Accommodation

China offers: international 5-star hotels (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt), Chinese luxury hotels, boutique hotels (especially in historic areas), mid-range business hotels (Jinjiang, Huazhu), budget hotels (7 Days Inn, Hanting), hostels (dorms from 40-80 RMB), serviced apartments, guesthouses in rural areas, and traditional courtyard hotels in Beijing's hutongs. Airbnb-style rentals exist but are regulated. Tibet requires foreigners to stay in licensed hotels.

Use Trip.com (English interface, best for China hotels), Booking.com, or Agoda. For Chinese hotel chains, use their official apps (often cheaper). International chains can be booked through their websites. Book 1-2 months ahead for peak season. Same-day booking is possible in major cities. Ensure the hotel accepts foreign guests (some budget hotels do not). Your tour operator can handle all bookings for you.

All international hotels and most mid-range hotels accept foreign guests. Some budget hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in smaller cities are not licensed to accept foreigners. When booking, check for "foreigner-friendly" or "accepts foreign guests" in the listing. This restriction is due to local security regulations. If you arrive at a hotel that cannot accept you, they will direct you to a nearby hotel that can.

You need your passport with a valid Chinese visa. Hotels scan your passport and visa page and register your stay with the local police. This is mandatory and automatic. You do not need to do anything extra. If staying in a private residence (Airbnb or friend's home), you must register at the local police station within 24 hours. Hotels handle this automatically for guests.

Most hotels provide: free Wi-Fi, bottled water, tea, slippers, bathrobes, toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo and body wash, hair dryer, and a kettle. Budget hotels may charge for some items. 5-star hotels offer full amenities including pools, gyms, spas, and concierge services. Most rooms have both Type A and Type I power outlets. Room service is available in mid-range and upscale hotels.

Yes, hostels in China are generally safe, clean, and well-managed. Major hostel chains (YHA China, separate independent hostels) offer dorm beds from 40-80 RMB and private rooms from 150-300 RMB. They often have English-speaking staff, travel booking services, and social areas. Hostels are excellent for solo travelers and budget-conscious tourists. Quality is highest in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu.

Yes. Beijing's hutong neighborhoods have converted siheyuan (courtyard houses) into boutique hotels. These offer traditional architecture with modern amenities. Examples: Hotel Cote Cour, Brick Lane Boutique Hotel, and Orchid Hotel. Prices range from $100-300/night. Similar courtyard accommodations exist in Pingyao, Suzhou, and Lijiang. These provide an immersive cultural experience and are highly recommended for travelers seeking authenticity.

Capsule hotels (kapsule jiudian) are budget accommodations with small pod-like sleeping spaces, popular in major cities and near airports. Each pod has a bed, reading light, USB charging, and privacy curtain. Shared bathrooms and common areas. Prices: 80-150 RMB per night. They are clean, modern, and efficient for solo travelers who just need a place to sleep. Available in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

Yes, virtually all hotels in China have air conditioning. Central heating is available in northern China hotels (government-provided from November 15 to March 15). In southern China, hotels use individual AC units for both heating and cooling. During winter in southern China, indoor temperatures can be cold (5-15C). Choose modern hotels with good heating if traveling in winter in the south.

Standard check-in is 2pm, check-out is 12pm. Early check-in is often possible if rooms are available, sometimes for a half-day charge. Late check-out until 2pm is sometimes free; later may incur a half-day charge. Most hotels offer luggage storage for free. Day use rooms are available at some hotels near airports. International hotel loyalty members may get flexible check-in/out as a perk.

China has many natural hot spring resorts, especially in Beijing (Longmai Hot Spring), Nanjing (Tangshan), Yunnan, and Tibet. These hotels feature private or communal hot spring pools fed by geothermal water. Some are luxury resorts with spa services; others are simple guesthouses. Prices range from 300-2,000+ RMB per night. Popular in winter. Book ahead for weekends and holidays.

Sustainable tourism is growing in China. Examples: Naked Stables Private Reserve (Moganshan), Songtsam Retreats (Tibet/Yunnan), Alila Anji (Zhejiang), and Six Senses Qingcheng (Sichuan). These properties emphasize environmental design, local sourcing, and cultural preservation. They are more expensive than standard hotels but offer unique experiences. Green hotel certifications are emerging in China but are not yet widespread.

Some Buddhist monasteries offer basic lodging for visitors. Examples: Mount Emei monasteries (Sichuan), Mount Wutai temples (Shanxi), and Labrang Monastery (Gansu). Rooms are simple -- a bed, shared bathroom, no frills. Meals are vegetarian. This is a cultural immersion experience, not a luxury stay. Prices are 100-300 RMB per night including meals. Arrange through specialized tour operators or contact monasteries directly.

First, address the issue with the front desk (qian tai). Most problems can be resolved at the hotel level. If unresolved, contact Trip.com or Booking.com customer service (if booked through them). For serious issues (safety, theft), call 110 (police). For health concerns, call 120 (ambulance). Travel insurance may cover relocation costs if the hotel is uninhabitable. Document issues with photos and keep receipts.

Tipping is not expected in Chinese hotels. Bellhops, housekeeping, and concierge staff do not expect tips. Some international luxury hotels may accept tips (20-50 RMB) but it is not standard. Service charges (10-15%) may be added at high-end hotels. If you receive exceptional service, a small tip is appreciated but not required. Do not feel pressured to tip.

Yes. Near the Great Wall: Commune by the Great Wall (Kempinski) and Brick Lane Retreat offer wall views. In Shanghai: hotels along the Bund (Waldorf Astoria, Peninsula, Fairmont Peace Hotel) offer Huangpu River and Pudong skyline views. In Hong Kong: The Peninsula and Intercontinental offer harbor views. Book well ahead for view rooms, which are significantly more expensive than standard rooms.

Serviced apartments (apartment hotels) offer hotel-like services with apartment-like amenities: kitchen, living area, washing machine, and separate bedroom. They are ideal for longer stays (7+ days), families, or travelers who prefer to cook. Brands: Oakwood, Fraser, Ascott. Prices: 500-2,000 RMB per night, often cheaper than equivalent hotels for long stays. Available in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.

Yes, glamping is growing in China. Options include: desert camps near Dunhuang (stargazing under the Gobi sky), Tibetan plateau camps near Shangri-La, riverside tents in Yangshuo, and luxury yurts in Inner Mongolia. These combine outdoor experiences with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and dining. Prices: 800-3,000 RMB per night. Best in spring and autumn. Book through specialized operators.

Pet-friendly hotels are less common in China than in Western countries. Some international chains (Kimpton, certain Marriott brands) accept pets. Search on Trip.com with the "pets allowed" filter. Boutique hotels in rural areas may accept pets. Always confirm directly with the hotel. Pet fees (if any) are usually 100-300 RMB per night. Service animals have different regulations.

Love hotels (qinglv jiudian) are short-stay hotels popular with couples. They are identifiable by heart-shaped logos, neon lighting, and hourly rates. While not dangerous, they are not suitable for tourists. They often lack proper foreign guest licensing and may not meet hygiene standards. Stick to licensed hotels booked through reputable platforms. If a hotel seems unusually cheap and has themed rooms, it may be a love hotel.