Discover China

Trip.com China Master Guide: Booking Hotels, High-Speed Trains & Flights in China

China has never been easier to visit. Expanded visa-free entry for many nationalities, the world's largest high-speed rail network and improved payment options for foreign cards have made independent travel across the country more accessible than ever. Yet China also has its own digital ecosystem: local booking apps are often in Chinese only, some hotels are unfamiliar with foreign passports, and train booking platforms can be confusing.

That's where Trip.com shines. Owned by Trip.com Group, China's largest online travel company (also behind Ctrip), Trip.com is the go-to platform for foreigners booking hotels, high-speed trains and domestic flights in China. In this Trip.com China master guide, you'll learn why Trip.com is so useful for China, how hotel registration works for foreigners, how to book trains and flights, which partner tools to combine with it, and a step-by-step booking guide.

Book China hotels, trains and flights on Trip.com

Why Trip.com is the #1 Platform for China Travel

English interface and support

Trip.com offers a full English interface (and many other languages), with 24/7 customer support that can help with Chinese-speaking hotels and train issues.

Foreign credit card support

You can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express and other international payment methods, often in your home currency, without needing a Chinese bank account.

Huge inventory

Thanks to its parent company Ctrip, Trip.com has one of the largest hotel inventories in China, from international chains to local hotels in smaller cities.

Real-time high-speed train tickets

Trip.com sells China Railway tickets based on the official 12306 system. According to independent travel guides, Trip.com prices match the official 12306 face value without a booking fee (spot-checked in 2026), and you can use your passport as ID.

Domestic flights

Book flights with Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines and many more.

Everything in one app

Hotels, trains, flights, attractions, airport transfers and even eSIM data plans are available in one app, which is especially valuable in a country where many foreign apps are blocked.

Hotel Registration Rules for Foreigners in China

Hotels register you automatically

By law, foreigners must be registered with the local police within 24 hours of arriving at their accommodation. When you stay at a hotel, the hotel does this for you when it scans your passport at check-in. You don't need to do anything else.

Do all hotels accept foreigners?

In the past, some budget hotels weren't licensed or equipped to accept foreign guests. In July 2024, Chinese authorities issued guidance asking that hotels not be prevented from accepting foreigners. Most hotels now accept foreign guests, but some smaller properties may still refuse due to unfamiliarity with the registration process.

Tips:

• Look for hotels marked as accepting foreign guests or with reviews from international travellers on Trip.com.
• Carry your physical passport; photocopies aren't accepted.
• Your name on the booking must match your passport.

Private rentals and staying with friends

If you stay in a private home or rental, you or your host must register with the local police within 24 hours. Since March 2026, online registration is available in pilot provinces, including Zhejiang, Sichuan and Chongqing; elsewhere, registration is in person at a police station.

Deposits

Many Chinese hotels ask for a refundable deposit at check-in, often paid by card, Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Booking Domestic Flights & Bullet Trains

High-speed trains

China's high-speed rail network connects most major cities at speeds of up to 350 km/h.

Key things to know:

• Booking window: Tickets typically go on sale about 15 days before departure.
• Seat classes: Second class (most common), first class and business class (lie-flat seats).
• Waitlist: If trains are sold out, Trip.com offers a waitlist that books automatically if seats become available.
• Passport as ticket: Tickets are electronic and linked to your passport. Scan your passport at the gates; if the automatic gate doesn't work, use the manual lane.
• Names: Enter your name exactly as in your passport.
• Arrive early: 30–60 minutes before departure, as stations are huge and have security checks.
• Refunds and changes: Follow China Railway's rules, with fees depending on how close to departure you cancel.

Domestic flights

Flying is best for long distances, such as Beijing to Chengdu, Shanghai to Guilin or Kunming to Lhasa. Book on Trip.com and bring your passport to check-in. Note that some flights in China experience delays during peak periods and bad weather.

Train vs. plane

For journeys under about 5 hours by train, high-speed rail is usually more convenient than flying, with city-centre stations and fewer security delays.

Avoid peak travel periods

China's biggest travel rushes are Chinese New Year (late January or February), the May Day holiday (around 1–5 May) and National Day Golden Week (1–7 October). Trains sell out within minutes of release, hotel prices soar and attractions are packed. Plan around these dates, or book trains the moment they go on sale.

Aviasales and Local Tour Packages

Aviasales for international flights to China

Use Aviasales to compare international flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hong Kong. Its price calendar and alerts help you find the cheapest dates.

Local tour packages

Some experiences are easier with a guide or tour:

• Great Wall: Day trips to Mutianyu or Jinshanling from Beijing.
• Terracotta Army: Guided tours from Xi'an.
• Giant Pandas: Early-morning tours in Chengdu.
• Li River: Cruises from Guilin to Yangshuo.
• Zhangjiajie: Tours of the "Avatar mountains."

Book tours on Trip.com's attractions section or on GetYourGuide.

Before you go: practical tips

• Visa: Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026, while others can use the 240-hour visa-free transit with onward tickets. Check your nationality.
• Payments: Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with your foreign card.
• Internet: Many foreign apps are blocked; a travel eSIM with roaming usually provides access.
• Maps: Download offline maps and translation apps.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

1. Book your hotel: Go to Trip.com, search your city and dates, and filter by price, location, rating and free cancellation. Check reviews from international guests.
2. Check the location: Choose hotels near a metro station for easy access.
3. Book trains: Open the Trains section, enter your route and date, select a train and seat class, and enter passenger details exactly as in your passport.
4. Book domestic flights: Search flights between cities if the train journey is too long.
5. Apply discounts: Use coupons, member prices and Trip Coins.
6. Pay: Pay with your international card.
7. Save your bookings: Keep hotel confirmations (with Chinese addresses) and train bookings in the app.
8. Travel day: Bring your passport, arrive early and show the hotel the Chinese address if using a taxi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners book Chinese train tickets on Trip.com?

Yes. Trip.com sells China Railway tickets in English, with payment by foreign card. Tickets are linked to your passport, which you scan at the station gates.

Do all hotels in China accept foreigners?

Most do, especially since 2024 guidance encouraging hotels to accept foreign guests. Some small hotels may still refuse, so check reviews and listings.

How far in advance can I book high-speed trains in China?

Tickets usually go on sale about 15 days before departure. Book as soon as they're released for popular routes and holidays.

Do I need to register with the police in China?

If you stay in a hotel, the hotel registers you automatically. If you stay in a private home, you or your host must register within 24 hours.

Can I pay with a foreign credit card on Trip.com in China?

Yes. Trip.com accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and other international payment methods.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Trip.com Hong Kong Guide: Hotel Deals & Transit Booking in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the world's most exciting cities: a dazzling skyline over Victoria Harbour, neon-lit streets in Kowloon, dim sum in bustling tea houses, peaceful hiking trails and islands just minutes from the city centre. It's also famously compact and efficient, with one of the world's best public transport systems. But hotel space is limited and prices can be high, especially for harbour-view rooms.

Trip.com has a special advantage in Hong Kong. As part of Trip.com Group, it has a strong presence across Asia and offers not just hotels, but also Airport Express tickets, Hong Kong Disneyland passes, attraction tickets and flights in one app. In this Trip.com Hong Kong guide, you'll learn where to stay, how to use Trip.com's local advantages, which partner tools to combine, and a step-by-step booking guide.

Find hotel deals in Hong Kong on Trip.com

Hong Kong Accommodation Guide

Victoria Harbour view hotels

Waking up to views of Victoria Harbour is one of Hong Kong's great luxuries.

• Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon): Hotels facing Hong Kong Island's skyline, perfect for watching the nightly Symphony of Lights show. Home to famous luxury hotels along the waterfront.
• Central and Admiralty (Hong Kong Island): Upscale hotels close to business districts, shopping and the Peak Tram.
• Wan Chai and Causeway Bay: Harbourfront hotels, shopping and nightlife.
• West Kowloon: Newer hotels near the M+ museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, with harbour views.

Kowloon budget stays

Kowloon offers the widest choice of affordable accommodation.

• Mong Kok: Busy markets, street food and budget hotels.
• Yau Ma Tei and Jordan: Night markets, local life and good-value hotels.
• Tsim Sha Tsui: Budget guesthouses (including in famous Chungking Mansions) alongside luxury hotels.

Tip: Hong Kong rooms are often very small. Check the room size in square metres before booking.

Other areas

• Sheung Wan: Trendy cafés, galleries and boutique hotels.
• Kennedy Town: Laid-back waterfront neighbourhood.
• Lantau Island: Resort hotels near Hong Kong Disneyland and the airport.
• Sai Kung: Seafood and beaches in the New Territories.

Trip.com's Local Advantage in Hong Kong

Hotel deals

• Large selection of Hong Kong hotels, from budget to luxury.
• Member prices, coupons and flash sales.
• Free cancellation on many rates.
• Trip Coins (100 Trip Coins = US$1 in value).
• Flight + Hotel packages for short breaks.

Airport Express tickets

The Airport Express train connects Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) with Kowloon and Hong Kong stations in about 20–25 minutes. Trip.com sells Airport Express tickets, often at a discount compared with buying at the station, and provides QR code or e-tickets in the app. Free shuttle buses connect Airport Express stations with many major hotels.

Hong Kong Disneyland passes

Book Hong Kong Disneyland tickets on Trip.com, sometimes with discounts or bundles with hotels such as the Disneyland Hotel or Disney Explorers Lodge.

Other attraction tickets

Trip.com also sells tickets for Ocean Park, the Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428, Ngong Ping 360 cable car to the Big Buddha, harbour cruises and museums.

Getting around Hong Kong

• MTR: Fast, clean and connects most areas.
• Octopus card: A stored-value card for MTR, buses, ferries, trams and many shops. Digital versions are available on smartphones.
• Star Ferry: Iconic, cheap harbour crossing.
• Trams ("Ding Ding"): Slow but charming on Hong Kong Island.
• Taxis: Red (urban), green (New Territories) and blue (Lantau).

Budget and Practical Tips

1. Hotel tax: Hong Kong resumed collecting a 3% hotel accommodation tax from January 2025. Check whether it's included in the displayed price.
2. Avoid peak periods: Chinese New Year, Golden Week holidays, Art Basel Hong Kong (March) and the Rugby Sevens raise prices.
3. Best weather: October to December is generally the most comfortable season, with clear skies.
4. Typhoon season: Roughly May to October; check forecasts and choose free cancellation.
5. Stay in Kowloon for value: It's usually cheaper than Hong Kong Island and well connected by MTR.
6. Use Trip Coins and coupons: For extra savings on hotels and attractions.
7. Eat local: Cha chaan tengs (local cafés) and dim sum restaurants offer great value.

Sample hotel budgets (per room, per night)

Prices are indicative and rise during holidays and major events.

Top experiences

• Victoria Peak: Take the Peak Tram for the classic skyline view.
• Star Ferry: Cross the harbour for a few dollars.
• Big Buddha and Ngong Ping: Ride the cable car on Lantau Island.
• Temple Street Night Market: Street food and bargains.
• Hiking: The Dragon's Back trail offers coastal views.
• Dim sum: Try classic tea houses for har gow and siu mai.

Entry and practical notes

Many nationalities can visit Hong Kong visa-free for stays ranging from 7 to 180 days, depending on nationality. Hong Kong has its own currency, the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), and entry rules separate from mainland China. Cards and Octopus are accepted almost everywhere.

Klook/Tiqets and Aviasales

Klook and Tiqets for attractions

Tiqets offers mobile tickets for Hong Kong attractions and experiences, including Disneyland, Ocean Park, the Peak Tram and harbour cruises — compare prices before booking.

Aviasales for flights

Aviasales compares flights to Hong Kong (HKG) from around the world. Use its price calendar to find the cheapest dates, and consider multi-city trips combining Hong Kong with Macau, Shenzhen, Guangzhou or other Asian destinations.

Beyond Hong Kong

• Macau: Reachable by ferry or the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge buses.
• Shenzhen and Guangzhou: High-speed trains from West Kowloon station take about 15–20 minutes to Shenzhen and under an hour to Guangzhou. Check mainland China entry rules for your nationality.

Seasonal highlights

• Chinese New Year: Fireworks over Victoria Harbour and festive markets.
• Mid-Autumn Festival: Lanterns and mooncakes.
• Winterfest (December): Christmas lights along the harbourfront.
• Dragon Boat Festival (around June): Races in the harbour and beyond.

Weather tips

Summer is hot and humid, with frequent showers, so bring a light umbrella. Indoor spaces are heavily air-conditioned, so carry a light layer. When a typhoon signal 8 or higher is raised, public transport and businesses may close; follow official advice.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

1. Search: Go to Trip.com Hong Kong or open the app. Enter your dates and guests.
2. Filter: Filter by price, rating, free cancellation, harbour view, room size and neighbourhood.
3. Check location: Choose hotels near an MTR station or Airport Express shuttle route.
4. Read reviews: Look for comments on room size, views, noise and cleanliness.
5. Compare rates: Check whether the 3% hotel tax and service charges are included.
6. Add transport and attractions: Book Airport Express tickets, Disneyland passes and other attractions.
7. Apply discounts: Use member prices, coupons and Trip Coins.
8. Pay and confirm: Pay securely and keep all tickets and confirmations in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay in Hong Kong for the first time?

Tsim Sha Tsui for harbour views and convenience, Central for upscale stays, or Mong Kok and Jordan for budget options.

How do I get from Hong Kong Airport to the city?

The Airport Express reaches Kowloon and Hong Kong stations in about 20–25 minutes. Tickets can be bought on Trip.com.

Can I buy Hong Kong Disneyland tickets on Trip.com?

Yes. Trip.com sells Hong Kong Disneyland tickets and hotel bundles.

Is there a hotel tax in Hong Kong?

Yes. Hong Kong resumed collecting a 3% hotel accommodation tax from January 2025.

When is the best time to visit Hong Kong?

October to December offers the most comfortable weather. Avoid typhoon season peaks and major holidays if you want lower prices.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.