Accommodation & Police Registration
Under Chinese immigration law, every foreign national must be registered with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival.
How to Avoid Being Denied Check-in at 11:00 PM
Historically, many budget hotels and guesthouses lacked the digital PSB computer terminal required to process foreign passports. While policies now instruct all hotels to accept foreigners, many front-desk clerks in 2nd/3rd tier cities still don't know how to operate the system.
Book through Trip.com (携程国际版) instead of domestic booking apps. Every hotel listed on the English Trip.com interface is contractually certified to process international guests. Look for properties with "Foreign Guests Welcome" tags.
Staying at an Airbnb, Homestay, or Friend's Apartment?
If you stay at a commercial hotel, the front desk automatically submits your registration to the PSB. However, if you stay at a residential Airbnb, rental apartment, or friend's home, you are legally required to complete self-registration within 24 hours.
Cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen offer WeChat mini-programs (e.g., "Shanghai Entry-Exit Self-Declaration"). Upload a photo of your passport information page, entry stamp, and your host's address directly.
Bring your host, their property deed/lease contract, your passport, and fill out the physical Temporary Residence Registration Form (临时住宿登记表).