As a visa-exempt visitor, do I need to register accommodation upon entering China?
english.shanghai.gov.cn
A: Yes. Article 39 of China's Exit-Entry Administration Law states:
For hotel stays: Hotels must register international visitors and submit accommodation information to local police.
For non-hotel stays (e.g., private residences): The overseas guest or host must report to the local police within 24 hours of check-in.
Source: Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security