Trip.com is the most foreigner-friendly booking platform for travel in China. With a full English interface and international customer service, it is your go-to app for hotels, trains, flights, and attraction tickets.
Why Trip.com?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| βοΈ Flights | Domestic and international flight booking |
| π¨ Hotels | Global hotel booking, extensive China coverage |
| π Trains | China high-speed rail booking |
| π« Tickets | Attraction and show tickets |
| π Car rental | Car rental in China |
| π Transfers | Airport pickup services |
| π‘οΈ Insurance | Travel insurance |
TL;DR
Trip.com vs Ctrip: Trip.com is the international version with an English interface. Ctrip is the domestic Chinese version. Both share the same inventory, but Trip.com is better for foreign visitors.
Network Environment
Trip.com works normally in mainland China without VPN.
| Service | Status |
|---|---|
| Trip.com (international) | β Available |
| Ctrip (domestic) | β Available |
| Booking.com | β Available |
| Expedia | β Available |
| Agoda | β Available |
Step 1: Download & Register
Before Arrival
| Platform | Method | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | App Store search "Trip.com" | β Globally available |
| Android | Google Play search "Trip.com" | β Globally available |
| Web | www.trip.com | β Globally available |
Pro Tip
Register and book hotels and train tickets before arrival. Popular routes and hotels are cheaper when booked in advance.
Registration
- Register with international email (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
- Or use Google / Apple / Facebook one-tap login
- No Chinese phone number required
Step 2: Hotel Booking
Advantages
- π Full English interface
- π¨ "Accepts foreign guests" filter
- π¬ 24/7 English customer service
- π Clear cancellation policies
- π Verified guest reviews
Key Filters
Important
Important: Not all Chinese hotels accept foreign guests! Always check the "Accepts Foreign Guests" filter when booking.
Why some hotels don't accept foreigners:
- Some hotels lack foreign guestζ₯εΎ θ΅θ΄¨
- Some hostels cannot register passports
- The filter prevents awkward situations at check-in
Free Cancellation:
- Prioritize "Free Cancellation" rooms
- Full refund if plans change
- Note the cancellation deadline (usually 1-3 days before check-in)
Booking Steps
1
Search
Enter city, dates, number of guests, tap search.
2
Filter
Check "Accepts Foreign Guests" + "Free Cancellation" + 4.0+ rating.
3
Reviews
Read recent reviews, focus on cleanliness, location, and service.
4
Book & Pay
Select room type β fill guest info (passport name) β choose payment β confirm.
Payment Methods
| Method | Available? |
|---|---|
| Visa / Mastercard / Amex | β Yes |
| PayPal | β Yes |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | β Yes |
| Alipay | β Yes |
| WeChat Pay | β Yes |
Pro Tip
Use international credit card for transparent exchange rates and easier refunds.
Step 3: Train Booking
China has the world's largest high-speed rail network. Trains are the best way to travel between cities.
Why Take High-Speed Rail?
- Fast: Beijing β Shanghai about 4.5-5.5 hours (varies by train)
- Punctual: Usually on time
- Affordable: Cheaper than flights
- City center to city center: Stations are usually downtown
Train Types
| Type | Max Speed | Features |
|---|---|---|
| G (High-Speed) | 300-350 km/h | Fastest, most expensive |
| D (Electric) | 200-250 km/h | Fast, good value |
| C (Intercity) | 200 km/h | Short intercity |
| K (Regular) | 120 km/h | Slowest, cheapest |
Seat Types
| Seat | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Business Class | Most luxurious, fully reclines on some trains | For long trips |
| First Class | Spacious and comfortable | Good value |
| Second Class | Standard seat | Most economical |
| Hard Sleeper | Open-plan bunk (6 per cabin) | Overnight trips |
| Soft Sleeper | Private cabin (4 per room) | Comfortable overnight |
Pro Tip
Recommendation for visitors: First or second class on G/D trains. Second class is comfortable enough for trips under 4 hours.
Booking Steps
1
Search Trains
Enter departure, arrival, date, tap search.
2
Select Train
Filter by departure time. G trains are fastest.
3
Select Seat
Choose seat type (Second/First/Business class).
4
Passenger Info
Enter passport name and number (must match exactly).
5
Pay
Pay online to get electronic ticket QR code.
Boarding Tips
- Arrive 30-45 minutes early
- Foreign visitors: Original passport + e-ticket QR code
- Security check required; liquid restrictions similar to airports
- Check the large screen for your boarding gate
- Boarding starts 10-15 minutes before departure
Important
Important: Chinese trains require real-name tickets. Passport name must match ticket exactly, or you cannot board!
Step 4: Flight Booking
Trip.com also offers domestic flight booking, but high-speed rail is usually better.
High-Speed Rail
Flight
Under 800km
Faster (including airport time)
Under 800km
Total time longer
Over 800km
Longer travel time
Over 800km
Faster
Punctuality
High
Punctuality
Prone to delays
Price
Stable
Price
Fluctuates
Comfort
Spacious, can walk around
Comfort
More cramped
Scenery
Along the way
Scenery
None
Pro Tip
For routes like Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Xi'an, Shanghai-Hangzhou, trains are better than flights.
Step 5: Attraction Tickets
Trip.com offers attraction tickets for major Chinese sights, usually same price or slightly lower than on-site.
Trip.com vs Meituan for Tickets
| Trip.com | Meituan | |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | β Full English | β οΈ Mostly Chinese |
| Price | Same as on-site | May be cheaper |
| Support | β English service | β οΈ Chinese service |
| Cancellation | β Clear policies | β οΈ Must read Chinese rules |
Pro Tip
Use Trip.com for English service and clear cancellation policies; use Meituan if you read Chinese and want the lowest price.
Step 6: Airport Transfers
Trip.com offers airport transfer services, ideal for first-time visitors with luggage.
Advantages
- Private car, no taxi queue
- Driver holds sign, English-speaking
- Fixed price, no detour worries
- Luggage assistance
vs Taxi/DiDi
| Trip.com Transfer | Taxi/DiDi | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More expensive | Cheaper |
| Convenience | β Very convenient | β οΈ Need to find pickup point |
| Language | β English | β οΈ Driver may not speak English |
| Wait time | β Pre-arranged | β οΈ May wait during peak hours |
FAQ & Troubleshooting
Does Trip.com Require a Chinese Phone Number?
No. Register with international email. Use your international phone number for booking confirmations.
Can I Cancel or Change My Booking?
- Hotels: Depends on room type. "Free cancellation" rooms offer full refund before deadline.
- Trains: Can change or refund before departure with a fee. If sold out: β Check trains 1-2 hours before/after β‘ Use "waitlist" β’ Consider flying as backup.
- Flights: Per airline policy; economy usually has high change/cancel fees.
What if the Hotel Doesn't Accept Foreign Guests?
- Contact Trip.com English support immediately (see contacts below)
- Trip.com usually helps arrange a same-level alternative
- Keep evidence (photos/video of refusal)
What if Passport Name Doesn't Match Booking Name?
- Hotels: Usually not an issue, but use full passport name when booking
- Trains: Must match exactly! Contact support immediately if mismatch
- Flights: Must match exactly, or you cannot board
Trip.com vs Booking.com?
| Trip.com | Booking.com | |
|---|---|---|
| China hotel coverage | β Wider | β οΈ Fewer |
| Train tickets | β Available | β Not available |
| Chinese support | β Available | β οΈ Limited |
| Global recognition | β οΈ Lower | β Higher |
Pro Tip
For travel in China, Trip.com is better (trains + wider hotel coverage). Use Booking.com for price comparison.
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Primary support (English, domestic) | 400-828-8966 |
| Primary support (English, overseas) | +86-21-3210-4669 |
| App Free VoIP | Trip.com App β Support β Free Call |
| Backup hotline (Chinese/English) | 95010 / 400-830-6666 |
| Email support | support@trip.com |
| In-app chat | Trip.com App β Support Center 24/7 |
Reference Resources
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Trip.com (EN) | https://www.trip.com |
| China Rail 12306 (official) | https://www.12306.cn |
| Ctrip (domestic) | https://www.ctrip.com |
Last updated: May 2026. Booking policies may change. Always refer to the latest information on Trip.com website or app.