Where Can You Store Luggage in China?

Dragging a suitcase around while waiting for a flight, train, or hotel check-in can make sightseeing difficult. Fortunately, travelers can find luggage storage in many parts of China, including hotels, airports, railway stations, metro stations, shopping areas, and some tourist attractions.

For Filipino travelers, it is important to know that luggage storage services are different depending on the city and location. Prices, operating hours, locker sizes, and payment methods can vary, so always check the details before leaving your bags.

Where Can You Store Luggage in China?

Here are some of the most common places to store luggage in China:

Prices and operating hours vary depending on the location and operator.

Hotel Luggage Storage in China

Your hotel is often one of the easiest places to leave your luggage.

Many hotels allow staying guests to store their bags before check-in or after checkout. Some hotels provide this service for free, while others may have their own storage policies.

When leaving your luggage:

• Ask reception if luggage storage is available.
• Confirm when you need to collect your bags.
• Keep any luggage tag or receipt given by the hotel.
• Keep passports, cash, bank cards, medication, and expensive electronics with you.

If you are not staying at the hotel, do not assume that it will accept your luggage. Policies for non-guests vary.

❤️ Pro Tip: Ask about luggage storage when you check in. This can save time on your checkout day, especially if your flight or train leaves later.

Luggage Storage at Airports in China

Some major airports in China provide luggage storage counters or self-service lockers.

For example, major airports such as Shanghai Pudong International Airport provide luggage storage services for passengers.

Beijing Daxing International Airport has also introduced self-service luggage lockers for travelers.

Airport luggage storage can be useful when:

• You have a long layover.
• Your hotel is far from the airport.
• You want to explore the city before an evening flight.
• You arrive much earlier than hotel check-in time.

Look for signs such as:

• Luggage Storage
• Left Luggage
• 行李寄存

Airport facilities can change, so check the airport's official information before your trip.

Luggage Storage at Railway Stations in China

Some railway stations in China also provide luggage storage services.

Depending on the station, you may find:

• Staffed luggage storage counters
• Self-service luggage lockers
• Luggage delivery services
• Temporary baggage storage areas

However, not every railway station has the same facilities.

If you cannot find the luggage storage area, show station staff:

行李寄存

Xínglǐ jìcún

Meaning: Luggage Storage

You can also ask:

请问这里可以寄存行李吗？

Qǐngwèn zhèlǐ kěyǐ jìcún xínglǐ ma?

Meaning: Can I store my luggage here?

Smart Luggage Lockers at Metro Stations

Smart luggage lockers are becoming more common in major Chinese cities.

Shanghai, for example, has luggage lockers at selected metro stations, including stations near:

• Shopping areas
• Tourist attractions
• Railway stations
• Transportation hubs

Some lockers can be operated by scanning a QR code through Alipay or WeChat.

Depending on the location, lockers may come in different sizes for backpacks, carry-on luggage, and larger suitcases.

Sample locker prices in Shanghai may start from:

• Small locker: Around RMB 2 per hour
• Medium locker: Around RMB 4 per hour
• Large locker: Around RMB 5 per hour

These are examples only. Prices depend on the station and locker operator.

Remember that metro lockers may only be accessible during station operating hours.

Luggage Storage at Shopping Malls

Some large shopping malls in China also provide luggage storage.

You may find:

• Customer service storage counters
• Staffed luggage rooms
• Self-service lockers

This can be useful if you want to go shopping, eat, or explore nearby attractions without carrying your suitcase.

Shanghai, for example, has luggage storage facilities at several shopping areas and malls around districts such as:

• East Nanjing Road
• West Nanjing Road
• Lujiazui
• Yu Garden
• Xujiahui
• Hongqiao

Keep in mind that luggage storage may only be available during the mall's opening hours.

Third-Party Luggage Storage Services

Travelers can also use third-party luggage storage platforms in some Chinese cities.

These services usually work with:

• Shops
• Hotels
• Businesses
• Storage facilities

Storage points may be available near:

• Railway stations
• Airports
• Metro stations
• Shopping districts
• Tourist attractions

The general process is usually:

1. Find a nearby luggage storage point.
2. Select the location.
3. Make a reservation if required.
4. Pay for the service.
5. Show your booking or voucher.
6. Leave your luggage.
7. Collect it before closing time.

Prices, luggage sizes, and opening hours vary between locations.

How to Pay for Luggage Storage in China

China widely uses mobile payments, so having Alipay or WeChat Pay can make using self-service lockers easier.

Foreign travelers can generally link supported international bank cards to Alipay or WeChat Pay.

However, payment methods vary depending on the storage service.

You may find:

• Alipay
• WeChat Pay
• Cash
• International bank cards at selected locations

Smart lockers may require QR-code payment and may not accept cash.

❤️ Pro Tip: Keep some RMB cash as backup, but do not rely only on cash when using smart luggage lockers.

How to Use a Smart Luggage Locker in China

The exact process depends on the operator, but it is usually similar:

1. Find a locker marked 行李寄存.
2. Check the available locker sizes.
3. Scan the QR code using Alipay or WeChat.
4. Follow the instructions on your phone.
5. Select your locker size.
6. Put your luggage inside.
7. Close the locker securely.
8. Save your locker number or order information.
9. Return before the station or facility closes.
10. Follow the instructions to reopen the locker.

Before closing the locker, make sure you still have your passport, wallet, phone, medication, and other important items.

What Should You Keep With You?

Even when using an official luggage storage service, important items should stay with you.

Avoid storing:

• Passport and travel documents
• Cash
• Bank cards
• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Expensive electronics
• Important medication
• Jewelry
• Valuable personal items
• Flammable or prohibited items

Take a photo of your luggage receipt, locker number, or storage location before leaving.

Tips for Filipino Travelers Using Luggage Storage in China

• Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay early. It can make paying for smart lockers and other travel services easier.
• Check your suitcase size. Large suitcases may not fit in every smart locker.
• Check the closing time. Metro and shopping mall lockers may become inaccessible after the building or station closes.
• Save your storage details. Take a photo of your receipt, locker number, QR-code order, and storage location.
• Keep your passport with you. Never leave your passport inside stored luggage.
• Remember “行李寄存.” These Chinese characters mean luggage storage and can help you find the right place.