[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

With their official launch on October 28, VAYA will provide a marketplace with over 300 unique cultural experiences for tourists and business travelers who want a more authentic Chinese travel experience. VAYA is a peer-to-peer platform that lets travelers connect directly with locals who can show them a deeper and more realistic side of China. Think AirBNB, but for travel experiences; where the former helps travelers find local places to stay, VAYA helps travelers connect to Chinese culture on a local level.

Want to hike trails or mountains that are off the beaten path, or explore hidden markets tucked away in quiet alleys? Share an experience with a local host, and let them show you this magnificent culture from their point of view! Enjoy a special meal cooked just for you and your friends in your host's home, or take a personalized Kung Fu lesson from a true Kung Fu Master; these are just a few of the many experiences waiting for you in China!