Cultural 'superpower' attracts more Chinese

"The rapid advance in technology in recent years means even cheap mobile phones are effectively palm-top computers, giving Chinese users instant access to real-time information on almost any topic," he said.

Austria has already started to develop its peer-to-peer economy and new online payment approaches to better cater to Chinese tourists.

China's popular bike sharing giant, Ofo, shipped 2,000 bikes to Vienna in December last year to serve more Chinese tourists and local residents in a rapidly growing market, as the city strives to promote green transport to cut emissions.

Its signature bright yellow bikes can be found at both iconic landmarks and tranquil street corners around the city, and are quickly gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike.

"Austria is the 16th country where our company is present," said Ofo's co-founder Zhang Yanqi.

"We will soon launch our service in two other Austrian cities."