China offers an incredible journey through 5,000 years of history, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to ultramodern Shanghai skyscrapers. Experience diverse landscapes ranging from karst mountains in Guilin to the Tibetan Plateau, savor world-renowned cuisine, and witness the fusion of ancient traditions with state-of-the-art technology.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Leo Hostel Beijing
Social hostel near Forbidden City with excellent rooftop bar, free walking tours, and helpful staff. Clean dorms and private rooms, communal kitchen, and lively atmosphere. Perfect for meeting fellow travelers in central location.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Phoenix Bar & Hostel Shanghai
Vibrant hostel on famous Nanjing Road with ground-floor bar and frequent events. Clean modern dorms, good showers, and unbeatable location for exploring Shanghai. Staff organize pub crawls and day trips. Social atmosphere guaranteed.
Check rates on Booking.comMama's Guest House Yangshuo
Legendary budget accommodation run by helpful local family in scenic Yangshuo countryside. Basic clean rooms with spectacular karst mountain views, bicycle rental, and insider tips on rock climbing and caving. True backpacker vibe.
Check rates on Booking.comHump Hostel Xi'an
Award-winning hostel inside Xi'an city wall with courtyard setting, rooftop terrace, and excellent Chinese fusion restaurant. Clean facilities, organized tours to Terracotta Warriors, and helpful English-speaking staff. Great social scene.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Loft Youth Hostel Lijiang
Charming hostel in traditional Naxi building in heart of Lijiang Old Town. Cozy common areas with fireplace, rooftop views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and nightly group dinners. Friendly staff help arrange hiking and cultural tours.
Check rates on Booking.comChengdu Mix Hostel
Modern hostel near Wenshu Monastery with excellent cafe, movie nights, and Sichuan cooking classes. Clean pod-style beds in dorms, good showers, and perfect location for exploring Chengdu's food scene. Popular with digital nomads.
Check rates on Booking.comLazy Bones Hostel Suzhou
Peaceful hostel in gardens setting near Suzhou's famous canals and classical gardens. Clean simple rooms, bicycle rental for exploring water towns, and helpful staff. Quiet alternative to busy Shanghai, only 30 minutes by high-speed train.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Hotel Éclat Beijing
Boutique art hotel showcasing Salvador Dalí collection and contemporary Chinese art throughout public spaces and rooms. Modern design, excellent restaurant, and convenient location near 798 Art District. Unique blend of luxury and affordability.
Check rates on Booking.comThe PuLi Hotel and Spa Shanghai
Contemporary luxury at mid-range prices in central Jing'an district. Stunning courtyard design, excellent spa, and rooftop bar. Spacious rooms with modern amenities and walking distance to major attractions and metro.
Check rates on Booking.comLijiang Liman Wenzhi Hotel
Charming boutique hotel in renovated traditional Naxi courtyard building in Lijiang Old Town. Authentic architecture combined with modern comfort, rooftop terrace with mountain views, and personalized service. Perfect base for exploring old town.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel
Modern hotel with Silk Road-inspired design near Mogao Caves. Comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and good base for exploring Dunhuang's desert attractions. Features indoor pool and multiple dining options serving Northwest Chinese cuisine.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Lhasa Hotel
Comfortable accommodation in central Lhasa with Tibetan-style decor and oxygen-enriched rooms to help with altitude. Walking distance to Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Features Tibetan and Chinese restaurants, helpful tour desk for permits.
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Park Hotel Xi'an
Well-located hotel near Xi'an city wall and Muslim Quarter with modern rooms and excellent breakfast. Helpful staff arrange Terracotta Warriors tours. Rooftop restaurant offers city views, and rooms are spacious with good soundproofing.
Check rates on Booking.comCourtyard by Marriott Hangzhou Wulin
Modern hotel near West Lake with efficient service and comfortable rooms. Good breakfast buffet, fitness center, and central location for exploring Hangzhou. Walking distance to shopping streets and metro station.
Check rates on Booking.comTibet Baiyi Hotel
Boutique Tibetan hotel in Shangri-La old town with traditional wooden architecture and modern amenities. Features oxygen-enriched rooms, Tibetan restaurant, and stunning mountain views. Excellent base for exploring Tibetan culture and nearby monasteries.
Check rates on Booking.comGuilin Bravo Hotel
Modern riverside hotel with spectacular karst mountain views from rooms and rooftop terrace. Central location near pedestrian streets and Two Rivers Four Lakes area. Comfortable rooms, good Western and Chinese breakfast, helpful staff.
Check rates on Booking.comZen Garden Hotel Wuzhen
Peaceful hotel in restored Qing Dynasty building inside Wuzhen West Scenic Area. Traditional architecture with modern bathrooms, canal-side location, and included scenic area tickets. Experience water town ambiance with comfort and convenience.
Check rates on Booking.comButton House Chengdu
Quirky boutique hostel with private rooms in artsy design neighborhood. Creative decor, social atmosphere, excellent coffee shop, and knowledgeable staff. Perfect for independent travelers seeking character and community at mid-range prices.
Check rates on Booking.comYangshuo Mountain Nest
Scenic retreat just outside Yangshuo town with stunning karst mountain views from terrace. Individual villas and rooms in garden setting, bicycle rental for exploring countryside, and Western/Chinese fusion restaurant. Peaceful escape with easy town access.
Check rates on Booking.comPingyao Yide Hotel
Beautifully restored traditional courtyard hotel inside Pingyao Ancient City walls. Authentic Qing Dynasty architecture with heated kang beds, courtyard garden, and rooftop terrace. Excellent location for exploring old city on foot.
Check rates on Booking.comLuoyang Aviation Hotel
Convenient modern hotel near Longmen Grottoes with shuttle service to attractions. Clean spacious rooms, good Chinese breakfast, and helpful English-speaking staff. Excellent value base for exploring Luoyang's historical sites.
Check rates on Booking.comHong Kong Harbour View Hotel
Well-located budget-friendly option in Wan Chai with genuine harbor views from upper floors. Simple clean rooms, good transport connections, and walking distance to convention center and nightlife. Excellent value for expensive Hong Kong.
Check rates on Booking.comSanya Haylands Resort
Beach resort on Hainan Island with tropical gardens and private beach access. Good mix of relaxation and activities with multiple pools, water sports, and spa. Family-friendly with kids' club and spacious rooms at reasonable prices.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
The Peninsula Beijing
Iconic luxury hotel combining 1920s charm with modern amenities in a prime location near Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Features Rolls-Royce fleet, Michelin-starred dining, and legendary service. Spacious rooms blend contemporary comfort with Chinese design elements.
Check rates on Booking.comMandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai
Occupying floors 60-93 of Shanghai Tower with breathtaking Bund and skyline views from China's tallest building. Ultra-modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple award-winning restaurants, and exclusive Sky Spa. Direct metro connection for convenience.
Check rates on Booking.comAman Summer Palace Beijing
Serene retreat inside a series of Ming Dynasty dwellings adjacent to the Summer Palace. Each suite features private courtyards, traditional architecture, and modern luxury. Exclusive access to Summer Palace before and after hours for guests.
Check rates on Booking.comThe St. Regis Shanghai Jingan
Elegant luxury hotel in prime Jingan district location with signature butler service for every room. Art Deco-inspired design, Michelin-starred restaurants, and opulent spa. Walking distance to shopping, dining, and metro access.
Check rates on Booking.comBanyan Tree Lijiang
Stunning resort of private villas with traditional Naxi architecture set against Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Each villa features heated pools, outdoor bathtubs, and mountain or valley views. World-class spa and authentic Yunnan dining.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Shanghai Wonderland
Architectural marvel built into abandoned quarry with rooms cascading down cliff face. Features underwater rooms with aquarium views, rock climbing wall on quarry cliff, and dramatic waterfall. Unique luxury experience 30 minutes from Shanghai.
Check rates on Booking.comWaldorf Astoria Beijing
Sophisticated luxury in a prime Wangfujing location combining courtyard architecture with contemporary design. Home to one of Beijing's best French restaurants and an exceptional spa. Personalized butler service and exquisite attention to detail.
Check rates on Booking.comAmanfayun Hangzhou
Exclusive resort in a restored tea village adjacent to Lingyin Temple with traditional houses converted to luxurious villas. Surrounded by tea plantations and bamboo forests. Features tea master sessions, meditation, and authentic Chinese dining.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Temple House Chengdu
Contemporary luxury hotel built around restored Qing Dynasty temple courtyard. Features minimalist design by renowned architects, exceptional Sichuan dining, and stunning integration of ancient and modern. Central location in Chengdu's historic district.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of China with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays
Old Town
Traditional architecture and local character. Walking distance to historical sites and authentic dining.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
The Peninsula Beijing
Iconic luxury hotel combining 1920s charm with modern amenities in a prime location near Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Features Rolls-Royce fleet, Michelin-starred dining, and legendary service. Spacious rooms blend contemporary comfort with Chinese design elements.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Éclat Beijing
Boutique art hotel showcasing Salvador Dalí collection and contemporary Chinese art throughout public spaces and rooms. Modern design, excellent restaurant, and convenient location near 798 Art District. Unique blend of luxury and affordability.
Check rates on Booking.comLeo Hostel Beijing
Social hostel near Forbidden City with excellent rooftop bar, free walking tours, and helpful staff. Clean dorms and private rooms, communal kitchen, and lively atmosphere. Perfect for meeting fellow travelers in central location.
Check rates on Booking.comMandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai
Occupying floors 60-93 of Shanghai Tower with breathtaking Bund and skyline views from China's tallest building. Ultra-modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple award-winning restaurants, and exclusive Sky Spa. Direct metro connection for convenience.
Check rates on Booking.comThe PuLi Hotel and Spa Shanghai
Contemporary luxury at mid-range prices in central Jing'an district. Stunning courtyard design, excellent spa, and rooftop bar. Spacious rooms with modern amenities and walking distance to major attractions and metro.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Phoenix Bar & Hostel Shanghai
Vibrant hostel on famous Nanjing Road with ground-floor bar and frequent events. Clean modern dorms, good showers, and unbeatable location for exploring Shanghai. Staff organize pub crawls and day trips. Social atmosphere guaranteed.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book Beijing and Shanghai hotels 2-3 months ahead for peak seasons (spring April-May, autumn September-October) as quality properties sell out quickly
Avoid traveling during Chinese Golden Week (October 1-7) and Chinese New Year (January-February) when hotel prices triple and bookings are near impossible without advance planning
Chinese hotel chains like Jinjiang, 7Days Inn, and Home Inn offer clean, reliable budget options at $25-50/night - similar cleanliness to international budget chains at much lower prices
Check hotels directly for best rates - Chinese hotels often have better prices booking via WeChat or their own website versus international booking platforms
Budget travelers benefit enormously from youth hostels which offer not just cheap dorms but organized tours, walking tours, and local insight unavailable at hotels
Guesthouses in historic areas (Beijing hutongs, Lijiang Old Town, Pingyao Ancient City) offer culturally immersive stays at mid-range prices and are far superior to anonymous business hotels
Register with local police within 24 hours of arrival if staying at private accommodation - hotel guests are automatically registered; this is a legal requirement
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.