How to Book Hotels in China as a Foreign Tourist

Why Hotel Booking in China Is Different

Booking hotels in China is straightforward once you know the right platforms — but a few things trip up first-time visitors. International booking sites work, but options are often limited or overpriced compared to local platforms. Hotels in China are also legally required to register foreign guests with the local police, which affects check-in requirements.

This guide covers where to book, what to look for, and how to check in smoothly as a foreign passport holder.

---

1. Where to Book

Trip.com (recommended for most travellers)

Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) is China's largest travel platform and the best option for foreign visitors. It has a full English interface, supports international credit cards, and lists the widest range of Chinese hotels — including many budget options that don't appear on Western sites. Customer support is responsive and available in English.

Book at: trip.com

Booking.com and Agoda

Both work in China and are not blocked by the Great Firewall. Inventory is somewhat limited compared to Trip.com for domestic Chinese hotels, but familiar interfaces and loyalty points may make them worth it for some travellers.

Airbnb

Airbnb operates in China but with reduced inventory since 2022. Useful for apartments in major cities; less reliable in smaller cities and rural areas.

What to avoid

• Booking directly on Chinese hotel apps (美团酒店, 飞猪) — these require a Chinese phone number and Chinese payment method, which most foreign tourists don't have.

---

2. Types of Accommodation

International hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, IHG, etc.) The most reliable option for foreign visitors. Staff typically speak English, check-in is smooth, and the hotels have experience registering foreign guests with local authorities.

Local Chinese business hotels (快捷酒店) Budget-friendly and found everywhere. Brands like 如家 (Home Inn), 汉庭 (Hanting), and 7天 (7 Days Inn) are clean and well-run. The trade-off: limited English at reception, and occasionally some are not licensed to host foreign guests (see below).

Boutique guesthouses (民宿) Popular in tourist cities like Chengdu, Lijiang, and Yangshuo. Often atmospheric and good value. Check reviews carefully — some are not registered to accept foreign visitors.

Hostels Major Chinese cities have a good hostel scene. Book via Trip.com or Hostelworld. Hostels generally have more experience with foreign guests and can help with local navigation.

---

3. The Foreign Guest Registration Requirement

All hotels in China are legally required to register foreign guests with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of check-in. Registered hotels handle this automatically when you check in — you just hand over your passport.

What this means for you:

• Always carry your original passport to check in — a photo or photocopy is not accepted.
• Some smaller guesthouses and private accommodation are not licensed to host foreign nationals. If you arrive and the hotel says they "cannot accept foreign guests," this is the reason. You'll need to rebook.
• To avoid this: book through Trip.com and look for hotels with high review counts and recent reviews mentioning foreign guests.

If you're staying with a friend or host: You are legally required to register with the local police station within 24 hours. Your host can accompany you, or you can go to the nearest PSB station with your passport.

---

4. Check-in Tips

Bring your passport. Not a copy — the original. Hotels scan the data page to complete police registration. This is non-negotiable.

Confirm check-in time. Standard check-in in China is 2–3pm, checkout at noon. Most hotels will store luggage if you arrive early.

Payment on arrival. Some hotels in China require payment or a deposit in cash or via WeChat Pay / Alipay on arrival, even if you prepaid online. Have your mobile payment set up before you arrive (see the Alipay and WeChat Pay guide).

Credit card holds. International hotels typically take a card hold for incidentals. Local Chinese hotels may ask for a cash deposit of ¥200–500 instead.

---

5. Neighbourhoods and Location

Choosing the right area matters more in Chinese cities than in many other destinations — cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu are enormous, and staying in the wrong district can add an hour to every journey.

Beijing:

• Dongcheng (东城) — near Forbidden City, Tiananmen, Wangfujing. Best for first-timers.
• Sanlitun (三里屯) — international feel, bars, embassies. Good for shorter stays.
• Avoid: far west districts (Shijingshan, Mentougou) unless you have specific reasons.

Shanghai:

• The Bund / Huangpu (黄浦) — central, close to sights, good metro access.
• Jing'an (静安) — quieter, well-connected, many international hotels.
• Pudong (浦东) — near the airport and financial district; convenient for transit stays.

Chengdu:

• Jinjiang / Chunxi Road (锦江/春熙路) — central, walkable, good food access.

General rule: choose accommodation within 500m of a metro station. China's metro systems are excellent and significantly cheaper than taxis.

---

6. Useful Phrases for Check-in

Situation	Chinese	Pinyin
I have a reservation	我有预订	Wǒ yǒu yùdìng
My name is...	我叫...	Wǒ jiào...
I'd like to check in	我想办理入住	Wǒ xiǎng bànlǐ rùzhù
What time is checkout?	退房时间是几点？	Tuìfáng shíjiān shì jǐ diǎn?
Can I store my luggage?	可以寄存行李吗？	Kěyǐ jìcún xíngli ma?

---

Quick Checklist

Task	When
Book via Trip.com or Booking.com	4–6 weeks before (popular cities sell out)
Confirm hotel accepts foreign guests	Before booking
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for deposits	Before departure
Pack original passport for check-in	Every stay
Register with PSB if staying with locals	Within 24 hours of arrival

---

The ChinaReady app tracks accommodation prep alongside VPN, payments, and documents — so you arrive with everything sorted. Download the app to get early access.