Accommodation in China - Where to Stay in China
Where to Stay in China? Hotels, Hostels, or Guesthouses? Choosing accommodation is always a big thing for any travel. China provides all kinds of accommodation, from the blinged-out luxury to the lowest of budges. Here we are going to break down different lodging and accommodation in China to help find out the best accommodation in China for you, as well as practical China hotels tips you must know.
Types of Accommodation in China
There are many types of accommodation in China, from luxury international hotels and boutique hotels to business hotels and youth hostels. A simple method to classify hotels in China is through hotel prices.
International Hotels in China
Price Range: ¥400-2,000+ (US$100-350+) - please confirm with hotel/your ETC travel consultant if there will be extra service fee charged
When planning your trip to China, whether it's a business trip or a vacation, international brand hotels, from luxury to high-end and mid-range, are always excellent choices for your accommodation in China.
Luxury hotels like Ritz-Carlton under Marriott, Waldorf Astoria under Hilton, and Park Hyatt under Keayway usually are located in a city's core areas or top scenic spots, and focus on providing the ultimate luxurious experience.
High-end brands like Marriott Hotels, Hilton Hotels, and InterContinental Hotels are common choices for high-end business and leisure travelers. And select-service brands like Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express under InterContinental offer more cost-effective options, combining comfortable accommodation experience with affordable prices.
Luxury Hotels in China
Price Range: ¥700-1,500+ (US$100-200+), with 10% to 15% service charge
According to the hotel star rating standards issued by the China National Tourism Bureau, star-rated hotels in China are divided into five levels, from one-star hotels to five-star hotels. Generally, 4-5 star hotels and luxury hotels are in this range.
These luxury accommodations are expensive ones, but they are obviously the most comfortable choice for your staying in China. They usually have English staff and full facilities including swimming pools, gyms, internet facilities, restaurants with both Chinese and Western food to serve, etc.
If you don’t have much faith in the Chinese star-rating system and are concerned about the services of Chinese-owned hotels, then you can choose international chains (like Hyatt, Sheraton, Kempinski, Marriott, Shangri-La, Hilton, Four Seasons, Holiday Inn, and so on) in major cities of China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. If you are visiting small cities like Guilin, Yangshuo, and Lijiang, there are also deluxe hotels and resorts to suit your needs.
Mid-range Hotels in China
Price Range: ¥150-400+ (US$20-60+)
If you don’t want to spend too much on accommodation in China, you can choose China’s mid-range hotels. Normally, 3-star hotels and under are in this range. There are tons of mid-range hotels that can be easily found in every city of China. These hotels provide relatively full facilities include a basic room with a private bathroom, air conditioner, and TV (possible lack of English programs). Some of them may have a restaurant with Chinese food.
However, it may be difficult to find a competent English-speaking staff unless you are in a tourist destination popular with foreigners like Yangshuo of Guilin City.
There are also lots of inexpensive business chain hotels all over the country, like Home Inn, 7 Days Inn, Jinjiang Inn, and Motel 168. You can find them at very convenient locations in the city center or near high-speed railway stations. These nationwide hotel chains catering for businessmen offer clean rooms with private facilities at competitive prices for around RMB 150 and up, depending on the destination you are visiting. The price may be even better if you book early.
Budge Hotels in China
Price Range: ¥20-100 (US$3-15)
For money-conscious travelers and backpackers to China, there are a lot of cheap hotels, youth hostels, guest houses, and family inns offering diverse choices for accommodations in China. Except for the low price, budget accommodation in China also allows travelers (especially solo travelers) to meet like-minded travelers.
Accommodation in this category offers a private room with a bathroom or an individual bed in a dorm with a shared bathroom. Usually, you will share the room with the same gender. But if the hostel is short of beds, you might be sharing the room with the opposite gender.
One thing to notice: make sure to lock up your valuables when going out.
How to Book Your Hotel in China as a Foreigner
It's very convenient for you to book a hotel when traveling to China. There are various options available.
Booking in Advance
It’s highly advised to book accommodation in China in advance, especially during the peak tourism seasons, including Chinese New Year, summer vacation in July and August, the first week of May and October. The advantages of booking in advance include locking in a good discounted price and peace of mind. Most of the hotels in China can be easily booked online through Trip.com, Agoda, or an online travel agency. All of our private China tour packages include hand-picked quality accommodation in China which can be customized to meet your taste and budget.
>> See suggestions of dates to avoid for your China tour planning.
China Hotels Check in & Check out
In China, the check-in time is generally after 2 pm and check-out is usually at noon of the day. Some hotels in China may be checked in after 1 pm or 3 pm. You can check the specific check-in time information on the booking website or the hotel’s official website.
Almost all hotels in China required payment in advance, including a refundable deposit when you check-in. The deposit will be returned when you check out if there is no damage or loss to the room. So make sure that everything works properly when checking in. Besides, don’t lose the receipt. You will need to hand it over to get your deposit back when checking out.
Presenting your passport is needed when checking in. Normally, you’ll need to complete a registration form giving details of your name, age, date of birth, sex, visa, and passport number. If you book one of our China tours or Asia tours (day tours excluded), our tour guide will help you with the check-in process.
Checkout sometimes takes a longer time since the hotel needs to check the room after you leave. If you want an early check-in or late checkout, just contact the hotel or travel agent in advance, which can be arranged.
Where to Stay in China’s Popular Tourist Cities
So, you have settled on your China itinerary, as well as the destinations. Now, it's time to choose where to stay in each city. Here, in the most famous tourist destinations in China, we recommend the best accommodation areas for you, taking into considerations of locations, transportation, nearby attractions, dining options, and your travel style.
| City | Recommended Area | Key Features & What to See Nearby | Best For |
| Beijing | Dongcheng and Xicheng districts (City Center) | Steps away from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Wangfujing shopping street. Excellent subway access.Diverse dining options. | First-time visitors, business travelers, and those seeking convenient transport |
| Sanlitun and Worker's Stadium | Beijing’s fashionable trendy hub featuring design hotels, boutiques, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. | Young travelers, fashion lovers, and those seeking a modern vibe | |
| Shichahai and Nanluoguxiang | Beijing’s old hutong area, with rich cultural atmosphere, and many traditional guesthouses. | Travelers seeking cultural immersion, history enthusiasts, and in-depth explorers | |
| Shanghai | Puxi (People's Sq, Nanjing Rd, and The Bund) | Classic tourist base. Transport hub with walking distance to the Bund & Nanjing Rd. Vast hotel options. | First-time visitors wanting to tick off iconic landmarks efficiently |
| Pudong (Lujiazui) | Modern financial center. Luxury hotels, close to the Oriental Pearl Tower, stunning city skyline views. | Business travelers, families, and those seeking modern urban landscapes | |
| Former French Concession/Jing'an Temple | Elegant streets with plane trees, boutiques, cafes, galleries. Upscale and tranquil. | Repeat visitors, shop lovers, cafe hoppers, and travelers seeking a local, quality experience | |
| Xi'an | Inside the City Wall (Near Bell Tower) | Absolute city center. Superb transport, dining, and shopping. Steps away from the Muslim Quarter for snacks. | Almost all visitors, especially first-timers valuing convenience |
| Around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda | Relatively quieter, near the Shaanxi History Museum, spectacular musical fountain show at night. | Families, and culture lovers | |
| Chengdu | City Center (Chunxi Rd/Taikoo Li) | Paradise for shopping and food. Strong metropolitan vibe, great subway access, vibrant nightlife. | Young travelers, shopaholics, and foodies |
| Around Kuanzhai Alley/Wenshu Monastery | Better experience of Chengdu's slow-paced life. More B&Bs and unique guesthouses. | Travelers seeking cultural experiences, and leisurely atmosphere | |
| Guilin | City Center (Two Rivers & Four Lakes) | Convenient for night cruises/walks of "Two Rivers & Four Lakes", with diverse dining options. | First-time visitors with limited time |
| Yangshuo (Around West Street) | Heart of the Li River landscape, the area is great for outdoor activities (cycling, rafting), with strong holiday vibe. | Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, couples, families, and those seeking a relaxing getaway | |
| Guangzhou | Tianhe District (Zhujiang New City/Tiyu Xilu) | Guangzhou with upscale malls, luxury hotels, skyscrapers, and excellent transportation. | Business travelers, young tourists, and shoppers |
| Yuexiu District (Beijing Rd/Gongyuanqian) | Guangzhou’s dld town center, rich in historical sites, authentic local eateries, and local life atmosphere. | Food lovers, and culture explorers |
>> Check out our best-selling China Tours
China Hotels Tips
- No matter what type of hotel you are staying in China, there are a few things you need to pay attention to:
- Tap water in China is not potable. Don’t drink tap water without boiling it first. Usually, hotels in China will provide you with complimentary bottled water in the room daily.
- Non-smoking rooms are available in many hotels, but you need to check and an early book is recommended.
- Travel China with Children: For couples bring with children, the rooms sharing and the fees would be complicated since rules vary in different hotels, generally, a baby cot and breakfast is provided free of charge for a child under 2 years; child above 12 years will be charged as adults; extra fees will occur if you want to add extra beds in the room.
- Most hotels in China offer WiFi for free in public areas, and many provide free WiFi service in the guest room now. But the free internet or WiFi access might be relatively slow.
- Most of the starred hotels in China provide laundry services. There are also many laundry shops in every city, which may charge cheaper than the hotel. But don’t expect any staff at the laundry shop to speak English.
- Get a hotel business card with its name, address, and phone number in case you get lost. Show the card to your taxi driver, and you can get back to the hotel easily.
FAQs About Accommodation in China
How Much is a Hotel in China?
As mentioned above, the prices of hotels in China vary significantly. Besides the star rating of the hotel, it also depends on the city where it is located, the location, and the season. For instance, the accommodation prices during the National Day Golden Week in China can be twice or even more than those during the off-season for tourism.
Can Foreigners Stay in any Hotel in China
Not all hotels in China can accommodate foreign tourists. Only those that have the qualifications to receive foreign guests and can register passport information and connect with the public security system are eligible. Of course, currently the vast majority of mid-to-high-end hotels, chain hotels and international brand hotels can accommodate foreign tourists.
Do Hotels in China Have Hair Dryers and WiFi？
Yes, most Chinese hotels offer basic facilities such as hair dryers and Wi-Fi.
Why Are Hotels in China so Cheap?
You will find that even in major cities in China, such as Beijing and Shanghai, there are still affordable accommodation options available. This is mainly due to the relatively low labor and operational costs, as well as the intense market competition.
