Is Airbnb Legal in China? What Travelers Need to Know (2025)

Update (2022): Airbnb shut down its domestic China operations in July 2022. However, the situation for tourists using Airbnb is different from domestic users.

Current Status

For International Tourists

Can you book Airbnb in China?

• International Airbnb app still shows China listings
• Some properties still list for foreign tourists
• Significantly reduced inventory
• Many listings removed after 2022 shutdown

What Happened

Airbnb exited China's domestic market due to:

• Competition from local platforms
• COVID-19 impact
• Regulatory complexity
• Declining bookings

This primarily affected Chinese hosts serving Chinese guests.

The Registration Issue

Police Registration Requirement

All foreigners staying in China must register with police within 24 hours:

Hotels handle this automatically:

• They scan your passport
• Submit registration
• You don't need to do anything

Airbnb/private accommodation:

• YOU must register at local police station
• Bring passport and host's information
• Process can be confusing
• Some areas strict, others relaxed

Why This Matters

Many hosts don't know the rules:

• May not remind you to register
• May not provide required documentation
• Creates legal gray area

Penalties for non-registration:

• Fines (usually warning first)
• Potential visa issues
• Complications if anything goes wrong

Should You Use Airbnb in China?

Pros

• May find unique properties
• Kitchen access
• More space than hotels
• Local neighborhood experience
• Sometimes cheaper

Cons

• Registration hassle
• Fewer listings than before
• Quality inconsistent
• Host communication in Chinese
• No 24-hour support like hotels
• Legal uncertainty

Recommendation

For most tourists: Hotels are easier and safer option.

Airbnb might work if:

• You're staying longer term
• You understand registration requirements
• You're in a major city with active listings
• You're flexible if things don't work out

Better Alternatives

Chinese Vacation Rental Platforms

Tujia (途家):

• China's largest vacation rental platform
• More properties than Airbnb China
• Better local support
• Understands registration requirements

Xiaozhu (小猪短租):

• Another major platform
• Good urban inventory
• Chinese interface (use translate)

Hotels

Honestly, hotels in China offer:

• Automatic registration (legal compliance)
• Consistent quality
• 24-hour staff
• Language assistance
• Better prices than expected

Hotel platforms:

• Trip.com (Ctrip) — Best for foreigners
• Booking.com — Works for most cities
• Hotel chains directly

Hostels

For budget travelers:

• Legal and registered
• Social atmosphere
• Private rooms often available
• Use Hostelworld or Trip.com

If You Book Airbnb

Steps to Take

Before booking:

1. Confirm listing is active (message host)
2. Ask host about foreigner registration
3. Check reviews from foreign guests
4. Have backup hotel booked (refundable)

After booking:

1. Get host's address and contact
2. Confirm check-in process
3. Ask for registration documentation help

On arrival:

1. Get host's ID copy (needed for registration)
2. Get property documentation
3. Register at police station within 24 hours
4. Keep registration slip

Police Registration Process

What you need:

• Your passport
• Host's ID (copy)
• Rental agreement or proof of stay
• Property address

Process:

1. Find local police station (派出所)
2. Go to "境外人员登记" (foreigner registration)
3. Fill out form
4. Submit documents
5. Get registration slip

Time: 30-60 minutes if no complications.

City Considerations

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou

• More listings available
• Stricter enforcement
• Easier to find police stations
• Hosts may be more experienced

Smaller Cities

• Fewer listings
• Varied enforcement
• May be less hassle or more confusing
• Hotels much easier

Tourist Areas

• Some listings in popular tourist zones
• Usually easier registration
• Police more used to foreigners

The Honest Assessment

Airbnb in China in 2025:

• Not worth the hassle for short trips
• Registration requirement is real
• Hotels are competitively priced
• Local alternatives exist

Consider Airbnb only if:

• Staying 1+ month
• Specific property appeals strongly
• You're experienced traveler
• You accept registration hassle

For typical 1-2 week trips, hotels give you less headaches.

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Need accommodation help in China? The China Survival Kit includes booking guides, hotel recommendations, and registration information.