Michelin has launched its first global Key selection for hotels, featuring 2,457 properties worldwide, including 64 in China for the first time. However, the announcement was met with widespread puzzlement on Chinese social media, where many users questioned the list’s credibility and relevance. Critics called the selection opaque and out of touch, suggesting domestic platforms like Trip.com and Meituan offer more reliable rankings. This highlights Michelin’s significant challenge in localizing its guide for the Chinese market. Michelin acknowledged financial partnerships with tourism boards to support its inspection process, though it denies these influence selections.