Rules for the Implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Control of the Exit and Entry of Citizens (Approved on 3 December 1986)

Article 13

Chinese citizens residing in foreign countries who wish to return  to  and stay in China for a short period of time shall,  in  accordance  with  the stipulations of residence  administration,  go  through  the  registration procedures  for  temporary  lodging.  Those  who   accommodate   at   such enterprises and institutions as guest houses, hotels, hostels and schools, or at state organs, public organizations or other institutions shall  fill in temporary  lodging  registration  forms;  with  respect  to  those  who accommodate  at  their  relatives'  or  friends'  houses,  they  or  their relatives or friends, shall, within 24  hours  (within  72  hours  in  the countryside), go through the registration procedures for temporary lodging at the local police station or at the residence registration office.

Rules Governing the Implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit of Aliens (Approved on 3 December 1986)

Article 29

For lodging at guesthouse, hotel, inn, hostel, school or other enterprises and institution or at government organs or other Chinese organizations, aliens shall present valid passports or residence certificates and fill in registration forms of temporary accommodation. They shall present travel permits when seeking accommodation in areas closed to aliens.

 Article 30

When an alien wishes to lodge at the home of a Chinese resident in urban areas, the host or the lodger shall, within 24 hours of the lodger's arrival, report to the local public security organ with the lodger's passport and certificate as well as the host's residence booklet and fill in registration forms of temporary accommodation. In rural areas, the host or lodger shall report to the local police station or residence registration office within 72 hours of the lodger's arrival.

Article 31

When an alien lodges at a foreign institution in China or at the home of an alien in China, the institution in question or the host or the lodger shall, within 24 hours of the lodger's arrival, report to the local public security organ with the lodger's passport or residence certificate and fill in registration forms of temporary accommodation.