If you are planning your trip to China and want to choose well where to stay to enjoy the Asian country as a traveler, do not worry: in this article we tell you the best options and places for accommodation in China and some tips and answers to frequently asked questions that travelers often make to enjoy your trip.
You have 4 to 5 options (Hotels, Hostels, rooms, houses and cubicles at the airport) to stay depending on the type of traveler and what you want to do in this country. You will also learn the meaning of words that will be very useful when looking for accommodation in China: Zhusus, Hutongs, Da jiulou, Binguan, among others.
Come on!
HOW IS THE ACCOMMODATION IN CHINA?
If you want to visit several tourist attractions in China, you will have to look for accommodation in several hotels because they are located in different cities in the country.
Prices vary according to the services they provide, but what should matter most is that they offer Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Ideally, you should book in advance, otherwise it may take you a while to get away because not all hotels are licensed to accommodate foreigners.
WHERE CAN I FIND ACCOMMODATION IN CHINA?
HOTELS IN CHINA
- Price: Around 1000 €
They are a bit more expensive but they are certainly the most comfortable option for accommodation on your China trip. If you don’t want to spend too much, you can choose three or four star alternatives. Here you will find private bathrooms with towels and/or breakfast. But if you are called the most comfortable accommodations, you can consider luxury hotels or suites, which charge from a thousand euros a night.
HOSTELS IN CHINA
- Price: 40 € – 60 €
Most required by foreigners because they are spread out in the country, they are comfortable and have a low price. The good thing about this option is that you can book them online and it is very possible that their employees speak English and they offer you Western food alternatives.
Some are located near tourist attractions, but keep in mind that the bathrooms are shared and some are traditional (where there are some sort of silos).
ZHUSUS IN CHINA
- Price: 30 € – 50 €
It would translate as “accommodation”, and these rooms, located in houses or buildings, are exclusive to Chinese, but you can come to a negotiation to stay there. Their prices are very low and the atmosphere is homey. Keep in mind that it will be a bit complicated to detect them since their signs are written in Chinese.
HUTONGS IN CHINA
- Price: 35 € – 50 €
They are well preserved old houses, their ancient Chinese style can be attractive to tourists. These houses can be found in alleys of the old town, have narrow entrances and all rooms are connected to a square courtyard (like riads in Morocco).
WHERE TO BOOK ACCOMMODATION FOR CHINA?
- Agoda: Here you can find everything from hotels and resorts to hostels and houses.
- Booking: As recognized as complete, you can be guided by other users’ comments and ratings to book.
- Trip: In this search engine you can also find train tickets, tours, event tickets and flights.
- Airbnb: Their prices range from 50 euros a night, but they offer a room or house just for you. It also offers you options of restaurants and experiences.
- Skyscanner: Known for offering flight options, it also offers accommodation options, and even car rentals. The rates per night are similar to those of Airbnb.
WHAT ARE THE BEST AREAS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN CHINA?
- Beijing: Houhai, Chaoyang Park and Xidan, which are more economical areas. Also, Wangfujing and Sanlitun.
- Shenzhen: Luohu district, Nanshan and Huaqiangbei.
- Shanghai: In Pudong, Nanjing Road, Xuhui and the French Concession.
- Xi’An: In Beilin, Lianhu, Xincheng and Xi’An Centre.
- Hangzhou: In Wulin Square, Wushan and Yanan.
- Macao: In Nape, Taipa, Coloane and Cotai Strip.
- Hong Kong: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ACCOMMODATION IN CHINA
DO HOTELS USUALLY ASK FOR BAIL?
Yes, but it’s not a law or a rule in every hotel. If you separate your room, you will probably be asked to fill out a form in English and then be asked to pay for your entire stay in advance, plus a deposit or bond in case you damage the room.
ARE THERE QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS IN ALL OF CHINA?
Due to the fact that this country has made its tourist opening a relatively short time ago, its hotel industry is good but only in big cities or very visited destinations, where this is not the case, the accommodations are usually not completely good.
HOW CAN THE STAFF AT THE CHINESE HOTELS HELP ME?
If they are from hotels in Beijing or Shanghai, in breaking the language barrier, well, partially, some know English and with them you can make all the queries or doubts you have.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER OPTIONS FOR SPENDING THE NIGHT?
In airports, such as Xi’An, there are square cubicles called “Sleepbox”, which have a small bed and even a television, the dream of every traveler who has to wait for hours, sleep on seats or the floor to wait for his flight.
Also, when you take the trains that make long trips, you can spend the night in the train beds. Depending on the price, your bed will be comfortable or hard. Keep in mind that the price gap for this comfort is high.
KEYWORDS TO SEARCH FOR ACCOMMODATION IN CHINA
Learn the meaning of the following words to make it easier to find accommodation:
- Da jiulou, modern hotels for tourists
- Binguan, big hotels.
- Fandian, hotels of all kinds, high and low category.
- Zhaodaisuo and luguan, humble lodgings that do not usually accommodate tourists
TRAVEL TIPS FOR CHINA
- Haggle, no one will look down on you: It is possible that because you are a foreigner they will want to charge you more and with your haggling they will come up with a fair price for you and the hotel.
- Some useful applications that can help you: Google Maps, Google translate, XE, TripIt, WeatherPRO. Remember that in China there is a censorship on the internet that does not allow you to use the traditional apps that we often use in Spain, so it is advisable to bring a SIM card with VPN, which will allow you to use any app and surf the internet freely without any restrictions.
- If you are travelling with children: You should definitely book in advance, because it may be that only in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin or Chengdu you will find accommodation at the last minute.
- In case you want to stay with a Chinese friend: You must have your papers in order and your host must inform the local Department of Public Security, filling out a form in less than 24 hours. If your friend lives in a rural area, the deadline will be up to 76 hours.
Learn more travel tips for China
About what to bring in the suitcase, the best time to travel, documentation and requirements, Internet connection, currency exchange, what to do in China, travel insurance, is it safe to travel to China, where and what to eat, SIM card for China, how to rent a car in China, things prohibited in China, best VPN for China, among others.
