The Complete Guide to Accommodation for Traveling in China
When planning a trip to China, the choice of accommodation is crucial as it greatly influences the comfort and happiness of your entire journey. Here is a practical guide to accommodation in China to help you have a pleasant stay.
Understanding Different Types of Accommodation
Hotels
International Chain Hotels
In major cities across China, you can find internationally renowned chain hotels such as Hilton, Marriott, and InterContinental. These hotels typically adhere to unified service standards and offer high-quality facilities. The staff often proficiently communicate in English, making them a reassuring choice for foreign visitors new to China or less fluent in the language.
Domestic Chain Hotels
In recent years, China's local chain hotel brands have rapidly developed, including Home Inn, 7 Days Inn, Hanting, and others. These hotels are relatively budget-friendly, offering excellent value for money. While their facilities may not be as luxurious as international chain hotels, they meet basic accommodation needs, providing clean and tidy rooms equipped with amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and television. Moreover, they are widely distributed across China, making them easily accessible in both major and smaller cities.
Homestays民宿(mín sù)
民宿 (mín sù), noun, homestays
Examples:
- We stayed in a lovely homestay during our vacation.
我们度假时住在一家可爱的民宿里。
wǒ men dù jià shí zhù zài yī jiā kě ài de mín sù lǐ 。 - Homestays offer a more personalized experience.
民宿提供了更个性化的体验。
mín sù tí gōng le gèng gè xìng huà de tǐ yàn 。
Urban Homestays
In major Chinese cities, homestays present an excellent opportunity to experience local life. They are often located in residential areas or characteristic neighborhoods surrounded by local eateries, convenience stores, and markets. Urban homestays boast varying styles, ranging from minimalist modern to retro artistic.
For instance, near the Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu, you can choose a room decorated with elements of Sichuan opera. Stepping out, you can indulge in authentic Chengdu snacks like hotpot and skewers, immersing yourself in the city's relaxed lifestyle. Homestay hosts often provide local travel suggestions, aiding you in discovering off-the-beaten-path attractions hidden in the city's corners.
Rural Homestays
If you seek refuge from the bustling city, China's rural homestays offer a serene escape. Famous ancient towns and villages like Wuzhen in Zhejiang and Hongcun in Anhui host several rural homestays. These accommodations are often refashioned from traditional residences, retaining original architectural features like white walls, black tiles, and wooden doors and windows.
Staying in a rural homestay allows you to wake up to the chirping of birds, breathe fresh air, and engage in rural activities such as fruit picking and experiencing traditional craftsmanship. For instance, at a rural homestay in Hongcun, you can admire the picturesque South Lake view from your room. In the evening, as the setting sun casts its warm glow on the lake, it resembles a traditional Chinese ink painting.
Choosing the Right Location
Near Transportation Hubs
With the efficient transportation systems in Chinese cities, staying near airports, train stations, or subway stations can facilitate your travels. This is particularly advantageous for visitors hopping between different cities, reducing the hassle of transfers. For example, in Shanghai, staying at a hotel or homestay near Hongqiao Railway Station offers convenient access to high-speed trains to other cities and subways for exploring the city center.
Around Commercial Centers
If you enjoy shopping and experiencing a city's nightlife, accommodation around commercial centers is a suitable choice. Commercial hubs like Sanlitun in Beijing and Nanjing Road in Shanghai boast numerous malls, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. You can shop during the day, dine on delicious cuisine, partake in entertainment activities at night, and leisurely retreat back to your accommodation.
Choosing Booking Platforms平台(píng tái)
平台 (píng tái), noun, platforms
Examples:
- This platform is very useful.
这个平台非常有用。
zhè gè píng tái fēi cháng yǒu yòng 。 - We can find many jobs on different platforms.
我们可以在不同的平台上找到很多工作。
wǒ men kě yǐ zài bù tóng de píng tái shàng zhǎo dào hěn duō gōng zuò 。
In China, commonly used accommodation booking platforms include Ctrip, Qunar, and Fliggy. These platforms offer a wealth of accommodation options with detailed user reviews and hotel information. You can compare prices and room types across multiple platforms to find the accommodation that best suits your needs. Additionally, renowned international booking platforms such as Booking.com and Agoda are active in China, providing alternative booking avenues.
Verifying Booking Information
After a successful booking, carefully verify reservation details, including check-in and check-out dates, room type, price, hotel address, and more. Familiarize yourself with the hotel's check-in policies, such as whether advance deposit payment is required or if free cancellations are allowed. Some hotels may contact you via email or text post-booking, requesting additional information like passport numbers. Promptly respond and cooperate with any necessary procedures.
In conclusion, selecting suitable accommodation and paying attention to details while traveling in China can significantly enhance your staying experience, making your trip more memorable and enjoyable. Hopefully, this guide will assist you in finding a cozy and comfortable "home away from home" during your visit to China.