Do all hotels in China accept foreigners?

No. A property must have the ability and licence to register foreign guests, and some smaller properties do not. Confirm before paying.

Can I stay with a friend instead?

Yes, but ask the host and the local authority how the private accommodation must be registered. Carry your passport and the host's address.

What if the hotel says a passport copy is enough?

Follow the property's current instructions, but be prepared for the original passport because foreign-guest registration normally involves identity verification.

How do I avoid a check-in problem after booking?

Send the hotel a pre-arrival message with your nationality and ask for written confirmation that the branch accepts your passport.

How to Find Hotels in China That Accept Foreign Guests

Short answer

Look for properties that explicitly say they accept international guests or passports, then message the hotel before paying to confirm the check-in document and registration process. International chains and larger hotels are usually the safest first choice, but the requirement is property-level: some budget hostels and small inns cannot register foreign guests.

Questions to ask before booking

Do you accept guests with foreign passports at this specific branch?
What original document do you need at check-in, and is a passport copy accepted?
Can the hotel complete the local accommodation registration?
What is the deposit and refund policy at check-in and check-out?

Signs that a listing needs confirmation

It only says 'Chinese ID accepted' or 'local guests only'.
The price is dramatically below comparable hotels and the passport question is unanswered.
The property is a small hostel or short-term rental with no clear address or reception policy.
The booking page asks for a Chinese mobile number but does not explain passport check-in.

At check-in

Carry the original passport and keep the booking confirmation and property address. A hotel may scan the document for registration and return it immediately; follow the property's instructions and do not hand it to an informal helper.

Related guides

Where these matter

Official sources

Policies and booking channels change — check the official channel before you rely on it.