Mr. Jiang Nan and Product Director Ms. Yi Xingtong delivered brilliant speeches in turn, presenting the company’s premium products and thoughtful services to the audience.
Photos from the event
It is understood that Shanhaibian is an integrated brand offering real estate operation and management, offline travel and vacation product development, and online mobile e-commerce, making it a powerful comprehensive travel and vacation service provider in China. The company is committed to delivering exceptional online travel experiences and achieving seamless integration between online and offline services.
Wang Ming, founder and chairman of Shanhaibian, told reporters that the greatest feature of Shanhaibian is achieving integration amid fragmentation—breaking down all components of travel while providing comprehensive services. Elements such as accommodation, transportation, scenic spots, and dining all become optional, allowing customers to freely arrange and independently choose, thus realizing true private customization.
Shanhaibian founder Wang Ming
Focusing on a B2C model suited to China’s national conditions
According to statistics from iResearch, China’s online short-term rental market grew rapidly in 2012, with a market size of 140 million yuan. By 2014, the market size had exceeded 4 billion yuan, and by 2015 it reached 10.5 billion yuan. The figures clearly show that the domestic short-term rental market is expected to grow by over 50 times in just three years.
Faced with the rapid development of the non-standard accommodation market in China, many domestic and international companies have set their sights on this sector. Airbnb, the originator of non-standard accommodation, officially entered the Chinese market, while other players like Xiaozu Short-Term Rental, Tujia, and Quhuhu are also giving strong competition. However, alongside the rapid growth of the non-standard accommodation market, problems have also emerged. Issues regarding safety, hygiene, convenience, and comfort have led many consumers to question whether non-standard lodging adds joy or hassle to travel. Shanhaibian precisely sensed this market shift and firmly positioned its project under the B2C model.
It is reported that Shanhaibian currently operates over 30,000 diverse properties including apartments, seaside villas, villas, and hotels, cooperates with more than 200 scenic spots, and partners with nearly 2,000 merchants and brands. It has integrated various aspects such as accommodations, scenic areas, travel agencies, airlines, car rentals, and organic farms, truly offering one-stop travel services. Currently, Shanhaibian has established branches in multiple provinces and cities including Hangzhou, Qingdao, Dalian, Jiuzhaigou, Lijiang, Harbin, Yantai, Weihai, Xishuangbanna, and Suzhou. In the future, Shanhaibian will expand to more domestic cities and distinctive tourism destinations, and will also enter overseas markets.
On this, Wang Ming said, “Unlike the mature credit systems in Europe and America, it is still difficult for Chinese travelers to accept ‘staying in someone else’s home’ for the time being. This is mainly due to a lack of trust between people and a relatively strong sense of unfamiliarity. In addition, the lack of supporting services in non-standard accommodations is also a reason why many domestic travelers hesitate. For the domestic travel accommodation market, we should choose services that fit China’s national conditions and consumer habits. We not only conduct comprehensive evaluations of properties but also have very strict selection criteria for destinations. This ensures that travelers enjoy distinctive and personalized travel experiences.”
Sand painting performance at the event
Diversified butler services create a new travel experience
In the non-standardized travel accommodation market, although there are many competitors, the strong outbound travel demand of China’s post-80s and post-90s generations, along with their need for distinctive travel accommodations, will rapidly drive the development of this niche market.
As the material living standards continue to improve, the travel needs of Chinese people are also evolving. However, factors such as crowded scenic spots, overly tight itineraries, low meal standards, and poor service attitudes prevent traditional travel agencies from meeting customer expectations.
In response to the challenges travelers face, Shanhaibian offers a range of private customization services that will completely break the status quo, conveniently, quickly, and to high standards meeting customers’ travel needs. Shanhaibian rigorously selects properties, scenic spots, vehicles, and restaurants, and provides extensive training for customer service staff and personal butlers, ensuring that travelers can feel at home even when abroad.
Reporters learned that through the integration of domestic vacation resources, Shanhaibian collaborates with distinctive apartments, seaside villas, villas, quality hotels, resort scenic areas, and specialized service providers, connecting all aspects such as accommodations, scenic areas, entertainment, airlines, chartered vehicles, and tour guides, providing travelers with exclusive vacation travel services.
Shanhaibian Executive President Jiang Nan and founder Wang Ming give an interview to the media