Hotel reviews in China, super important for to get clients

let’s talk real here business here 🙂 . Hotel reviews in China are beyond important—they’re make-or-break for your business. If you want to thrive in China’s travel market, you need reviews, and you need a lot of them. It’s not optional; it’s the lifeblood of your reputation.

Here’s why reviews matter so much in China:

1. Social Proof is Everything
   – Chinese travelers live and breathe by reviews. They don’t want to be the first to try your place—they want to know that other people, people like them, have been there, loved it, and had a great experience. They need that social proof, or they’re not going to take the risk. This is true for every type of traveler, from luxury seekers to budget explorers. Reviews build trust faster than any ad campaign ever could.
2. Real Reviews Beat Everything Else
   – Look, you can fake it till you make it, but real reviews from real people will ALWAYS work better. Chinese consumers are savvy. They can smell fake reviews from a mile away, and that can backfire hard. Don’t go down that path. Instead, focus on getting as many genuine reviews as possible. Real reviews build credibility, and that’s what you want—a solid base of real feedback that makes people feel comfortable booking with you.
3. Ask EVERY Client for a Review
   – Here’s the hack: ASK. Every single guest who checks out? Ask them for a review. Don’t just wait around hoping they’ll write something. Actively encourage it, and let them know how much it matters. And don’t just throw it in as an afterthought—make it part of the checkout experience. Have your staff mention it, hand them a WeChat QR code for easy access, and tell them how much you appreciate it. Friendly and polite, but persistent.
4. Follow Up Through WeChat
   – This is where the magic happens. In China, WeChat is where people communicate—and guess what? It’s also where they’re most likely to respond to a friendly follow-up asking for a review. Connect with your guests on WeChat if possible, thank them for their stay, and politely remind them to leave a review. It’s easy, it’s direct, and it’s exactly where they’re already spending their time.
5. Make It Easy, Make It Friendly
   – Chinese guests won’t refuse a polite, friendly request for feedback, especially if you make it simple. Have staff give a quick, warm reminder about how valuable reviews are, and provide easy ways to leave one. Hand them a card with a QR code that links directly to your review page on Chinese platforms like Dianping or Ctrip. People are way more likely to follow through when it’s convenient.
6. Chase Those Reviews, but Keep It Real
   – I’m telling you, chase those reviews like your business depends on it—because it does. But do it the right way. Don’t pester or get pushy. Make it clear that their feedback makes a difference, and don’t be afraid to follow up politely. People respect effort, and they’ll respond to genuine requests.

FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT

If you want to make a splash in the Chinese hotel market, reviews are crucial.

They’re the digital word-of-mouth that’ll build your brand faster than anything else. So don’t sit back and wait for reviews to roll in—go get them. Make it easy, use WeChat to follow up, and keep it real. Show your guests that their opinion matters, and they’ll help you build a rock-solid reputation that will keep new guests rolling in.

No shortcuts, no gimmicks—just real connections and a hustle mentality.

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY IN CHINA

if you want killer reviews on social media in China, you’ve got to be strategic, proactive, and all-in. Chinese travelers are all about social proof and recommendations, so if you’re not fully leveraging this, you’re missing out on massive growth potential.

Here’s how your hotel go from zero to a review machine in China:

1. Paid KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders)

– Let’s talk influencers. In China, KOLs are everything. People trust them because they’re seen as authentic and relatable. Pick a KOL who genuinely fits your brand and has an engaged following. Yeah, it’ll cost you, but it’s worth it. A shout-out or review from a respected KOL on platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) can boost your credibility overnight. This is where you invest to get that high-impact exposure.

2. Professional Reviewers

– Don’t be afraid to go pro. There are legit professional reviewers in China who specialize in the travel and hospitality industry, and they know how to craft a story that resonates with Chinese travelers. Find reviewers who are respected, and get them to stay at your place and share an honest review. Real, authentic feedback from pros goes a long way in building trust. Make it worth their while, and let them experience the best you have to offer.

3. Leverage Your Social Community

– Build a community of raving fans! Get your loyal guests and fans to share their experience on social media. Give them incentives—exclusive perks, discounts on future stays, or small gifts. Make them feel like part of your brand’s story. The stronger your community, the more organic and frequent those reviews will be. People love being part of something, so build that connection.

4. Get on Red Book (Xiaohongshu)

– Red Book is massive for lifestyle and travel in China. It’s where people discover places to stay, eat, and explore. Post visually stunning photos, detailed descriptions, and create aspirational content that makes people say, “I want to go there!” Encourage guests to tag you and share their experiences here. The more Red Book buzz, the more FOMO you create, and the more people want in.

5. Talk to Clients on WeChat and Clean Up Problems Fast

– This one’s huge: WeChat is your direct line to guests. Connect with them, check in during their stay, and resolve any issues immediately. If something’s off, fix it fast. People leave bad reviews when problems go unsolved, so don’t let that happen. A quick message on WeChat, a small gesture to make things right, and you turn a potential complaint into a glowing review. Proactive customer service is key.

6. Human Interaction and Customer Service in Mandarin

– Nothing builds loyalty and great reviews like real human interaction in Mandarin. Train your staff to go the extra mile and offer personal, warm service in Mandarin. Show that you understand the culture, make them feel welcomed, and you’ll see the difference in those reviews. It’s not just customer service—it’s making guests feel like they belong.

7. Leverage PR and Magazines

– Don’t underestimate the power of PR. Coverage in Chinese travel magazines and media outlets adds serious credibility to your brand. Think of it as social proof on steroids. When people see your name in trusted publications, it’s like a stamp of approval that sets you apart. Work with PR agencies who know the Chinese market, pitch your story, and get that press coverage.

DO YOU NEED AN AGENCY ?

Getting reviews in China isn’t about hoping people remember to post something. It’s a full-on strategy. You pay for the right influencers, you build a community that loves your brand, you fix problems in real-time, and you make every guest feel valued. You want to dominate on social? You’ve got to go after it from every angle.

WE CAN HELP YOU