update 02/08/2018: in the last couple of days it has been reported that airbnb will not be letting potential guests spend a night on the great wall of china. 

 

on monday (august 6), a published statement revealed that the cultural department that manages the great wall’s badaling section, where airbnb planned to hold the event, hadn’t received an application for or approved a ‘residential lodging event.’ it also mentioned that in order to historically preserve the great wall, an event like this would not be possible, however, it did not mentioned airbnb.

 

on tuesday (august 7), airbnb said it was cancelling the event: ‘we were excited to promote the great wall and chinese cultural heritage with our night at the great wall and while there was an agreement in place that was the basis for the announcement of this event, we deeply respect the feedback we have received. we have made the decision to not move forward with this event.’

airbnb now lets you spend the night on the great wall of china

all images courtesy of airbnb

 

(this article was originally published on august 2nd 2018). for the first time in thousands of years, four lucky winners will be able to spend the night on the great wall of china in a custom-designed home, courtesy of airbnb. considered to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the great wall was once built to protect chinese states against raids, while today, it brings together visitors from all walks of life. ‘we are so proud to partner in this truly collective effort to highlight such an incredible landmark that now serves to unify people rather than divide them,’ nathan blecharczyk, co-founder and chairman of airbnb china, notes.

 

situated along the ancient portion of the wall, airbnb’s one-of-a-kind bedroom features 360-degree views, offering the perfect vantage point to see the moon and stars. at sunset, guests will enjoy an intimate gourmet dinner with multiple courses, each representing a different aspect of chinese culture. the visit also includes a sunrise hike through china’s countryside accompanied by a tour of the great wall, its heritage, history and protection efforts from the wall’s official historians. visitors will also be able to enjoy additional airbnb experiences, such as learning chinese seal-engraving and calligraphy.

 

UPDATE: china denies airbnb plans to let you spend the night on the great wall of china

 

 

airbnb offers this once-in-a-lifetime chance through a contest that runs until 11 august 2018. to participate, all you have to do is send a response on their website, answering why you think it is ‘now more important than ever to break down cultural barriers, and how you would build new connections and links between different cultures.’

UPDATE: china denies airbnb plans to let you spend the night on the great wall of china UPDATE: china denies airbnb plans to let you spend the night on the great wall of china UPDATE: china denies airbnb plans to let you spend the night on the great wall of china