Getting Around Cixi. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Accommodation Types

Travelers discover diverse lodging options. This encompasses internationally recognized chains, local guesthouses, and unique rural stays. Price and amenity levels vary.

Consider your budget, preferred amenities, and desired location (urban vs. Rural) when selecting accommodation.

Types of Stays

Luxury Hotels (5-star): Limited, although some international or high-end domestic brands like Wanda Realm Cixi and Grand Pacific Hotel Cixi. All services and amenities.
Mid-range Hotels (3-4 star): Widely available. Comfortable rooms, good amenities, reliable service. Vienna Hotel, Hanting Hotel, and Lavande Hotels are examples.
Economy Hotels/Business Hotels: Numerous options for basic, clean, functional rooms. Home Inn, Jinjiang Inn, and numerous local guesthouses fit this type.
Hostels: Less common in Cixi specifically for international backpackers. Some budget guesthouses might offer similar dormitory-style accommodation. Hostels are more common in Ningbo.

Unique Local Stays

"Nongjiale" (农家乐) or "Farmhouse Happiness": Rural guesthouses often in scenic areas outside the main city. AN introduction to local life and farm-to-table food. You might find these in Cixi's countryside.

Vacation Rentals

Serviced Apartments: Larger hotels or dedicated apartment buildings might offer serviced flats for longer stays. Online platforms like Xiaozhu (小猪短租) or Tujia (途家) offer vacation rentals, with listings often in Cantonese.

Outdoor Accommodation

Camping: Limited dedicated camping facilities exist around Cixi. Some beautiful viewpoints or rural areas might allow informal camping, but check local regulations before pitching a tent.

Neighborhood Guide

Old & New City Centers

Old City Center (Around Cixi People's Hospital/Sanbei Street): Traditional economic center with older buildings, local markets, and eateries. Authentic local atmosphere.
The Modern part of the city Center / Cultural Square Area: Modern area with shopping malls, cultural institutions, parks, and more up-to-date residential buildings. More spacious and planned.
City Center (Old & New): Central location, easy access to transport, dining, and shopping. Can be busy, prices are potentially higher.

Outskirts & Rural Areas

Zhouxiang Town (周巷镇) / Zonghan Town (宗汉镇): Industrial and manufacturing hubs, focus on business. Convenient for professionals on business trips visiting local factories. Fewer tourist amenities.
Outskirts/Rural Areas (e.g., Fuhai, Guanhaiwei): Quieter, closer to natural landscapes (should any exist), potentially more special things to do in the area (like Nongjiale). Less convenient for city amenities.
Safety Considerations: Cixi is generally safe throughout all neighborhoods. Exercise general caution in crowded areas to guard against petty theft.

Neighborhood Ambiance

Old City Noise

Can be noisy due to markets and traffic.

New City Quiet

Generally quieter, especially in the area with hotelss away from main roads.

Rural Calm

Quiet and peaceful settings.

Cultural Square

Good access to modern cultural sites and shopping, well-connected.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure good accommodation for your trip. Consider seasonality and platform options.

Advance Booking

Peak Seasons (Public Holidays, Summer): Book well in advance (1-3 months) for better selection and prices.
Shoulder Seasons: Book a few weeks in advance.
Low Season: You frequently find good deals closer to your travel date.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are higher during major Chinese holidays and summer months.

Booking Platforms

International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia. Confirm they work in China without a VPN or have local partners.
Chinese Platforms: Ctrip (Trip.com, has an English interface), Fliggy (飞猪), Meituan (美团), Qunar (去哪儿). These often have the most extensive selection and best local prices.
Negotiation: Negotiating walk-in rates is rare in established hotels but feasible at smaller guesthouses, especially during low season.
Deposit & Cancellation: Policies vary by lodging and platform. Always check before booking. Prepayment is common for non-refundable rates.

Accommodation Recommendations

Luxury: Wanda Realm Cixi (万达嘉华酒店) for modern, full-service. Grand Pacific Hotel Cixi (慈溪开元大酒店) is well-established.
Mid-range: Vienna Hotel (维也纳酒店), Lavande Hotels (麗枫酒店), Atour Hotel (亚朵酒店) typically offer clean, modern, reliable stays.
Budget: Hanting Hotel (汉庭酒店), Home Inn (如家酒店), Jinjiang Inn (锦江之星) are national chains providing consistent, basic comfort.

Family-Friendly: Larger mid-range/luxury hotels often have family rooms or amenities like swimming pools. Serviced apartments offer more space.
Solo Traveler: Budget chain hotels provide single or twin rooms. Security is not a main concern.
Long-Stay: Consider serviced apartments or negotiate monthly rates with budget/mid-range hotels. Tujia (途家) is useful for apartment rentals.

Cultural & Historical Properties

Historical Hotels

Cixi is not known for hotels with powerful historical significance.

Cultural Immersion

Local guesthouses (Nongjiale) in rural some areas could offer more cultural immersion.

Unique Experiences

Explore traditional farm stays for a local perspective.

Accommodation Checklist

A well-chosen accommodation enhances your travel experience. Review this checklist to ensure you secure the best fit for your Cixi journey.

Pre-Booking Considerations

Travel Dates: Align your booking with the highest, shoulder, or low season for optimal pricing and availability.
Location Preference: Decide between city center bustle, modern amenities, or tranquil rural immersion.
Traveler Type: Match accommodation to whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a business visitor.
Budget: Determine your daily spend for lodging and decide on from luxury, mid-range, or budget options accordingly.

Booking Details & Logistics

Booking Platform: Use trusted international or local Chinese platforms.
Payment: Understand deposit and cancellation policies. Prepayment is common.
Language: Be aware that many local platforms and communications are in Chinese.
Confirmation: Always hold printed and digital copies of your reservation.

Neighborhood Pros & Cons

Old City Center

Authentic local atmosphere, traditional food and shops.

Con: Can be crowded, older infrastructure.

New City Center

Modern amenities, cultural institutions, cleaner environment.

Con: Less traditional charm.

Rural Areas

Quieter, closer to nature, unique local experiences (Nongjiale).

Con: Less convenient for city amenities, more travel.

Long-Stay & Group Options

Extended Stays

For longer trips, consider serviced apartments.
Negotiate monthly rates directly with budget or mid-range hotels.
Online platforms like Tujia (途家) are useful for apartment rentals.

Group Bookings

Mid-range and luxury hotels often accommodate groups.
Contact hotels directly for group rates and room blocks.
Connecting rooms or adjacent rooms simplify group stays.

Important Considerations

Avoid relying solely on Airbnb, as its operations inside China have changed.
Always confirm hotel locations and accessibility from transit hubs.
Retain confirmation emails and booking codes for easy check-in.
Verify if Wi-Fi is included and reliable at your chosen accommodation.

Be prepared for potential language barriers at smaller local establishments.
Check for secure luggage storage if you plan early arrival or late departure.
Check availability of amenities like breakfast or laundry services.
Ensure room is ready upon arrival, especially after long travel.

Accommodation Features

Comfort and convenience are of utmost importance. Look for these common features to enrich your stay in Cixi.

Room Amenities

Comfortable bedding and spotless linens.
Television, often with local and international channels.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access in rooms and common spaces.
Electric kettle with tea and java provisions.

Hotel Services

24-hour front desk and concierge assistance.
Laundry or dry-cleaning services.
On-site dining options, including breakfast service.
Parking facilities, often for a fee.

Accessibility & Security

Physical Accessibility

Newer hotels generally offer better accessibility.

Ramps and elevators.
Accessible restrooms.
Rooms with wider doorways.

In-Room Safety

Secure your valuables during your stay.

In-room safe or safety deposit box.
Secure room card system.
Emergency exit maps.

Hotel Security

Hotels prioritize guest safety.

24-hour security personnel.
CCTV monitoring in public areas.
Fire safety systems.

Special Note on Registration

Foreigner Registration

Foreign visitors staying in any accommodation must register with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB).
Hotels typically handle this registration automatically upon check-in.
If staying in a private residence, the host needs to register you within 24 hours of arrival.

Compliance

Omission to register can result in fines or other penalties.
Always carry your passport for identification.
This process is a standard security measure for foreigners inside China.

Accommodation Planning

Match your accommodation choice with your travel style and preferences.

Optimal Booking

Book pre-book for the main seasons and holidays to secure preferred options.
Use a combination of international and Chinese booking services for the most competitive rates and widest selection.
Always review cancellation policies and read recent guest reviews before finalizing a booking.
Confirm the exact location of your accommodation and its proximity to desired attractions and transport links.

Arrival & Departure

Notify your accommodation of late arrivals.
Ask about a place to store luggage if your check-in/out times do not align with travel schedules.
Keep a translation app ready for check-in/out if you anticipate language differences.
Ensure all registration requirements for foreigners are met from your accommodation.