🏨 Accommodation in China

Your comprehensive guide to finding perfect lodging across China

⏰ Standard Check-in & Check-out Times

🕐

Check-in Time

After 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Most hotels allow early check-in if rooms are ready

🕚

Check-out Time

Before 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Late check-out often available for a fee

🛄

Luggage Storage

Free Service

Most hotels store luggage before/after your stay

🏠 Types of Accommodation

🛎️

Hotels

• ⭐Range from budget to luxury (3–5 stars)
• 📱Book via Trip.com, Agoda, Booking.com
• ✅All hotels legally required to accept foreign guests
• ⚠️Smaller hotels may still decline due to inexperience
• 🤖Many hotels now feature AI robots for room service

💡 Pro Tip: Always contact the property in advance to confirm acceptance of foreign guests

🛏️

Hostels

• 💰Great for budget travelers and backpackers
• 🌐Common booking sites: Hostelworld, Booking.com
• ❓Some may not be familiar with foreign guest procedures
• 👥Perfect for meeting other travelers

💡 Pro Tip: Confirm in advance that they accommodate foreign travelers

🏢

Short-Term Rentals

• 🏠Platforms: Xiaozhu (小猪), Tujia (途家), Airbnb
• ✅Pros: more space and homely feel
• ❌Cons: many require Chinese ID; limited English support
• 🍳Kitchen facilities for longer stays

💡 Pro Tip: Verify with host that foreigner stays are allowed and registration is possible

Hotel Room

Standard amenities with modern facilities

Hostel Dormitory

Budget-friendly shared accommodation

Short-term Rental

Apartment-style living with kitchen

🤖 Modern Hotel Technology

🤖

Hotel Service Robots

Many Chinese hotels now use AI robots for:

• Room service delivery
• Towel and amenity delivery
• Concierge information
• Multilingual assistance

📱

Smart Room Controls

Advanced hotels feature:

• WeChat mini-program room control
• Voice-activated lighting
• Digital room service ordering
• Automated check-out

🔑

Digital Check-in

Streamlined processes include:

• QR code room keys
• Facial recognition entry
• Mobile check-in/out
• Contactless payment

🤖 AI Technology

Service robots are becoming standard in mid-to-high-end Chinese hotels

🛂 Foreigner Stay Registration

⚖️

Legal Requirement

All foreigners must register their accommodation within 24 hours of arrival — whether hotel, rental, or a friend's home. This is mandatory in China.

🏨

Hotels or Licensed Rentals

Easy

Check-in staff will register you automatically using your passport — no extra steps required.

🏠

Private Home Stays

Manual

You must register manually at the local police station or immigration office.

Required Documents:

• 📖 Your passport
• 🆔 Host's Chinese ID
• 📋 Property ownership certificate (房产证)

📱 Online Option: Some cities allow registration via "National Immigration" WeChat mini-program

📋 Hotel Guest Data Reporting

🏢

Hotel Responsibility

Hotels are legally required to report guest information to the Public Security Bureau (PSB)

🌐

International Chains

Most international hotel chains handle this process automatically

⚠️

Local Properties

Smaller properties may be unfamiliar with foreign guest procedures

⏰

Time Limit

Always ensure registration is completed within 24 hours to avoid fines

🔎 Booking Platforms Comparison

Trip.com (Ctrip)

Best Choice

Language Support🇬🇧 English

Foreign Cards✅ Accepted

CoverageInternational + Local

Agoda

Tourist-Friendly

Language Support🇬🇧 English

Foreign Cards✅ Accepted

CoverageTourist-focused

Meituan

Local Platform

Language Support🇨🇳 Chinese Only

Foreign Cards❌ Not Accepted

WeChat pay/Alipay✅ Accepted

CoveragePopular among locals

Tujia

Local Platform

Language Support🇨🇳 Mostly Chinese

Foreign Cards❌ Not Accepted

WeChat pay/Alipay✅ Accepted

CoverageLocal short-term rentals

🛏️ What to Expect in Chinese Hotels

🚿 Standard Amenities

• Private bathroom with shower
• Air conditioning and heating
• Free WiFi (usually excellent speed)
• Complimentary toiletries
• Electric kettle and tea
• Hair dryer

🍳 Common Features

• Slippers provided
• Bathrobes in higher-end hotels
• Mini-fridge (varies by hotel)
• Room service (often via robots)
• Laundry service
• 24/7 front desk

⚡ Tech Features

• Multiple USB charging ports
• Smart TV with streaming
• WeChat mini-program controls
• Digital room service ordering
• QR code information access
• High-speed internet

Smart TV

USB Charging

Tea Station

💡 Essential Pro Tips

🚀 Before You Go

• Download booking apps before arriving in China
• Take a photo of your passport and visa
• Set up a VPN for international booking apps
• Research hotel locations relative to subway stations

🗣️ Communication

• Learn this phrase: "你们可以接待外宾吗？"
  (Nǐmen kěyǐ jiēdài wàibīn ma?)
  "Can you accommodate foreign guests?"
• Look for filters like "foreigners welcome" or "international guests"
• Save hotel address in Chinese characters on your phone

📋 Documentation

• Keep digital and printed copies of your booking
• If staying privately, register with police ASAP
• Save important documents in cloud storage
• Always carry your passport original

💰 Payment & Booking

• Book directly through hotel websites for best rates
• Consider longer stays for better discounts
• Check cancellation policies carefully
• Verify if breakfast is included

🧭 Visual Booking Filters

How to spot listings that accept foreign guests:

Trip.com

Look for Guests Accepted description

Ctrip

Look for "外宾适用" (Foreign guests welcome) tag

Tujia

Check for "接待外宾" (Accept foreign guests) tag

Meituan

Look for "外宾适用" (Foreign guests welcome) tag

🧳

Ready to Book Your Stay?

With proper registration procedures and smart booking choices, finding safe, compliant, and welcoming accommodation in China is straightforward and rewarding.

✅ Download apps✅ Confirm foreign guests✅ Register within 24hrs✅ Keep passport ready