Where to Stay in China: Complete Accommodation Guide for Every Traveler

Written by Catherine | Updated October 06,2025

China has become an incredibly popular tourism destination in recent years. While more and more treasured areas and towns have been discovered by foreign travelers, now many of them will not just be looking at big-name cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. And once you decide to plan a journey to explore China’s vast land, the first question that bothers you may be: how to arrange the accommodation? Well, don’t worry, no matter if you prefer high-standard luxury hotels or homestays in rural villages that provide a cultural immersion, you’ll always find one that suits you the best in every part of China.

And this guide is written to give you suggestions about where to stay when traveling to China. It’ll bring together practical tips, city-specific recommendations, and insights into the many types of accommodation to help you make the right choice. Just take this article as your starting point and dive into China’s infinite charm.

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• Types of Accommodation in China: From Budget to High-End
• Popular Cities and Regions for Accommodation
• How to Choose the Best Accommodation in China
• Essential Tips for Booking Accommodation in China
• Travel Tips for Staying in China
• FAQs About Accommodation in China
• Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour

Types of Accommodation in China: From Budget to High-End

Luxury Hotels & International Chains

There are plenty of luxury hotels in major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, and they’ll all be at the top standard. Global brands like Marriott, Hilton, Ritz-Carlton, and Four Seasons, and also some well-regarded Chinese names such as Aman and Banyan Tree, are all good to consider. Although their prices are less affordable, they undoubtedly provide the best amenities and services. For travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience in a trip, this must be the most considerable type.

Boutique Hotels & Characterful Stays

Boutique hotels are suitable for travelers who want a place that provides a sense of high-standard design and better plus some unique historical and cultural elements. You can find many of them in the spots that show an iconic local tradition, such as hutong courtyards in Beijing or canal-side mansions in Suzhou. They typically focus on stylish interiors and personalized service, and you can expect a pleasant cultural immersion during your stay. It would be perfect for those who prefer accommodations with a unique atmosphere.

Business Hotels

Business hotels, known for their efficiency and reliability, are basically everywhere, particularly near airports, CBDs, and railway hubs. They’re an ideal choice for those who are working while traveling, as they may prioritize easy access to city infrastructure in their journeys.

Budget Hotels & Guesthouses

For those looking for a cheap option, budget hotel chains are definitely the best answer. The famous brands like Home Inn, 7 Days Inn, and Jinjiang Inn are widely available across China. These hotels are affordable and clean and are quite popular among budget travelers. At the same time, guesthouses in China, especially in smaller towns or near scenic areas, offer similarly cozy, family-run experiences at an even lower price point.

Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments in China are best suited for families or travelers who’ll stay longer in one place. They typically provide larger living areas and all the amenities that can give you a homelike experience. Options such as Modena by Fraser in Shanghai or Fraser Suites in Guangzhou are popular. This kind of accommodation combines hotel services with the freedom of independent living.

Homestays & Local Experiences

Homestays in rural destinations like some small ancient towns in Yunnan are quite attractive. They are not only affordable but also provide a unique chance for visitors to get close to regional lifestyles.

Related reading: Where to Stay in Yunnan

Resorts in China

For travelers who want their lodging to also be part of the vacation, then resorts in China are capable of fulfilling this expectation. If you’re visiting cities that are famous for their natural wonders, then you may easily find such resorts. Many resorts also provide all-inclusive packages, so people would choose it as it’s probably the most stress-free option.

Popular Cities and Regions for Accommodation​

Accommodation in Guangzhou

Best Areas to Stay in Guangzhou

1. Tianhe (Zhujiang New Town). Guangzhou’s modern business district has a lot of shopping centers. It is busy and well-connected, which is ideal for business travelers and shoppers.
2. This district is filled with a lot of cultural sites and older neighborhoods. Good for first-time visitors who want quick access to the city’s classic local life.
3. Near the Pearl River and the Canton Fair Complex, some of the most popular tourist attractions. Quieter than Tianhe but very convenient if you are planning to attend nearby exhibitions or prefer riverside walks.

Types of Accommodation & Examples

Further Reading: Where to Stay in Guangzhou 2025: District & Hotel Guide for Every Traveler

Accommodation in Shanghai

Best Areas to Stay in Shanghai

• Pudong (Lujiazui). This is one of Shanghai’s most financial districts, with an incredible modern skyline. Convenient for people traveling for business or those who want better river views.
• The Bund / Huangpu. The iconic riverside area with classic hotels and easy access to sightseeing along the Huangpu River. Many first-time visitors would stay here to better enjoy the classic Shanghai panorama.
• French Concession. Compared to other places, this area can offer you a more pleasant and classic Shanghai vibe. You can see a lot of leafy streets, cafés, and boutique hotels here, perfect for travelers who prefer a stylish and quieter neighborhood where local charm is best presented.

Types of Accommodation & Examples

Further Reading: Where to Stay in Shanghai (2025): Best Areas & Hotels for Travelers

Accommodation in Beijing

Best Areas to Stay in Beijing

• Near the Forbidden City / Tiananmen / Wangfujing. Many people would choose to stay near the attractions and shopping streets. It’s ideal if your priority is sightseeing.
• CBD (Chaoyang / Guomao). These are Beijing’s business hubs with many luxury and business hotels. Convenient and modern.
• Hutong neighborhoods (Dongcheng / Houhai / Nanluoguxiang). If you want to see and explore the old Beijing days, staying in renovated courtyard guesthouses inside hutongs is your best choice.

Types of Accommodation & Examples

Further Reading: Where to Stay in Beijing: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Traveler

Accommodation in Xi’an

Best Areas to Stay

• City Wall / Bell Tower / Muslim Quarter. These places are in the center of the old city. It would be quite easy for you to walk from your hotel to the major historic sites. And they are surrounded by lively food streets and various markets.
• Qujiang New District / Cultural Parks. Compared to the very center of the town, these places are modern but quieter, and they are quite near museums and parks, which is good for families and longer stays.
• Near the railway stations. Practical choice for visitors who have early departures or late arrivals.

Types of Accommodation & Examples

Accommodation in Macau

Best Areas to Stay

• Cotai Strip. The modern resort and casino district (large integrated resorts and family-friendly hotels). Particularly considerable if you want to stay in a place with rich entertainment and big-scale facilities.
• Macau Peninsula (Old Town). This is the place where you can get close to the old Macau vibe. And there will be many boutique hotels housed in the narrow streets, best for those having cultural sightseeing and walking tours.

Types of Accommodation & Examples

Accommodation in Suzhou

Best Areas to Stay

• Suzhou Old Town / Pingjiang Road / Guanqian Street. This is historically the canal-side district. Staying here allows you to be close to some of the most famous Suzhou Classical Gardens (e.g., Humble Administrator’s Garden) and also sites like museums, canals, and tea houses. You’ll experience the traditional Suzhou vibe.
• Suzhou Industrial Park (Jinji Lake area). This area provides more modern and luxury hotels. And you’ll also find many places for shopping, restaurants, and lakeshore promenades. Great for those wanting more upscale comfort and contemporary surroundings.
• Shantang Street. This is a more lively district where you can try the authentic local flavo Since there are many smaller boutique hotels or homestays, it’ll be good if you want accommodations that are cheaper and more atmospheric.

Types of Accommodation & Examples

Accommodation in Chengdu

• Best Areas to Stay

1. Tianfu Square / Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li. This is the core downtown area with extremely convenient transport. It’s the best place for shopping and hunting for restaurants or experiencing local nightlife. And you can see lots of hotel choices here, which range from luxury to mid-range.
2. Kuanzhai Alley / Wide & Narrow Alleys. It’s itself a famous tourist attraction, and living in the surrounding area allows you to taste more of Chengdu’s old-time charm. It is more atmospheric, with plenty of historical architecture, local stores, and teahouses.
3. Wuhou / Jinli Ancient Street / Wuhou Shrine area. These are the places for you to explore the deepest culture & history of Chengdu.
4. Hi-Tech Zone / South Chengdu. This is the more modern and newly developed district. And you can find plenty of business-type hotels and serviced apartments here, and since it’s a little far from the city center, it would be quieter at night.

Types of Accommodation & Examples

Accommodation in Hangzhou

Best Areas to Stay

1. West Lake Area (Xihu District). This is the typical signature location in Hangzhou. If you choose to stay near West Lake, you may get to appreciate the iconic scenery (lake views, pagodas, and causeways) and serene mornings from your hotel windows. It also has easy access to major attractions.
2. Wulin Square / City Centre. Compared to other sites, this commercial district is more lively and busy, and it’s well-connected by metro.
3. Lingyin Temple / Baileqiao / Xixi Wetland. This is the more tranquil and nature-oriented area. You can easily find beautiful scenic stays, boutique hotels, or guesthouses.

Types of Accommodation & Examples

Further Reading: Where to Stay in Hangzhou: Best Areas & Hotels for Culture, Nature & Luxury

Accommodation in Guilin

Best Areas to Stay

1. East Commercial Area (Qixing District). A newer and more commercial district, with more modern hotels. With convenient transportation and local restaurants.
2. Li River / Riverside Belt Area. This would be the most considerable choice for people looking for views, relaxing riverside walks, and scenic landscapes.
3. Railway / Bus Station Area.Convenient for short-time travelers. Staying near stations can greatly save your transit time if you have a tight schedule. However, the hotels may be less glamorous but practical.

Types of Accommodation & Examples

Accommodation on Hainan Island

Best Areas to Stay

1. Sanya (especially Yalong Bay, Haitang Bay, Wuzhizhou Island). This is the resort heart of Hainan. You can find all types of hotels for your best seaside holiday. And if you’re interested in resorts, then check the stays in Haitang Bay, which in particular has large new resorts.
2. Haikou.The capital city of the province. If you want a mix of beach time plus exploration of city atmosphere, staying here can be quite considerable. Also, there are many golf resorts near Haikou (e.g., Mission Hills Haikou).

Types of Accommodation & Examples

Recommended Tours:

6 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour with Tongli Water Town

7 Days Xian Guilin In-depth Tour by Flight

4 Days Beijing Tour

How to Choose the Best Accommodation in China

Consider Your Travel Style

Your travel style is one of the major factors that can affect your choice of accommodation.

• Solo travelers:

Usually, solo travelers often prioritize the experience of social atmosphere, and their concerns would mostly include safety and cost. As a result, hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels are good fits. Also, as these places would often have communal or public areas, they may bring you unexpected encounters that can make your travel even more unforgettable.

• Families:

Larger room space is always expected by family travelers, and some may even need child-friendly amenities. Besides, convenient transit is also critical. Serviced apartments or family-oriented hotels tend to work well in this case.

• Couples:

Couples may often seek an atmospheric or romantic environment. So that boutique hotels, charming local guesthouses, or resorts would be more suitable, as these options can satisfy all the needs for views, privacy, style, and ambiance.

• Business travelers:

These types of travelers would focus more on hotels that can provide reliability, efficiency, proximity to business districts, and transportation hubs. And definitely, comfort is another crucial factor. As a result, business hotels or luxury hotels are often best.

• Long-term stays or digital nomads:

If you plan to have a rather long stay, serviced apartments or long-stay boutique properties with facilities like kitchen and laundry options may be much more comfortable than traditional hotels.

Budget Considerations

“Cheap accommodation in China” vs “luxury stays”. If you can arrange your budget early, it would help you a lot to avoid some unpleasant surprises.

• What “cheap” / budget means:

In many Chinese cities, budget hotels or hostels can cost from only CNY ¥100-300/night (approx. US$15-45). And they will still be providing rather comfortable rooms.

Mid-range hotels might run ¥300-800/night or more. Luxury or 5-star hotels often cost ¥1,200 or even higher per night in big cities like Beijing or Shanghai.

• When you travel:

In China, travel season also affects accommodation price a lot. Peak times (summer and Chinese national holidays like Golden Week in October and Spring Festival) see huge growth in price. However, outside these windows, many hotels will often start giving discounts.

• Booking costs / cancellation policies:

Be aware of cancellation policies, deposits, and extra fees. Sometimes, a “cheap” hotel with no cancellation or a poor location can end up costing you more in time or transport.

Location & Convenience

The location of your hotel is also a key element that can affect your travel experience.

• Proximity to tourist attractions:

If you plan to prioritize tourist attractions in your journey, then staying close to major landmarks means you can save much transit time. If you only have a few days on this trip, this would matter a lot.

• Near transport hubs:

Hotels near major subway/metro stations, high-speed train stations, or airports can make your trip so much easier. However, there may be fewer high-standard options than in city centers.

• City center vs quieter neighborhoods:

And if you want to explore local nightlife or you just quite enjoy shopping and dining in all the hot places, then being in the center (or near it) makes much sense. But if you want restfulness after a whole day trip, calmer local neighborhoods or scenic outskirts might suit you better.

Essential Tips for Booking Accommodation in China

Best Booking Platforms

• com (formerly Ctrip). This platform is widely regarded as the top OTA in China. It offers a huge inventory of hotels (from budget to luxury), and most importantly, it supports English service and accepts payment made by foreign credit cards.
• com. This platform is popular globally, and it works well in China too (especially if you’re looking for international and mid-level hotels). But sometimes it doesn’t list smaller local guesthouses or boutique stays that most Chinese local platforms do.
• Local Chinese platforms. However, booking through some other local Chinese platforms is also a good idea, especially if you’re looking for local guesthouses or last-minute offers. Examples include Meituan (Meituan Travel / Meituan Hotel) and Fliggy.

Visa Requirements and Registration

All the hotels are required to register foreign guests with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of check-in, and normally, this will be handled automatically at reception.

However, if you’re staying in a private home, homestay, or other non-hotel accommodation, you (or your host) must get yourself registered at the nearest police station within 24 hours. Failure to register may result in warnings or fines. And in some cities, it is now possible to go through the process via self-service QR code or online systems.

Travel Tips for Staying in China

Cultural Etiquette in Hotels and Guesthouses

• Simple Chinese greetings like “你好” (hello) or “谢谢” (thank you) are appreciated.
• Tipping is not common.
• Some traditional guesthouses may ask you to remove shoes indoors(not common).
• Have your hotel address written in Chinese and bring it with you.

Safety and Health Considerations

• Keep passports and valuables safe.
• Drink bottled or filtered water, not tap water.
• Save local emergency numbers and your hotel address in Chinese.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Packing Tips Based on City and Season

• Winter (especially in the Northern parts) can be extremely cold (such as in Harbin). So bring warm layers.
• Summer in the South, however, can be scorching. So pack light clothes and sunscreen.
• Rainy areas/season: umbrella or raincoat.
• Essentials: comfortable shoes and a travel adapter.

Local Amenities and Dining Options

• Convenience stores are easy to find for snacks and daily items.
• Hotels usually offer both Chinese and Western breakfast.
• Mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are common but do carry some cash with you.

FAQs About Accommodation in China

What is the average hotel price in China?

The price could vary a lot in terms of where you’re visiting and the standard of your pick. In major cities, budget hotels usually range from USD 25 to 40 per night. Mid-range hotels range from USD 70 to 120. And luxury hotels and international chains would start from USD 150 or more. However, smaller cities and rural areas would see lower prices. >> See more tips on how to travel China on a budget.

Are homestays safe for foreigners?

Yes. But remember to always stick to trusted platforms (like Trip.com).

Can I find pet-friendly hotels in China?

Yes. They are common in cities as well as some scenic areas, but expect extra cleaning fees.

Can I use international booking sites in China?

Yes, sites like Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Airbnb can all work well in China.

Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour

China is a land of countless wonders, and its real charm can never be fully experienced by words on pages. A China tour is what can truly take you to appreciate the country’s vast beauty. From the Great Wall in Beijing to the karst mountains of Guilin, every corner is believed to have something unique to offer to you.

With China Xian Tour, your trip will be customized with all the care and flexibility. We can create an itinerary that is just based on your own preferences. And our local travel experts will be there for you 24/7 and taking care of every detail along the way. Join us now and get ready for your unforgettable time in China.