Local Attractions can get you more Chinese clients from your Hotel-Business
Chinese tourists aren’t just coming to stay in your hotel. They’re coming to experience the area, see the sights, and share it all on Xiaohongshu and Douyin. Local attractions are one of the strongest selling points you have, and most hotels outside China completely underuse them. Here’s how to make that work in your favor.
Some numbers worth knowing. According to Mafengwo’s 2024 Travel Trend Report, 71% of Chinese travelers say proximity to local landmarks is a top-3 factor when choosing a hotel abroad. Ctrip data shows that hotels listed with 5+ nearby attraction descriptions get 34% more views on their profile page. And Xiaohongshu content linking a hotel to a specific attraction generates twice the saves of generic hotel posts. Location is content. Use it.
How to use local attractions to get more Chinese clients
1. Position your hotel as THE base for the area
Chinese travelers want to be near the action. If your hotel is close to popular attractions, you need to make that clear everywhere. Your location becomes a key selling point. Show that your hotel isn’t just a place to sleep but a starting point for the whole trip. Talk about how close you are to landmarks, shopping districts, and must-see sights. When they see that your hotel’s location adds real value to their trip, thats an instant win.
2. Dominate Baidu search for local attraction keywords
Baidu is the search engine in China. Google doesn’t factor in here. Get smart with your keywords. Make sure your website and any listings on Baidu include keywords related to local attractions. If someone’s searching “best hotels near [landmark],” your hotel needs to show up. Add detailed descriptions and mention every relevant attraction around you. This isn’t just about SEO. It’s about visibility where Chinese tourists are actually looking. Our China digital marketing team can help you with Baidu optimization if you don’t know where to start.
3. Associate your hotel with the location on Mafengwo
Mafengwo is the Chinese equivalent of TripAdvisor, but with a more engaged travel community. Get your hotel listed and work those reviews. Make sure your profile is connected to keywords for the attractions around you. Encourage guests to mention how close you are to specific sites. This creates a natural connection between your hotel and the destination that pays off every time someone searches for that location.
4. Use influencers to show off your location
Partner with Chinese travel KOLs who specialize in destination content. Let them stay at your hotel, take them to the local spots, and let them tell your story on their terms. When a KOL shows your hotel as the ideal base for exploring the area, it drives real attention and bookings. One good travel KOL post on Xiaohongshu can bring more profile visits than three months of paid ads. That’s not an exaggeration. Learn more about our RED marketing services for hotels.
5. Highlight local attractions in guest testimonials
Social proof matters. Use guest testimonials that talk specifically about how convenient your hotel is for visiting local attractions. If a guest loved being close to a scenic spot or popular museum, turn that into marketing content. Post those reviews on your site, Baidu, and Mafengwo. Real stories from real people are more convincing than any description you write yourself because they answer the question Chinese travelers are actually asking: “Will this hotel make my trip easier and better?”
6. Use Baidu Maps to make your location stand out
Get your hotel on Baidu Maps and make sure it’s linked to nearby attractions. Include walking or driving distances to major sights, restaurants, and landmarks. When people zoom in on the map and see how close you are to what they want to visit, it removes doubt. Chinese travelers use Baidu Maps constantly for directions and planning, so having your property show up clearly is free visibility you can’t afford to miss.
7. Load your website with local details
Your website needs to be full of local details. List every nearby attraction, how long it takes to get there, and why its worth seeing. Mention shuttle services, walkable distances, or public transport options. Chinese travelers plan meticulously and they want to know exactly what to expect before they book. Give them that information in Chinese and you’ll stand out from every competitor who just put up a few generic photos.
| Action | Platform | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| List nearby attractions with distances | Your website + Ctrip profile | +34% more profile views |
| KOL content showing location in context | Xiaohongshu, Douyin | 2x saves vs generic hotel content |
| Guest testimonials mentioning landmarks | Mafengwo, Dianping | Builds credibility with search users |
| Attraction keywords on Baidu | Baidu SEO + Maps | Reaches high-intent planners |
How CTA Helps You Reach Chinese Consumers
Douyin (TikTok China): We produce short-video content that shows your hotel alongside local attractions, and we work with travel KOLs to distribute it to the right audience. Discovery content on Douyin drives traffic to your Ctrip listing and your website in a way that paid ads alone cannot replicate.
Xiaohongshu (RED): We run KOC campaigns that place real guests at your property and nearby attractions, posting natural content that answers the questions Chinese travelers are searching for. This is how your hotel gets into the “where to stay in [destination]” conversation on RED.
WeChat: We build Official Accounts that share local guides, attraction tips, and seasonal content to keep potential guests engaged long before they book. We also integrate WeChat Pay and mini-programs to make the booking experience as smooth as possible.
See all our China digital marketing services
Pedro Wang founded Chinese Tourists Agency in Shanghai in 2012. Since then his team has run campaigns for tourism boards, luxury hotels and startups across Europe and Asia. His China market knowledge comes from 15+ years on the ground.
