What are the differences between ancient post houses and inns?

The differences are as follows:

The inn is an official organization. Its main job is to welcome and send officials to various places, provide food and accommodation, and change horses. It is a non-profit organization and free for civil servants. Doing commercial activities can only be a side job for ordinary people. Of course, it is profitable.

The inn does not have free treatment for civil servants, let alone the high-cost business of changing horses.

Speaking of inns, they have existed since ancient times. It is generally believed that they appeared as early as the Shang, Zhou and Pre-Qin periods. Nilv, Yizhan, Yiguan, Dizhan, inn, etc. all refer to hotels, which have the same function as today's hotels, restaurants, guest houses, guest houses, and resorts.

During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, commerce was booming and merchants needed to travel frequently to do business, so the inn industry came into being. And gradually established a relatively complete inn service system. In the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the economy prospered, coupled with the opening of the Grand Canal, the tourism industry developed. Opening inns and building inns on the streets of Chang'an became one of the most profitable industries at that time.

The division of labor and reception objects in inns and hotels are more clear. There are "Guangyuan Store" and "Wanlong Store" that specialize in receiving business owners; there are "Yelai Store" and "Yelai Store" for passing guests and general tourists. "Jishun Store". With the establishment of the imperial examination system, during the spring and autumn examinations, "Zhuangyuan Building" and "Gaoshengdian" appeared in various places specifically to receive students. (Inns can also launch this kind of personalized direction during the college entrance examination season)

“This differentiated service does not seem to be very new and unique now. Modern inns also have various room types, especially theme inns, with special features. B&Bs. However, based on the ancient inns, during the college entrance examination season, inns and B&Bs may consider launching special room types such as "No. 1 Room" to attract target customers.