A surprising number of budget hotels in China cannot legally host foreign guests. Here's how to book a hotel that will actually let you in.
Budget guesthouses and some small hotels only have a license for domestic guests and cannot register foreign passports.
Book international-brand hotels, or filter on Booking.com/Trip.com for "foreign guests accepted". Reviews often mention this.
Look for hotels that list "foreign guests welcome" or contact them to confirm they can register a foreign passport.
Always carry your passport — hotels must register it with the police. Without a passport, you cannot check in.
No. Budget guesthouses and small hotels may refuse foreign guests due to licensing.
Use Booking.com/Trip.com filters, or book international-brand hotels.
Yes. Hotels register your passport with local police.