Accommodation in China

Accommodation in China

Not all hotels in China can legally host foreign visitors. Learn how to find the right accommodation and what to expect during your stay.

⚠️ Why This Matters

Chinese law requires hotels that host foreign guests to register with the police and report guest information. Many smaller hotels and guesthouses haven't done this, so they cannot legally accept foreign tourists.

Consequence: If you arrive at a hotel that can't host foreigners, they may refuse check-in or demand you leave. Always verify before booking.

🏨 Types of Accommodation

International Chains (Safest Choice)

  • Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG
  • Accor (Novotel, Pullman)
  • Jing Jiang, GreenTree
  • These almost always accept foreigners

Chinese Hotel Brands

  • Hanting (汉庭): Budget, widely available
  • Jing (如家): Mid-range economy
  • Starway: Budget-mid range
  • Most of these accept foreigners

Apartment Rentals

  • Airbnb: Works in China, check host reviews
  • Xiaozhu: Chinese Airbnb alternative
  • Verify the property can host foreigners before booking

🔍 How to Find

Check Before Booking:

  • Booking.com: Filter for "Foreigners welcome" or read reviews
  • Trip.com: Has international travelers section
  • Agoda: Check property policies
  • Hotels.com: Look for "English speaking staff"
  • Contact directly: Call or email to confirm they accept foreigners

Warning Signs:

  • Very cheap prices (too good to be true)
  • No English website or booking platforms
  • Small, independent guesthouses
  • Hostels in non-tourist areas
  • Properties that don't appear on international booking sites

📋 Check-in Process

The check-in process for foreign guests is more involved than you may be used to:

  • Passport required: You must present your physical passport
  • Registration: The hotel will register you with local police
  • Photo: Some hotels take a photo of you
  • Form: You may need to fill out a registration form
  • Copy made: They'll make a copy of your passport data page

💳 Payment

  • International cards: Major hotel chains accept Visa, Mastercard
  • Alipay/WeChat Pay: Works at most hotels
  • Deposit: Some hotels require a cash deposit (500-1000 RMB), refundable at checkout
  • Pre-authorization: Credit card holds are common

💡 Pro Tips

  • Book through reputable platforms: Trip.com, Booking.com, Hotels.com
  • Keep your passport safe: You'll need it every day
  • Ask for a receipt: Required for registration purposes
  • International chains: Choose them for your first night to avoid issues
  • Save hotel card: Get a business card with address in Chinese

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