The short version
- Airbnb does not operate in mainland China. It closed its domestic China business in 2022 and removed all mainland listings.
- Hong Kong and Macau listings are still on Airbnb.
- Alternatives: serviced apartments, apartment hotels, licensed homestays (民宿, minsu) and boutique guesthouses, booked through hotel booking platforms.
- Check the listing accepts foreign guests. Some homestays take only guests with a Chinese ID card.
- Staying in a private home? You or your host must register with the police within 24 hours, now also possible online.
What happened to Airbnb in China?
In May 2022, Airbnb announced it would close its domestic business in mainland China. According to CNBC’s report at the time, all mainland listings, homes and experiences, were taken down that summer. Airbnb kept an office in China focused on Chinese travelers going abroad.
Reports pointed to several reasons: COVID-19 lockdowns that hit domestic travel, strong competition from Chinese rental platforms, and the cost of complying with rules on sharing guest information. Mainland China was a small share of Airbnb’s revenue.
Is Airbnb illegal in China? No law bans Airbnb itself. It simply no longer offers stays there, so there is nothing to book.
The best alternatives to Airbnb in China
| Option | Best for | Registration | Accepts foreigners? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serviced apartment or apartment hotel | City stays of a week or more; families; a kitchen | Done at check-in, like a hotel | Most international brands, yes |
| Licensed homestay (minsu) or guesthouse | Villages, scenic areas, character stays | Done by the property, if licensed | Many in tourist areas; check first |
| Hotel | Short city stays | Done at check-in | Most, yes |
| Private apartment from a person | Long stays, if you trust the host | You or the host register within 24 hours | Depends on the host |
Serviced apartments
Serviced apartments (服务式公寓) and apartment hotels are the closest thing to an Airbnb in Chinese cities: separate living space, often a kitchen and a washing machine, with a front desk, cleaning and hotel-style registration.
- International brands such as Ascott, Fraser Suites and Oakwood operate in major cities.
- Many Chinese hotel groups also run apartment hotels.
- Prices are usually similar to a mid-range or upscale hotel, and weekly or monthly rates are cheaper.
Homestays and guesthouses
In the countryside and scenic towns, homestays (民宿) and small guesthouses are often the best places to stay: a garden, a local host, home cooking and views you do not get from a hotel.
Popular areas for foreign visitors include:
- Yangshuo, near Guilin, among the karst peaks. See our Guilin guide.
- Zhangjiajie, near the national forest park. See our Zhangjiajie guide.
- Lijiang and Dali in Yunnan.
- Hangzhou, in the tea villages around West Lake. See our Hangzhou guide.
Licensed homestays register foreign guests the way hotels do. But some homestays, especially those listed only on Chinese platforms, take only guests with a Chinese ID card. Always check.
How to check a rental or homestay accepts foreigners
- Read the listing. Chinese platforms often say “mainland Chinese guests only” (仅接待中国大陆客人) when a property cannot host foreigners.
- Message the host before booking: “Do you accept foreign guests with a passport, and will you register my stay?” (可以接待持护照的外国客人吗？可以帮我办理住宿登记吗？)
- Prefer licensed properties with a front desk or clear registration process.
- Keep the confirmation and the host’s phone number.
For more on hotels, see can foreigners stay in any hotel in China?
Staying in a private home: the 24-hour rule
Under Article 39 of China’s Exit and Entry Administration Law, if a foreigner stays anywhere other than a hotel, the foreigner or the host must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. This covers friends’ homes, family homes and private apartment rentals.
How to register:
- Online: through the National Immigration Administration’s platform, the NIA 12367 app, the NIA 12367 WeChat mini-program or the Alipay mini-program, under Accommodation Registration. The NIA says online registration has the same legal effect as registering in person. The first registration at an address should be done with the host’s help.
- In person: at the local police station, with your passport and the host.
If you do not register: under Article 76, you or your host can get a warning and a fine of up to RMB 2,000.
A property that is licensed as accommodation, such as a hotel, serviced apartment or licensed homestay, registers you itself at check-in.
Hong Kong and Macau
Airbnb still lists stays in Hong Kong and Macau. If you are visiting either on the same trip, you can use it there as normal. Registration rules in this guide apply to mainland China.
Need help finding the right place?
For a family, a long stay or a countryside homestay, the right property makes a big difference. Our hotel booking service can help you find hotels, apartments and guesthouses that accept international guests. See also how much a trip to China costs and how to plan a trip to China.
- CNBC: Airbnb is closing its domestic business in China (23 May 2022)
- National Immigration Administration: online accommodation registration for foreigners staying outside hotels
- Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China (Articles 39 and 76)
Editorial update: . Check the linked source for current provider terms or official rules.