Quhuo's Homestay Sector Growth During Labor Day
Quhuo Limited, listed on NASDAQ under the symbol QH, has announced impressive growth figures for its homestay division, Chengtu Home, during the recent Labor Day holiday in 2025. With an occupancy rate climbing to 82%, the data shows a noticeable increase of about 4% compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the peak single-day occupancy exceeded 90%, highlighting approximately 3% growth year-on-year.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism in China indicated that domestic travel saw 314 million trips during this peak holiday, reflecting a 6.4% increase from last year's figures. This surge aligns with a notable shift in traveler preferences towards immersive experiences that emphasize local culture and lifestyle over conventional hotel stays. Travelers are increasingly drawn to homestays, which offer a unique blend of local charm and personalized service.
In response to these evolving traveler preferences, Chengtu has committed to enhancing its accommodations and expanding its offerings. The platform now provides a variety of room types tailored to diverse customer needs, including family-friendly accommodations, rooms designed for e-sports enthusiasts, business travel convenience, and serene comfort rooms, each crafted with specific amenities targeted at unique demographics. For families, the rooms feature child-safe furniture and an array of toys, creating a welcoming environment for younger children. The cinema-themed rooms offer a cozy space equipped with sofas and projectors, catering to movie lovers seeking a private screening experience.
Chengtu's focus extends beyond physical offerings; it is also enhancing its digital platform to improve the overall user experience. In September 2024, the company launched a self-developed mini-program on WeChat that streamlines the process from searching and booking to payment and communication with property hosts. This platform allows users to easily filter results based on location and price while facilitating direct real-time communication with hosts. By leveraging data from its platform, Chengtu aims to deepen its understanding of user preferences and refine its membership system for both hosts and travelers, thereby enhancing the overall accommodation experience.
Chengtu is actively collaborating with its hosts to further optimize services. Online, it analyzes user data, including booking habits and repeat rates, enabling hosts to boost their response efficiency and customer satisfaction. Offline, a standardized management system ensures consistent service across properties, while offering local hosts more autonomy to customize their spaces. This empowerment allows hosts, for instance, to infuse traditional regional elements into their homestays, such as vintage decorations and local materials that create an authentic atmosphere. An example is seen in Xishuangbanna, where homestays incorporate local cultural aesthetics like bamboo furniture.
Looking ahead, Chengtu aims to expand its platform by inviting more domestic hosts and providing standardized tools to enhance efficiency. This strategic direction shifts Chengtu's role from solely managing homestays to also creating specialized offerings designed to scale without sacrificing quality. By achieving an operational model that harmonizes efficiency and warmth, Chengtu aspires to integrate industry-standard practices with local adaptations, thereby nurturing a sustainable ecosystem in the homestay market.
Tong Ji, General Manager of Chengtu, articulated the company's commitment to product innovation and technology upgrades. He noted that the improved figures during the Labor Day holiday underscore Chengtu’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of both travelers and hosts. Continuous refinement of offerings and optimization of platform services will ensure that Chengtu adapts to the diverse demands of its customers while enhancing the overall accommodation experience.
Leslie Yu, the Founder and CEO of Quhuo, echoed this sentiment, stating that Chengtu's performance reflects Quhuo's ongoing commitment to the homestay sector. By harnessing technology and refining the business model, Quhuo aims to strike the right balance between industry standardization and local customization, ultimately enhancing service quality and meeting the varied needs of consumers while fostering sustainable growth within the sector.
Conclusion
The performance of Quhuo's homestay sector during the Labor Day holiday showcases an encouraging trend towards personalized travel experiences while benefiting from a broader domestic tourism trend. As Chengtu prepares to amplify its platform capabilities and collaborate more closely with hosts, it is set to redefine the standards of homestay accommodations in China, offering not just places to stay but genuine local experiences.