Can foreigners stay in any hotel in China?
Officially, hotels may no longer turn foreign guests away. In practice a few still hesitate. How to book so there's no surprise at check-in.
Read →Hi, I'm David. I've spent years being the new foreigner: in the US for a long stretch, then Germany, France, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Australia. Now I live in China, and this is where I write down what actually works here, tested in person and dated so you know it's current. More about me →
Not sure if you need a visa? Check in 1 minute →
Food & Stays
Ordering food, choosing and booking hotels, and registering where you stay. See all →
Trip.com, Booking.com or Agoda for hotels in China?
Which has the most rooms here, which suits a first trip, what goes wrong at check-in, and why Airbnb isn't an option any more.
Read →The menu is all in Chinese. Now what?
A translate camera, the QR code on the table, and a few phrases get you a long way. For allergies, carry it in writing.
Read →Do foreigners have to register in China? Usually your hotel does it for you
In a hotel it happens at check-in. Staying with friends, in a homestay or a rental, you register yourself, and since September 2026 you can do it online.
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