Where to Stay
China has world-class hotels at every price point — but booking and checking in as a foreigner comes with a few things worth knowing in advance.
Where to find and book your hotel
Most major international booking platforms work in China, but some have better selection and foreign-card support than others. The most important thing: book before you arrive, and confirm the hotel accepts foreign guests.
The most reliable option for international travellers. Strong English interface, foreign card support, free cancellation on most properties, and a good mix of international chains and local hotels.
Originally a Chinese platform (Ctrip), now with a strong English interface. Has the widest inventory of Chinese hotels, often with lower prices than international platforms. Foreign card support has improved significantly.
For international chains (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG), booking direct on their own website often gets you the best price, loyalty points, and the most reliable foreigner-friendly experience at check-in.
Strong in Asia, often competitive on price. Good for budget and mid-range options. Interface is fully in English and accepts foreign cards, though customer support can be slower to respond than Booking.com.
What to expect at each tier
China's hotel market ranges from world-class five-star properties at surprisingly reasonable prices, to budget options that are clean and functional but may have limited English-speaking staff. Understanding the tiers helps you set expectations.
Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Accor and others operate extensively across China. Staff speak English, foreign card payment is seamless, and the check-in process is the same as anywhere in the world.
Most foreigner-friendlyBrands like Shangri-La (Hong Kong origin), Jin Jiang, and Wanda offer excellent quality at lower prices than international chains. English is usually available at the front desk, and foreign card support is generally reliable.
Generally foreigner-friendlyChina has a growing boutique scene, especially in cities like Shanghai, Chengdu and Hangzhou. Many are beautifully designed with local character. English levels vary — check reviews from foreign guests before booking.
Check reviews firstChinese chains like Hanting, Ji Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express offer clean, reliable rooms at good value. Front desk English is limited but functional. Payment is often cash or WeChat Pay — confirm foreign card acceptance before booking.
Limited English, confirm paymentVery basic accommodation, often with no English at all. Clean and functional but no frills. Some budget properties do not accept foreign passport holders — this is a real issue and worth checking in reviews before booking.
May not accept foreignersTraditional-style guesthouses are common near tourist areas, especially in Guilin, Lijiang, and Hangzhou. Very atmospheric, often great value. English varies widely. Many cannot legally host foreign guests — check specifically.
Many cannot host foreignersWhat happens when you arrive
Checking into a Chinese hotel as a foreigner is straightforward at international chains, and manageable elsewhere if you know what to expect. The key difference from Western countries: passport registration is mandatory and happens at every hotel, every stay.
Where to stay in Chinese cities
Chinese cities are large — far larger than most Western visitors expect. A hotel that looks close to your sights on a map might be an hour away in traffic. The single most important factor in choosing where to stay is proximity to a metro station.
Prioritise being within easy walking distance of a metro station above everything else. Check which line serves the station and whether it connects to the areas you plan to visit.
City centres in China are safe and convenient, but not always cheaper. Outskirt hotels can be good value but add significant daily commute time. For short trips, pay for centrality.
Chinese cities have distinct districts with different characters. In Shanghai, Jing'an and the Former French Concession are popular with visitors. In Beijing, Dongcheng puts you near most major sights.
Some areas popular with tourists — like Shanghai's The Bund — can be noisy at night. If you're a light sleeper, check reviews that specifically mention noise levels.
Being close to a variety of restaurants makes daily life much easier. Use the hotel's map pin and check what's around it in Baidu Maps or Google Maps before booking.
Chinese cities often have multiple airports and extremely long airport transfer times. If you have an early departure, factor in whether your hotel is on the right side of the city.
What to expect to pay per night
China offers remarkable value at the mid and upper tiers — a five-star hotel in Beijing or Chengdu often costs significantly less than an equivalent property in Paris or New York. Budget options exist everywhere but come with more uncertainty for foreign guests.
| Tier | Beijing / Shanghai | Chengdu / Xi'an | Smaller Cities | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | ¥1,200 – ¥3,000+ | ¥800 – ¥2,000 | ¥600 – ¥1,500 | International 5-star chain, English-speaking staff, all amenities |
| Mid-range | ¥400 – ¥1,000 | ¥300 – ¥700 | ¥200 – ¥500 | Chinese 4-star or international 3-star, decent English, reliable |
| Budget | ¥150 – ¥400 | ¥100 – ¥300 | ¥80 – ¥200 | Basic chain hotel, functional, limited English, may require cash |
Alternative accommodation for foreign visitors
Airbnb exited the Chinese mainland market in 2022 and no longer operates there. Do not rely on it for accommodation in China — it simply isn't available. If you see listings that appear to be in China on Airbnb, they are likely in Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, where the service still operates normally.
China has a rich tradition of characterful guesthouses — known as mínsu (民宿) or kèzhàn (客栈) depending on the region. These are often beautifully designed with local architecture and a far more personal atmosphere than chain hotels. They are particularly common in scenic areas like Guilin, Lijiang, Dali, Hangzhou, and the water towns outside Shanghai.
The main caveat is the same as for budget hotels: many guesthouses are not registered to host foreign nationals. This is especially common in rural and heritage areas. Always check reviews from foreign guests before booking, and confirm directly if possible.
China has a solid hostel scene, especially in cities popular with backpackers — Yangshuo, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, and Chongqing all have well-established hostel communities. Many are specifically set up for international travellers and handle the foreign check-in process smoothly. Both Hostelworld and Booking.com list Chinese hostels.
Common questions about staying in China
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