The Chinese government strives to create a “first-class business environment” and Chinese hotels are not allowed to refuse foreign guests

Travelers who have been turned away by hotels have also shared their experiences. For example, Malaysian YouTuber Anjoe Koh said last year that a friend of hers in China had “repeatedly confirmed with a hotel” that it could accommodate foreign guests, but was turned away when she arrived because the hotel “did not have the resources.”

“Many hotels don’t accept foreign guests, especially during the Asian Games. Don’t simply book a hotel online and then arrive, or you will be turned away!” Ms Koh wrote on Instagram last September, when she also posted about her trip to Ningbo. Her experience was reported by Malaysian news site World of Buzz.

However, according to the former editor-in-chief of the state-run Global Times, the distinction between hotels that do and do not accept foreign guests has been abolished since 2013.

Mr Hu Xijin wrote in a commentary in the magazine on Monday (May 27) that this conclusion was based on a notice issued in 2013 by relevant Chinese government agencies (except for a few counties and cities).

He wrote that all hotels in China can receive foreign guests but must follow the registration procedures required by law.

According to Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, hotels must register foreign guests’ information with local public security agencies.

Foreign tourists or their hosts who are not staying at a hotel must register their accommodation details with the local authorities within 24 hours of arrival.

Failure to do so will result in a warning and a possible fine of 2,000 RMB (276 USD).

Hotels that fail to submit traveler accommodation information to local authorities will be warned, and the law stipulates that “serious” hotels may be fined between 1,000 yuan and 5,000 yuan.

“Some hotels and local government agencies may not understand this and dare not receive foreign tourists, and may also be worried about bringing trouble to themselves,” said Mr Hu.

He explained that hotel reception staff may also be concerned about being fined if they make a mistake during the check-in process.

This may be the reason why they refuse to provide services to foreigners – “It is better to earn less money than to be fined,” said Mr. Hu.