New to China? Hotel Tips You NEED to Know (Avoid Bad Rooms!)

Name: New to China? Hotel Tips You NEED to Know (Avoid Bad Rooms!)
Uploaded: 2026-03-26T06:36:13.000Z
Duration: 2 min 4 s
Channel: Jasminia Gough
Description: New to China? Hotel Tips You NEED to Know (Avoid Bad Rooms!)

Jasminia Gough

Published on March 26, 2026

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Quick Answers

Can foreign tourists stay at any hotel in China, or are some hotels restricted?

Legally, yes, but practically, some cheap or budget hotels may still turn you away. While Chinese authorities have officially declared that all hotels should be open to foreign guests, many budget properties (especially those on local-only apps) lack the registration software or training to process foreign passports.

Reddit Reality Check: According to widespread reports on Reddit, budget chains (like HanTing or 7 Days Inn) or rural guesthouses might still claim they "cannot host foreigners" (接待外宾) because they don't know how to register your passport with the local police.
How to Avoid This: To prevent being stranded at night, always book through international platforms like Trip.com, Booking.com, or Agoda. On these sites, properties are pre-vetted to ensure they can legally and easily check in foreign passport holders.

Trip Hotel Booking Link

How do hotel "star ratings" in China compare to Western standards?

Local Chinese star ratings do not always align perfectly with Western expectations. A local "4-star" hotel in a smaller Chinese city may feel more like a comfortable 3-star property in the US or Europe.

Reddit Booking Strategy:

5-Star International Brands (e.g., Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental) retain exceptionally high standards in China—often offering more luxurious facilities, better English-speaking staff, and superior breakfast buffets than their Western counterparts.
Local Boutique and Mid-Range Chains (e.g., Atour Hotels / 亚朵酒店) are highly recommended by expat communities. They are clean, modern, moderately priced, and highly accustomed to hosting digital-savvy travelers.

Can foreigners stay in any hotel in China?

No. Chinese law requires hotels to register foreign guests with police within 24 hours. Not all hotels have the system or license to host foreigners. Budget hotels and rural guesthouses often cannot. Stick to hotels listed on international platforms (Booking.com, Trip.com) or chains (Marriott, Hilton, Ibis) — they all accept foreigners.

How do I register temporary accommodation if I stay at an Airbnb, homestay, or friend's house?

** If you are not staying at a regular hotel, you must go in person with your host/friend, along with relevant documents, to the local police station to register, or use the "online self-registration system" offered by some cities.

Documents required for in-person registration:

Your original passport, valid Chinese visa page, and entry stamp page.
Your host's original ID card.
The original property ownership certificate/lease agreement for the property.

Online registration (highly recommended): First-tier cities and popular tourist destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chengdu have developed dedicated "online self-declaration systems for foreigners" (such as Shanghai's "Suishenban" or the WeChat accounts of various municipal public security bureaus' entry and exit administration departments). You can directly upload photos of your passport, a selfie holding your passport, and the property address on your mobile phone to complete the registration online without having to go to the police station.
It's best to have your landlord or a friend help you with the process, as they are more familiar with local policies. You only need to provide your passport and other required documents.

Online channels for the Accommodation Registration for Foreigners Residing or Staying in Domiciles Other Than Hotels

Are foreigners entering China really required to register with the police station within 24 hours? What happens if they don't?

Yes, this is a mandatory requirement under Chinese law (Exit and Entry Administration Law). All holders of foreign passports must register their temporary accommodation with the local public security bureau (police station) within 24 hours of check-in (72 hours in rural areas).

Serious Community Warning: According to firsthand experiences of Reddit users, failure to register on time is illegal.
When departing or applying for a visa extension, you may face a fine of 500 to 2000 RMB, and may even be warned, blacklisted, or have your next visa application affected.
Automatic Registration: If you stay in reputable hotels throughout your stay, the system will automatically complete this step when the front desk registers your passport; you don't need to go to the police station yourself.