The integration of smart technology with winter vacation experiences has quietly initiated a digital transformation in hotel services. On February 9, Wanda Hotels & Resorts announced that its Changbai Mountain Wanda International Resort has completed the upgrade of smart door locks and related systems in hotel rooms, now fully supporting Alipay's "Tap to Stay" smart accommodation feature. Guests staying at the resort no longer need to carry physical room keys; they can complete identity verification, room access, elevator rides, and other services simply by tapping their smartphones.
As the first hotel group to fully integrate with Alipay’s four core accommodation projects, Wanda Hotels & Resorts has collaborated with Alipay with a focus on enhancing guest experience. Substantial progress has been made in key areas such as Tap to Stay, membership integration, and green check-in, with these features being first implemented at the Changbai Mountain Wanda International Resort.
For many skiing enthusiasts, carrying equipment such as skis and snow gear is already cumbersome, and the inconvenience of carrying a physical room key—prone to loss or damage from moisture—has been a persistent issue. "Whether I put it in my pocket or a storage locker, I always find myself checking my backpack or pockets before hitting the slopes, worried that I might lose the room key," shared a skier named Xiaozhi.
The implementation of Alipay’s Tap to Stay at the resort not only improves check-in efficiency and convenience but also addresses the specific challenges of traditional room keys in a skiing context. With a secure mobile solution, the overall smoothness and comfort of ski vacations are significantly enhanced.
Additionally, guests who use Tap to Stay, bring their own toiletries, or opt out of daily towel and linen changes can earn Ant Forest energy points, contributing to ecological protection and forming a positive cycle that encourages green practices.
Another highlight of the strategic partnership is the deep integration of membership systems. Wanda Hotels & Resorts’ loyalty program, "Wanda Club," is now one of the preferred partner brands within Alipay’s vast ecosystem of over 1 billion users. Alipay members can seamlessly match their status with Wanda Club membership tiers, enjoying exclusive benefits across collaborative settings. This move not only helps Wanda Hotels & Resorts attract high-quality customers but also enriches the membership perks and service experience for Alipay users.
In October 2025, Tongcheng Travel announced the completion of its strategic acquisition of Wanda Hotels & Resorts. Currently, during the peak winter tourism season, Changbai Mountain Wanda International Resort remains a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts. Data shows that during the New Year’s holiday period, the resort welcomed over 17,000 visitors, a year-on-year increase of approximately 34.4%. With the upcoming "longest Spring Festival holiday in history," the resort is expected to see further growth in visitor numbers.