China's Ctrip.com Buys Sozhen.com

It is reported that Ctrip.com has acquired Sozhen.com, a website focusing on travel to ancient Chinese towns.

Employees of Sozhen.com said the website will change somewhat in the future, but it will not sell hotel rooms like Ctrip.com; instead, it will still focus on selling accommodation in low-end inns.

The acquisition is seen by Ctrip as a way of adding low-end hotel business to Ctrip.com's product line to meet this need from Ctrip members. On the other hand, Sozhen.com has a great number of loyal users, and also maintains good relationships with tourist attractions in ancient towns.

Sozhen.com was established in August 2005 and was the first and the most authoritative ancient town website in China. In 2007 Sozhen.com started an inn chain business aiming to be the first inn brand with chains in ancient towns.