Don’t let the bed bugs bite! China’s viral hotel map draws 200,000 users — and angry hoteliers

In Beijing, a viral Chinese bed bug tracking app has flagged over 600 hotels since its launch on September 21, drawing over 200,000 users. However, the crowdsourced platform's simplicity has stirred controversy, with some hotels challenging their listings. The app, created by Wang, an amateur engineer, requires users to submit photographic evidence of suspected infestations, a rule introduced after two suspensions in October.

A guest at Guangzhou Mansion in central Beijing demanded a refund after claiming bed bug bites, but the hotel contested the claim, bringing in a third-party pest control company which found no evidence of bed bugs. Four hotels have submitted appeals with supporting documents, and Wang insists the app aims to help travelers avoid unwanted pests, not to damage hotels' reputations.