民宿国标(mínsù guóbiāo): National standards for guesthouses

The China National Tourism Administration has issued a document on the basic requirements for guesthouses, which is expected to help standardize them.

Guesthouses refer to the small-scale local accommodation facilities provided by local residents to tourists.

Statistics show that in 2012 there were less than 100,000 operators of such guesthouses. The number had soared to about 900,000 last year. However, many problems have been exposed in the process, such as potential safety hazards and unlicensed guesthouses.

The move by the tourism administration is expected to regulate the industry and guarantee the rights and interests of tourists.

According to the new standards, guesthouse operators must apply to local governments for a license, and meet the public security and fire-fighting requirements. The number of guest rooms in a single guesthouse building should not exceed 14.

The national standards also set requirements for the sanitary conditions of guesthouses. According to the document, the sheets, quilt covers, pillowcases and towels should be changed for each new guest, and the operators of guesthouses should provide relevant services to guests.

The document also stipulates "gold" and "silver" levels for the evaluation of guesthouses, in order to encourage the operators of guesthouses to improve their accommodation conditions and service quality.