Homestays, as accommodation options that immerse travelers in local culture, are increasingly favored by tourists. In China, homestays come in various forms, from ancient town houses to modern apartments, from mountain cabins to seaside villas, each with its own unique characteristics. This guide will provide you with detailed information on how to choose suitable homestays, things to note when booking, etiquette during your stay, and handling common issues, helping you enjoy unique accommodation experiences while protecting your rights.
Selection Tip: The biggest difference between homestays and hotels is their personalization and local characteristics. When choosing, consider not only price and location but also the host's background, housing features, and neighborhood environment. Communicating with the host in advance can effectively avoid discomfort after check-in.
I. Homestay Types and Characteristics
Chinese homestays come in many varieties, reflecting the architectural styles and cultural characteristics of different regions. Understanding these types will help you make appropriate choices based on your travel needs:
Main Homestay Types
- Traditional Residence Renovations: Ancient houses, siheyuan (courtyard houses), cave dwellings, with rich cultural heritage
- Modern Apartments/Villas: Well-equipped, suitable for families or group travel
- Rural Homestays: Located in rural areas, allowing for countryside life and local cuisine experiences
- Themed Homestays: With specific design styles or interest themes (such as bookstores, photography)
- Boutique Homestays: Uniquely designed, personalized service, relatively higher price
Regional Characteristic Homestays
- Northern China: Siheyuan, cave dwellings, with heating in winter
- Southern China: Water town homestays, stilt houses, emphasizing ventilation design
- Southwest China: Ethnic characteristic homestays (Dai bamboo houses, Yi earth houses)
- Northwest China: Cave dwellings, rammed earth house renovations, with loess style
- Coastal Areas: Fisherman's homestays, allowing for marine culture experiences
| Homestay Type | Price Range (CNY/night) | Suitable For | Special Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Residence Renovations | 300-1500 CNY | Cultural Experience Enthusiasts | Ancient architecture, traditional lifestyle |
| Modern Apartments/Villas | 200-1000 CNY | Families/Group Travelers | Complete home facilities, good privacy |
| Rural Homestays | 150-600 CNY | Nature Lovers | Country scenery, farm food |
| Boutique Homestays | 800-3000 CNY+ | Quality Pursuers | Unique design, personalized service |
II. Key Factors in Homestay Selection
Choosing a homestay requires considering more factors than hotels. Beyond basic price and location, you should also focus on its uniqueness and suitability:
Location & Surroundings
- Actual distance to attractions or activity areas
- Public transportation convenience and last bus times
- Nearby dining, convenience stores and other daily facilities
- Nighttime safety and quietness
- Proximity to main roads (potential noise)
Property Condition
- Whether actual size matches photos
- Hygiene conditions and cleanliness standards
- Bedding quality and comfort
- Hot water supply and air conditioning/heating effectiveness
- Wi-Fi stability and speed
Host & Service
- Host response speed and communication attitude
- Flexibility with check-in/check-out times
- Whether local travel advice is provided
- Emergency handling capabilities
- Whether additional services are available (pickup, breakfast, etc.)
Selection Tips: Carefully read the "house rules" in the listing description to understand if it suits you; check reviews from the past 3 months, especially those with real photos; pay attention to distinguishing between entire place and shared rooms to confirm whether you will share space with the host or other guests; for family travel, confirm if it's suitable for children and if there are any safety hazards.
III. Booking Channels and Notes
Homestay booking channels are diverse, with different platforms having their own characteristics. When booking, pay special attention to the details of the terms to avoid disputes:
Main Booking Platforms
Domestic Platforms
Tujia, Meituan Homestay, Xiaozhu Short-term Rental, Ctrip Homestay
International Platforms
Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda
Direct Booking
Some homestays have WeChat official accounts or official websites
Key Booking Terms
Booking Risk Alert: Be wary of hosts who request transactions outside the platform, as such transactions cannot obtain platform protection; pay attention to whether the price includes all fees, some homestays attract bookings with low prices and then charge high cleaning fees; confirm that the number of guests matches the actual number, additional people may be required to pay fees or be refused entry; for important itineraries, it is recommended to choose listings that can be canceled for free.
IV. Pre-Check-in Preparation and Communication
Homestay check-in is different from hotels. Making preparations in advance and fully communicating with the host can make your check-in experience smoother:
Key Pre-Check-in Communication Points
- Confirm accurate check-in and check-out times, explain possible delays
- Inquire about detailed address and transportation routes, especially nighttime arrival guidance
- Understand check-in methods (key box password, host welcome or self-check-in)
- Confirm parking information (availability of parking spaces, whether fees apply)
- Notify of special needs (such as requiring a baby crib, allergies to certain foods, etc.)
- Ask for local recommendations (restaurants, supermarkets, attractions, etc.)
Pre-Check-in Preparation Checklist
- Print or save booking confirmation
- Save host contact information (phone, WeChat, etc.)
- Prepare identification documents for all guests
- Learn local emergency contact numbers
- Check weather conditions and prepare appropriate clothing
- Find out if the homestay provides toiletries
- If planning to cook, confirm kitchen availability and seasoning situation
- Record platform customer service phone number for emergencies
Communication Tips: Try to reconfirm check-in information with the host 2-3 days in advance; use a polite tone when making requests, as homestay hosts are usually more willing to help friendly guests; for important information (such as passwords, addresses), request written confirmation rather than verbal notification; if you find problems after arrival, contact the host immediately with photos and keep evidence.
V. Etiquette and Responsibilities During Stay
Homestays are usually the host's personal property or carefully managed space, so observing basic etiquette and assuming corresponding responsibilities is necessary:
Basic Stay Etiquette
- Keep quiet, especially at night, to respect neighbors and other guests
- Save water and electricity, turn off unnecessary appliances when leaving the room
- Maintain cleanliness, dispose of garbage promptly and sort it (if required)
- Cherish the host's belongings, do not move or damage furniture and decorations casually
- Clean the kitchen promptly after use, wash dishes and put them away
- If the host provides ingredients, confirm whether they are free or need to be paid for
- Do not enter the host's private areas without permission
Guest Responsibility Guidelines
- Do not arbitrarily increase the number of guests or accommodate others overnight
- No indoor smoking (unless explicitly allowed)
- No parties or large gatherings
- Pay compensation for damaged items as agreed
- Keep keys or access cards safe, lost ones may require payment
- Organize personal items and the room as required when leaving
- Report safety hazards to the host immediately
Prohibited Behaviors: Strictly prohibited from engaging in any illegal activities; prohibited from bringing contraband items; without permission, do not photograph the host's private space or use it for commercial purposes; do not arbitrarily use the host's personal items (such as food, cosmetics, etc.); if you leave without locking the door causing item loss, you may need to bear responsibility. If you violate house rules, the host has the right to request immediate check-out without refunding fees.
VI. Common Problems and Dispute Resolution
Homestay stays may encounter some special problems. Understanding the correct handling methods can effectively safeguard your rights:
| Common Problems | Processing Methods |
|---|---|
| Actual property does not match photos | Immediately take photos as evidence, contact the host to negotiate, and at the same time contact platform customer service, requesting a change or refund |
| Poor hygiene conditions | Request the host to clean immediately, if it cannot be improved, request a room change or booking cancellation |
| Facility malfunctions (water, electricity, air conditioning, etc.) | Contact the host for repairs in a timely manner, if it cannot be resolved promptly, request fee reduction or accommodation change |
| Host cancels booking last minute | Request platform intervention, claim compensation, and get help finding alternative accommodation |
| Requested to pay additional fees | Check the terms at the time of booking, if it is unreasonable charging, refuse to pay and contact the platform for assistance |
Dispute Resolution Steps
- Stay calm, first communicate friendly with the host, explain the problem and propose a reasonable solution
- Keep all evidence (photos, videos, chat records, receipts, etc.)
- If communication fails, contact the booking platform customer service, submit evidence and explain the situation
- Follow the platform mediation process and wait for the handling result
- If you are not satisfied with the platform's handling result, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Association (12315)
- For major disputes or safety issues, seek assistance from local police
VII. Check-out Notes
The homestay check-out process is different from hotels. Making the following preparations can ensure smooth check-out and getting your deposit back:
Pre-Check-out Preparation
- Check all rooms to ensure no personal items are left behind
- Sort garbage and place it in designated locations
- Wash used dishes and put them away
- Turn off all appliances, lights, and faucets
- Place keys/access cards in the agreed location
- Take photos of the room condition as proof of no damage
Deposit Refund Notes
- Confirm that you check the room together with the host during check-out
- Request the host to confirm and return the deposit in person
- If deposit is paid through the platform, confirm the refund process and arrival time
- Keep deposit receipts or payment vouchers until fully refunded
- If fees are deducted due to house cleaning or damage, request detailed breakdown
- For unreasonable deductions, raise the issue on the spot and contact the platform
Conclusion
Choosing a homestay is an excellent way to experience local culture and gain a deeper understanding of your destination, adding unique and unforgettable memories to your trip. Compared to hotels, homestays offer more personalized experiences but also require travelers to pay more attention and communication. We hope this guide can help you avoid unnecessary troubles while enjoying the charm of homestays, making every accommodation a wonderful part of your journey.
