I’ll be sharing my experiences with 2 types of accommodations in China so you won’t have any concerns about where to stay in Shanghai. As you may know, China has different legal requirements when it comes to staying in the country. Before diving into the details, it’s important to note that Chinese law requires you to register your passport and visa information with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival.
This rule applies no matter where you’re staying—whether it’s an hotel, a homestay, with friends or relatives, or even if you’re just staying on the street. Registration must be done at the nearest police station.
Short Term Homestay in Shanghai, China
When it comes to homestays, the term can be loosely applied. The official definition of a homestay usually involves staying in a spare room within a homeowner’s house while the homeowner is present. However, on platforms like Ctrip (China’s largest travel booking company), Xiaozhu and Tujia, you might find options where you have the entire apartment to yourself without ever having to meet the homeowner, but these platforms mainly focus on local and mainland travelers and doesn’t have English language. Foreign platforms such as trip.com, vrbo, agoda, bookings.com also provide homestay options for foreign travelers in China.
Airbnb used to made a strong entrance into Chinese local market, facing fierce competition, Airbnb exited from China in 2022.
When you book, the platforms will request your name, passport number, and other identification details, which the host is supposed to submit to the local authorities as part of the legal process. However, sometimes hosts don’t always ask to see your passport or mention the need for police registration. Personally, I have never registered myself at the police station, and I haven’t faced any trouble yet. Still, I recommend that you always complete this registration to avoid potential issues.
Additionally, be sure to check if the homestay accepts foreign guests. On Ctrip’s Chinese app, there is a marker indicating if a property accommodates foreigners. If you’re ever uncertain, don’t hesitate to call and confirm.
In China, like anywhere else in the world, you generally get what you pay for. While the interior of an accommodation might look stunning and well-decorated in photos, the common areas, staircases, surrounding neighborhood, or even the street view might not be as appealing as you’d expect. It could feel a bit rundown or sketchy compared to what you’re used to.
Hotels in Shanghai
Not all hotels in China accept foreign guests. Larger, well-known international brands like the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Hilton, as well as most big hotels in popular tourist areas, will accommodate foreigners. Smaller inns or cheaper hotels might not, as they need to complete extensive paperwork to obtain a special license for hosting foreigners. This is often not worth the hassle for them, as they cater primarily to local guests. However, when you check into a hotel, they will handle the registration process with the police for you by scanning your passport and filing the necessary report within 24 hours.
Finding a hotel as a foreigner is generally not difficult if you stick to larger hotels. If a smaller hotel turns you away, simply move on to another one. There are plenty of options in the city, although finding suitable accommodations in more rural areas can be trickier.