On July 16 entrepreneur Qin Lihuan sat down with China.org.cn to talk about quitting her day job in Hong Kong to establish her online business, www.2008inn.com. The website provides accommodation services for tourists coming to Beijing from China and abroad during the Olympic Games.
China.org.cn: We learned that you previously worked in Hong Kong for a company job envied by many people. What made you quit such a good job and set up www.2008inn.com?
Qin: I believed that the Olympic Games is a business opportunity. I learned from my friends that the overall house prices rose nearly ten times during the Sidney and Athens Olympics. So I thought I might do something during the Beijing Olympic Games. Then the house renting business came to my mind.
China.org.cn: We're all aware that with only 23 days left until the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, many tourists who plan to come to Beijing show great concern about house rental prices. So could you please tell us the current trend of short-term house rental prices?
Qin: Many home owners ask us how much they may charge during the Olympic Games. Depending on the décor and condition we suggest that the reasonable price shall be three times that of normal times.
China.org.cn: The Olympic Games is a grand world gathering. Many visitors from abroad and other parts of China will come to attend the Games. Do they differ in selecting houses?
Qin: With regard to our customers, foreigners prefer well furnished apartment family hotel so that they can live more comfortably. Chinese guests would like to find cheaper houses. They have a different emphasis in selecting houses.