Accommodation

China offers an incredibly diverse range of lodging options, from luxurious international brands to locally flavored boutique homestays. Below is a detailed breakdown of all mainstream accommodation types, including complete brand lists, to help you find the perfect fit.

I. Accommodation types in China: a complete overview

1. International chain hotels

Characteristics: Globally standardized service, fluent English-speaking staff, 100% licensed to host foreign guests, acceptance of all international credit cards, and comprehensive facilities (gym, swimming pool, business center, executive lounge, etc.). The top choice for business travelers and those seeking a consistent, reliable experience.

Price range: ¥800 – ¥3,000+ per night (luxury brands can reach ¥5,000+).

Best for: Business travelers, families, comfort-seekers, first-time visitors.

Advantages: Barrier-free facilities, international breakfast, 24-hour multilingual service, global loyalty programs with redeemable points.

Complete brand list (by group)

2. Domestic luxury hotels

Characteristics: A blend of Chinese cultural elements with meticulous service. Significantly better value than international chains. Many are located in historic buildings or scenic destinations, offering deep cultural immersion.

Price range: ¥500 – ¥1,500 per night (boutique resorts may reach ¥2,000+).

Best for: Culture enthusiasts, mid-to-high budget travelers, vacationers.

Highlights: Many are situated in ancient towns, villages, or natural scenic areas. Offer Chinese breakfast, tea ceremonies, Hanfu costume experiences, local guides, and hands-on cultural workshops.

3. Budget chain hotels

Characteristics: Clean, tidy, conveniently located (usually near subway stations), affordable, and standardized. A high-value choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Price range: ¥150 – ¥400 per night.

Best for: Backpackers, students, short-term travelers.

4. Homestays & boutique inns

Characteristics: Experience authentic local life, uniquely personalized decor, and hospitable hosts. Many are located inside scenic areas or old city districts.

Popular destinations: Lijiang, Dali, Yangshuo, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Huizhou ancient villages.

Price range: ¥200 – ¥800 per night (designer boutique inns may reach ¥1,500+).

Best for: Deep-travel lovers, couples seeking unique experiences.

Advantages: Free pick-up/drop-off, local travel advice, home-cooked meals, and access to off-the-beaten-path spots known only to locals.

5. Youth hostels

Characteristics: Low prices, strong social atmosphere, mostly dormitory-style rooms. Ideal for solo travelers looking to meet friends.

Price range: ¥50 – ¥150 per bed.

Best for: Solo travelers, young backpackers, ultra-budget tourists.

Note: Bring your own toiletries. Some hostels have curfews (usually doors close after 11 PM). Keep noise down in common areas. Some hostels do not accept guests under 18 traveling alone.

II. Booking channels & payment methods

1. Recommended booking platforms

2. Payment methods guide

• Visa / Mastercard credit card: Almost all mid-to-high-end hotels accept it. It is the safest payment method.
• Alipay Tour Pass (for foreign tourists): Foreign tourists can register with their passports. No need for a Chinese mobile phone number. Just bind your international credit card. It can be used in most hotels and businesses, and can also be used for taking the subway, hailing a taxi, and shopping. It is very convenient.
• WeChat Pay Tourist Mode: Similar to Alipay, but some functions require verification by friends. It is not as convenient as Alipay. It can be used as a backup.
• RMB cash: It is recommended to prepare 1,000 – 2,000 yuan in cash. Use it to pay for the room fees and deposits of small hotels, or for some small stores that only accept cash. Don’t bring too much. Most places can accept card payments or mobile payments.

3. Reservation instructions

Confirmation of guest qualifications: If the hotel the tourist wishes to book is not an international chain, it is advisable to send an email or message in advance to inquire: "Do you accept foreign guests? Can you do the temporary residence registration for foreigners?" Confirm before making the payment.

Cancellation policy: Carefully read this. During peak seasons (such as Chinese Spring Festival, National Day, May Day, student winter and summer vacations, etc.), many hotels have strict cancellation policies. For example, a 7-day advance cancellation is free, otherwise the full payment will be deducted. Make sure to read it carefully before booking to avoid losses.

Keep the confirmation slip: Save the booking confirmation slip on your phone and show it to the front desk when you arrive at the hotel. At the same time, make sure to bring your passport with you as the identification document for check-in.

III. Recommended accommodation areas by city

IV. Practical accommodation tips

1. Language communication

The English proficiency of the staff in hotels and guesthouses varies. It is recommended that tourists make preparations in advance:

• Download Google Translate and download the offline Chinese package in advance. Even when there is no internet connection, it can still be used. The photo translation function can directly translate menus and signs.
• Take screenshots of the hotel’s name, address, and reservation number in Chinese and save them. When taking a taxi, show them to the driver directly. Most drivers do not know English, but they will understand if they see Chinese.

2. Accommodation facilities

• WiFi: All hotels provide free WiFi. The login and password are usually on the room card kit.
• Drinking water: The tap water in China cannot be drunk directly. Whether it’s cold or hot water, it must be boiled before drinking. Each room is equipped with an electric kettle, which is used to boil water. Do not drink the water from the tap directly. Most hotels also provide bottled drinking water, which can be drunk directly.
• Bathing supplies: Many hotels in China now, in order to be environmentally friendly, do not provide disposable toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, or slippers. Especially for budget hotels, it is recommended that you bring your own set, or you can buy them at the front desk, which is very cheap, only a few dollars.
• Power sockets: The voltage in China is 220V, and the plugs are Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (eight-sided three-pin). Most mobile phones, computers, and cameras are wide voltage (100–240V), so there is no need for a transformer, and they can be used directly, but you need to prepare a conversion plug yourself.
• Air conditioning: All hotels have air conditioning. It can cool in summer and heat in winter. The temperature can be adjusted by yourself. It is very convenient and you don’t have to worry about the problem of cold or hot.
• Laundry service: Mid-to-high-end hotels all have laundry services. They charge by the item and deliver it the same day. You can pick it up the next day. Some hotels also have self-service laundry rooms, which require scanning for payment. It is very convenient for long-stay guests and you don’t need to bring a lot of clothes.

3. Cultural differences

• Check-in and check-out time: The standard time for check-in in Chinese hotels is 2 p.m., and check-out is at 12 noon. This is a uniform rule. If you arrive early, for example, at 8 a.m., and the room hasn’t been cleaned yet, tourists can leave their luggage at the front desk, go out to have fun, and come back for check-in after 2 p.m. If you want to extend your check-out time, by 2 p.m., most hotels can extend it for free; if it’s 6 p.m., generally, half-day room rate will be charged; if it’s after 6 p.m., full-day room rate will be charged. Just inform the front desk in advance.
• Tip culture: There is no tip culture in China. No tip is required for all services, whether it’s the bellboy helping you with luggage, the cleaning lady in the room, or the front desk staff. If you give them a tip, they won’t accept it because the hotel stipulates that guests cannot be tipped. So you don’t need to prepare a tip, and you won’t feel embarrassed.
• Quiet rest: Chinese people usually rest earlier. After 10 p.m., be careful not to speak loudly in the corridor. Don’t turn up the volume of the TV in the room too high, as it may disturb other guests’ rest.
• Indoor smoking prohibition: In most cities in China, smoking is prohibited in indoor public places. Hotel rooms, corridors, restaurants, and elevators are all no-smoking areas. If you want to smoke, you must go to the smoking area outside the hotel, which is the place with an ashtray. If caught smoking in the room, you will be fined.
• Don’t waste food: The hotel breakfast is usually from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Don’t go too late, otherwise many dishes will be gone. Take only what you need and don’t waste. This is a Chinese habit and also a requirement of the hotel.

4. Special requirements

• Accessibility facilities: If you need a wheelchair, be sure to select "Accessibility Facilities" when making a reservation. Mid-range and high-end hotels usually have complete accessibility facilities, such as wheelchair access routes, accessible elevators, and accessible bathrooms. However, small hotels may not have these facilities. Make sure to confirm this in advance.
• Pet-friendly: Most hotels do not allow pets, especially large dogs. However, some homestays and a few hotels are pet-friendly. When making a reservation, be sure to ask about this in advance. Some hotels may charge a pet cleaning fee, approximately 100–200 yuan.
• Long-stay discounts: If you plan to stay for more than one month, do not book by the day. Instead, contact the hotel’s sales department and negotiate the long-stay price with them. Many hotels will also offer free cleaning and laundry services for long-stay guests.