How to Book Hotels in China

Quick Summary:

🏨 Best Booking Platform: Trip.com
💳 Payment Options: cash, mobile, international cards accepted in most hotels
✅ Foreign Guests: All hotels legally must accept foreigners (since 2024 regulation)
🌟 Pro Tip: Check distance from the nearest metro station

If there is one thing that creates a headache for all first timers traveling to China, it is navigating its digital landscape – I know that it was our biggest struggle.

But there is no need to worry – booking accommodation is surprisingly easy and not at all different to how you would go about it back home, which just a couple of things to look out for.

Table of Contents

• Best Platforms for Booking Hotels in China
• Trip.com: The Clear Winner for China Hotels
• Finding Foreigner-Friendly Hotels
• What to expect from Chinese Hotels
• Step-by-Step: How to Book on Trip.com
• Deposits & Payment Methods
• Check-in Procedure for Foreign Guests
• Hotel Location Strategy
• Cancellation Policies & Peak Seasons
• Troubleshooting
• FAQs

Best Platforms for Booking Hotels in China

Trip.com is by far the best and most popular booking platform in China – not only for hotels, but also for flights, trains and tourist attractions.

While you might be tempted to stick with familiar Western platforms like Booking.com or Agoda, they often miss many excellent Chinese hotels and often charge more for the same rooms.

Platform Comparison (2025)

Note: Trip.com and Ctrip are the same company, with Trip.com being the international version with full English support.

Trip.com: The Clear Winner for China Hotels

After years of testing different platforms, Trip.com consistently stands out as the best option for international travelers visiting China:

Why we use Trip.com

1. Largest Selection: Access to virtually every hotel in China, from international chains to local gems
2. Competitive Pricing: Consistently cheaper than Western platforms
3. User-Friendly Interface: Full English support with intuitive navigation
4. All-in-One Travel Solution: Book hotels, trains, flights, and attractions in one app
5. Reliable Customer Service: 24/7 English-speaking support
6. Loyalty Program: Trip Coins and member-exclusive discounts
7. Flexible Payment Options: International cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay

Price Comparison Example (April 2025):

👉 Download Trip.com App 

Finding Foreigner-Friendly Hotels

The Legal Situation (2025 Update)

Since the 2024 regulation update, all licensed hotels in China are legally required to accept foreign guests. However, some smaller establishments may still be hesitant due to unfamiliarity with the registration process.

However, if you are looking for hotels with English-speaking staff and most familiar feel, go with the international chains, which are pricier but usually offer high quality service.

What to Expect From Chinese Hotels

Chinese hotel ratings often differ from international standards – it is not that they are better or worse, but rather that there is no obvious benchmarks on what to expect. You shouldn't rely solely on the number of starts but rather on the reviews from other guests on Trip.com and the photos.

Chinese hotels offer excellent value for Western travelers. Even in expensive cities like Beijing or Shenzhen, the price-to-quality ratio is remarkably favorable.

Western midrange chains (like Hilton, Marriott, etc.) typically provide a consistent standard—often higher than what you'd expect from the same chain in Paris or London. These hotels generally feature high-quality service, good breakfast buffets (with both Asian and Western options), and English-speaking staff.

Independent "no-name" hotels have more variable standards, but the quality generally corresponds well to the price. In our years of traveling throughout China, we've sometimes found surprisingly nice hotels for cheap rates, but we've never felt overcharged for the service received. If you research carefully, you might discover brand-new hotels offering promotional rates, especially if you're flexible about location.

In less popular destinations, modern hotels can be harder to find. Most accommodations in smaller cities tend to have an older look and feel.

Family-Friendly Features: Many Chinese hotels offer excellent family rooms or even themed family rooms with special decorations, toys, kid-sized slippers, and child toilet seats! Some also provide small indoor playgrounds and dedicated kids' swimming pools, which our children absolutely love.

One reassuring note: all mid-range and high-end hotels have Western toilets—even when we stayed in a hostel in Chengdu, we had Western facilities, so this isn't something to worry about.

2025 Price Benchmarks

*Tier 1: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen
**Tier 2: Hangzhou, Nanjing, Xi'an, Chengdu, etc.

Seasonal Variations:

• Peak Pricing: Chinese New Year, National Day (October 1-7), Summer months
• Best Deals: November-December, March, weekdays year-round

Step-by-Step: How to Book on Trip.com Creating an Account

1. Download the Trip.com app or visit the website
2. Register with your email or connect with Google/Facebook/WeChat/Apple ID
3. Add your passport details before booking (saves time later)

Searching for Hotels

1. Enter your destination, dates, and number of guests
2. Apply filters:
   • Your price range
   • Guest rating (4+ recommended)
   • Distance from subway/attractions

Understanding the Listing Page

1. Price section: Shows base price + taxes/fees
2. Room selection: Various options (standard, deluxe, etc.)
3. Cancellation policy: Free cancellation availability

Booking Process

1. Select your room type
2. Choose your rate plan (refundable vs. non-refundable)
3. Enter guest details (must match passport exactly)
4. Add special requests (if needed)
5. Select payment method
6. Review and confirm

After Booking

1. Save confirmation to your phone (offline access)
2. Note the hotel's Chinese address (for taxi drivers)
3. Save the hotel phone number for arrival day

Deposits & Payment Methods

Understanding Hotel Deposits

Some Chinese hotels require a security deposit at check-in, typically:

• Budget hotels: ¥100-300
• Mid-range: ¥300-500
• Luxury hotels: ¥500-2,000

This deposit covers:

• Potential room damages
• Minibar consumption
• Additional services

The deposit is refunded at checkout if no charges are incurred.

Payment Options in 2025

International Credit Cards

1. Visa and Mastercard widely accepted at bigger hotels
2. American Express less common
3. Sometimes subject to 2-3% foreign transaction fees

Cash

1. Always accepted for deposits
2. Get RMB before arrival for convenience
3. Higher-end hotels may temporarily hold ¥2,000+ in cash deposits

Alipay/WeChat

1. Possible for smaller amounts of money
2. Always accepted

Check-in Procedure for Foreign Guests

The check-in process for foreigners includes a few extra steps required by Chinese law:

What to Expect

1. Passport Registration
   • Your passport will be scanned/photographed
   • You may need to take a webcam photo
• This process is standard and legally required
2. Deposit Collection
   • Via credit card hold, Alipay, or cash

Hotel Location Strategy

The 500m Metro Rule

When booking in major Chinese cities, try to stay within 500m of a metro station. This strategy:

• Saves approximately ¥40-60 per day in taxi fares
• Reduces time spent in traffic
• Makes navigation much easier
• Provides more food and convenience store options

Trip.com Flight+Hotel Feature

For multi-city trips, use Trip.com's Flight+Hotel bundles to:

• Save on combined bookings (on average 6%)
• Ensure your hotel is conveniently located near the train station

Cancellation Policies & Peak Seasons {#cancellation}

Understanding Cancellation Windows

Chinese hotels typically offer:

• Free cancellation: 24-48 hours before check-in
• Partial refund: 50-80% if canceled 12-24 hours before check-in
• No refund: Less than 12 hours before check-in

Trip.com Advantage: Many Trip.com listings offer more generous cancellation policies than the same hotels on Western platforms.

Peak Season Awareness

Avoid these periods if you want the best rates and availability:

2025 Chinese Public Holidays:

• Chinese New Year: Jan 31-Feb 6, 2025 (expect 50-100% price increases)
• Labor Day: May 1-5, 2025 (30-50% increases)
• National Day Golden Week: Oct 1-7, 2025 (50-100% increases)

Regional Events:

• Canton Fair (Guangzhou): April 15-May 5 & Oct 15-Nov 5, 2025
• Shanghai Auto Show: April, 2025
• Beijing Winter Season: December-February

Troubleshooting

Card Declined Issues

If your card is declined when booking:

1. Try a different card (Visa/Mastercard work best)
2. Inform your bank about travel to China
3. Use Trip.com's "Pay at Hotel" option where available
4. Consider loading Alipay Tourist Pass before your trip

"No Rooms Available" in Small Towns

In smaller cities or during festivals, you might see limited availability:

1. Try searching in Chinese (use Trip.com's Chinese version)
2. Book further in advance (30+ days)
3. Consider nearby larger cities and day trips

FAQs

Q: Do Chinese hotels take Visa or Mastercard? 

A: Most 3-star and above hotels accept international credit cards, but always have an alternative payment method ready. Budget hotels may be cash or Alipay only.

Q: Can foreigners use Alipay Tourist Pass for hotel bookings and deposits? 

A: Yes, the Alipay Tourist Pass works for most hotel bookings and deposits. Load it with sufficient funds (¥1,000+) before your trip for a seamless experience.

Q: How much is the typical hotel deposit in China in 2025? 

A: Hotel deposits typically range from ¥300-500 for mid-range hotels. Budget options may require ¥100-300, while luxury hotels can ask for ¥500-2,000.

Q: Is Airbnb legal in China for tourists? 

A: Yes, Airbnb is legal, but hosts must register your passport information with local authorities. The selection has decreased since COVID, and hotels often offer better value.

Q: Can I book a Chinese hotel if I don't speak Chinese? 

A: Absolutely! Using Trip.com provides a fully English interface, and their customer service can help with any communication issues with the hotel.

Q: What happens if the hotel says they're full when I arrive, despite my reservation? 

A: This is rare but can happen. Call Trip.com's 24/7 customer service immediately. They'll either confirm your booking with the hotel or find you alternative accommodation.

Q: Do I need to print my hotel reservation? 

A: No, having it on your phone is sufficient. Save it offline as a PDF or screenshot in case of connectivity issues.

Q: How early can I check in to Chinese hotels? 

A: Standard check-in time is 2:00 PM. Early check-in may be available (sometimes with a fee), but it's best to request this in advance.

Ready to Book Your China Hotel?

Using Trip.com makes booking hotels in China nearly as simple as anywhere else in the world. The platform's English interface, extensive selection, and competitive pricing make it the clear choice for international travelers.

👉 Book your China hotel on Trip.com now 

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Last updated: April 25, 2025

Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend services I personally use and trust.