Accommodation types

What's available

• International chains — Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Accor, IHG group all operate in China. Reliable for business and family travellers; English service; Western breakfast.
• Domestic chains — Jinjiang, Huazhu (formerly known as China Lodging / H World), BTG Homeinns, Plateno operate thousands of mid-range hotels under multiple brands. Most three-star and four-star tier hotels in Tier-2 cities are owned by one of these. Quality varies — the parent brands' upper-tier lines (Jinjiang Inn Select, Hanting Premium) are reliable; budget sub-brands more variable.
• Boutique — restored courtyard hotels in Beijing/Pingyao/Lijiang, design hotels in Shanghai's French Concession and HK's Causeway Bay. Higher prices but the better photographs.
• Hostels — backpacker hostels in every Tier-1 and many Tier-2 cities. Hostelworld lists most reliably. Dorm beds ¥80–¥180; private singles ¥200–¥400.
• Homestays / Minsu (民宿) — local-host bookings in old-town areas. Sometimes excellent character; quality varies.
• Airbnb — much diminished after the 2022 withdrawal of the Airbnb mainland-China platform; most listings now via Tujia or Xiaozhu.
• Hotel-resorts — concentrated in Sanya, Yalong Bay, Lijiang, Hainan. Often on a half-board basis.

Booking

• Booking.com and Agoda show most international and many domestic hotels.
• Trip.com (Chinese app: Ctrip 携程) is the dominant Chinese booking platform; English interface; sometimes lower rates than international platforms.
• Hotel websites sometimes have rate parity, sometimes don't.

Hotel registration with police

Foreigners must be registered with local police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically — they scan your passport at check-in and submit the registration. If you stay with friends or in an unregistered private rental, YOU must register at the local police station within 24 hours. Failing to register is a fine.

This requirement is one reason some smaller domestic hotels refuse foreign guests — they're not licensed for the registration. Some smaller hotels in Tier-3 cities will turn you away. Stick to international brands or major domestic chains in Tier-3 cities to avoid the issue.

Tipping

Not customary anywhere in mainland China. International-brand hotels include service charge in the rate; you don't add to it. Hong Kong restaurants typically add 10% service; you don't tip beyond.