Airbnb’s Great Wall of China competition upsets Chinese social media users
Eight people will get to stay in a watchtower that has been converted into a candlelit bedroom
Eight travellers will get the chance to stay overnight at the Great Wall of China next month if they win a competition, but internet users are concerned over possible damage to the 2,600-year old landmark.
Room-booking app Airbnb has temporarily converted an old watchtower at the Badaling section of the wall into a double bedroom, and said it will be the first time in history that ordinary people will be allowed to stay there.
The tourist attraction receives more than 10 million visitors a year. There are no laws banning people from staying overnight and some tour companies even offer camping packages.
The competition, which closes on Saturday, asks users from the company’s 11 biggest markets – China, the US, Britain, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain and France – to submit a short essay on why it is important to break down barriers between cultures.
The four winners will be allotted one night’s stay between September 4 and 8, and are allowed to bring one guest each. The candlelit room will be open to the elements due to its lack of a roof, and will not have Wi-fi, heating, air-conditioning or a television.