Where to stay
Near the metro, in hotels that accept foreign passports.
- Beijing. Dongcheng, by Wangfujing
- Xi'an. Inside the city wall
- Chengdu. Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li
- Chongqing. Yuzhong, near Jiefangbei
- Zhangjiajie. Wulingyuan, near the park gate
- Guilin. Yangshuo, near West Street
- Shanghai. Jing'an or People's Square
- Since 2024, hotels cannot turn foreigners away for lacking a special licence. International chains always accept foreigners, but a few small hotels still say no.
- Keep the hotel address in Chinese. It is in your booking confirmation.
Last checked October 2026 against official sources.
Questions about where to stay
Which area should I stay in?
In Beijing, Dongcheng by Wangfujing. In Xi'an, inside the city wall. In Shanghai, Jing'an or People's Square. In Chengdu, Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li. The key is having the metro a few minutes away.
Do all hotels take foreigners?
Since 2024 all hotels have been told to accept foreign guests. International chains and most mid-range hotels do so with no fuss, but a few small ones still say no. Book places that say they accept foreign passports.
Do I have to register with the police?
Yes, but in a hotel the hotel does it for you at check-in. If you stay with friends or in a private flat, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours.
What do I need at check-in?
Your original passport, no photos or copies. They scan it and sometimes take your picture. Many hotels ask for a deposit, paid by Alipay or card and refunded when you leave.
Can I stay in an apartment?
You can, but not every host accepts foreigners and you must register with the police yourself within 24 hours. For a first trip, a hotel is much easier.
Do hotel staff speak English?
In international and upscale hotels, yes. In small ones, not much. Keep a translator handy and the hotel address in Chinese, which is in your booking.