Airbnb Great Wall of China pop-up accommodation competition scrapped after backlash

Airbnb's plans to offer a unique chance to spend the night at the Great Wall of China have been cancelled following backlash from local authorities who claim the stay had never been approved, raising concerns that the temporary accommodation would risk damage to the historic Chinese landmark.

The Beijing Yanqing Cultural Commission, which manages the Badaling section of the Great Wall where the room was to be built, had reportedly never been approached about the stay or approved the pop-up event, which would have seen four winners (each joined by a guest) of an online competition stay overnight at the ancient fortification.

The competition was open to citizens of several countries around the world, including Australia.

The commission said it did not support the project as it is "not in line with the Great Wall's heritage conservation values", according to a statement, the South China Morning Post reports.

Airbnb claimed "there was an agreement in place" that formed the basis for the event announcement but did not confirm when or in what ways it had contacted local authorities for approval on the project or outline what the agreement entailed Airbnb was contacted for a comment.

But the company has cancelled the event following the feedback received.

"We have made the decision to not move forward with this event," Airbnb announced in a statement.

"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," the statement said.

Airbnb is said to instead be "working on a range of other experiences and initiatives that showcase China as a destination and highlight how people-to-people travel can drive human connections."