Accommodation sharing is a major area in the sharing economy. Airbnb is a successful example, famous for its rent lodging services around the world. The idea of leasing self-owned apartments to tourists for short stays is becoming more and more popular in China and many people are finding it a cheaper and more convenient way to travel.

Staying in a local residential house during a trip may be an ideal way of travelling for many people, as they can share the accommodation with family or friends, and cook or holding parties together. The cozy atmosphere is also considered more comfortable than hotel rooms.

More and more people are leasing their spare properties to short-term travellers, to make extra money. Related platforms also are making it easier to provide more convenient online booking and payment services.

"It's estimated that there are nearly 70 million spare properties, which is a key source for the accommodation sharing sector. In the next five years, the industry will develop rapidly, with a growth of over 40 percent every year," said Shen Zhiqiang, CEO of Mayi.com.

Shen added that the well-developed mobile internet also provides a key role in the lodging sector, as both consumers and lodge owners can easily find and publish accommodation through their smart phones.