How and Where to Store Luggage in China?

Checked out of your hotel in Shanghai for a Hangzhou train that departs in six hours? You want to explore the city, have some food or visit a single attraction but the heavy luggage is slowing you down, dampening your spirit to roam in the city. In a situation like this, you wonder where to store your luggage in China. Fortunately, luggage storage in China is available through several channels. From railway stations to smart lockers, here are some options you can use to store your baggage in China.

How Luggage Storage in China Works: Options, Costs and Rules

Note: AI-generated image. Only for reference.

Important Points to Remember

• Charges are approximate and may vary. Travelers are recommended to check the charges before storing their luggage anywhere.
• Add US$1.5-3/hour (₹150–300) at airports and train stations for oversized luggage.
• Smart lockers usually cannot fit bags over 28 inches.
• Overnight storage is charged by 24-hour blocks. Drop-off at 8 PM and pickup at 8 AM = 2 days charged.

Best Places to Store Luggage in China: Stations, Airports and Lockers

Note: AI-generated image. Only for reference.

The easiest option, particularly if you have a hotel booking, is the hotel storage. But if not, you can use staffed counters for big suitcases. Smart lockers can be used for small bags and short stops.

Luggage Storage in Shanghai

First time in China? Shanghai is the easiest city.

• Pudong Airport (PVG) has staffed, left-luggage counters in the departure and arrival halls of both terminals (1 and 2). The airport also has 24-hour self-service lockers in the public transport hub area. The counters are open from 06:00-22:00. Some select lockers are available 24/7.
• Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) also has staffed counters in Terminal 1 and 2 arrival halls. The airport has Self-service lockers in the integrated hub connecting to the Hongqiao Railway Station.
• Even Hongqiao Railway Station, Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Railway Station have well-signed storage.
• As for hotels, budget chains like Home Inn and Jinjiang Inn offer luxury storage for registered guests.
• Many mid-range and upscale hotels accept luggage from non-guests for a nominal fee. Availability must be confirmed by calling before arriving at the hotel.

Need more information on luggage storage in Shanghai? We have a detailed article. Click to explore where all you can store baggage in Shanghai.

Luggage Storage in Beijing

Arriving in Beijing and looking for luggage storage? Beijing needs more planning.

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Daxing International Airport (PKX) have 24-hour staffed storage counters in arrival/public areas. However, signage is poor. Therefore, you may need assistance from the airport staff.
• Speaking of railway stations, Beijing, West and South offer manned counters and self-service lockers. Staffed counters require a passport. At Beijing South Station, expect Chinese-only counters.
• Hotels usually store bags for free for current or arriving guests.

Luggage Storage in Hangzhou

Hangzhou comes in as a pleasant surprise for those looking to store their luggage.

• Hangzhou International Airport has a luggage storage facility behind the Check-In Island F in the T3 departures hall and behind the Check-In Island Q in the T4 departures hall.
• Hangzhou metro station lockers are available all over the place.

Luggage Storage in Shenzhen

Shenzhen North Railway Station is a prudent starting point for train travellers. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) lists luggage storage at the end of Island A in the fourth-floor departures hall. The service is available 24 hours a day.

Other cities in China such as Nanjing, Chengdu, Xi'an and Guilin also have baggage storage facilities, albeit limited. You can look for facilities at the airport, train station and your hotel. Third party services barely operate. You must speak with your hotel about storing bags before you arrive. Carry some cash as you will need it. Besides, language could be a major communication barrier in smaller cities. So, keep the translation app handy.

Railway Station Left Luggage Offices in China: How to Use Them

Note: AI-generated image. Only for reference.

Most big stations in China have a left luggage office in China near the main hall or a ground-floor corridor. Look for 行李寄存 or “Left Luggage”.

1. Show your passport. You will need it at drop-off and pick-up.
2. Your bag will have to pass through security checks.
3. Pay about US$1.40–4.20 / ₹140–425 per bag per day. Charges vary based on the city, the station, and duration of storage.
4. Keep the claim slip, and photograph it.

Note: Counters usually operate between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm. However, many may close earlier, between 9:00 and 11:00 pm. Usually, ensure same-day collection. Ask the closing time before you walk away.

Airport Luggage Storage in China: Terminals, Hours and Price

Note: AI-generated image. Only for reference.

Almost every major airport has a counter near arrivals or the main entrance.

• A backpack costs around US$3-5 / ₹300-500 per day;
• A 24–28 inch suitcase costs US$8-9/ ₹800-900.
• Counters typically open 6:00 am to midnight, though a few terminals run 24 hours.
• Airports are the safest bet if you have a long layover, as staff are used to foreign travellers.

Here are some confirmed airports where you can store your luggage.

• Shanghai Pudong (PVG): Both Terminal 1 and 2 have counters. Staff speaks enough English to assist you with the process without a translator.
• Beijing Capital (PEK): Storage facility is available but the signs aren't as helpful. You might have to seek local help to cut through the process.
• Beijing Daxing (PKX): The airport is new and everything feels modern. It also has QR code lockers.
• Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN): Counter is available near the arrival hall.
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH): Here, you must look around the baggage claim area.
• Chengdu Tianfu (TFU): Luggage storage facility is available in the terminal.

Note: Rates may vary and change anytime. Travelers are requested to check the actual rates before booking a space for their luggage.

Hotel Left Luggage: Storing Bags Before Check-In and After Check-Out

Note: AI-generated image. Only for reference.

Hotels are the most relaxed option.

• If you are a guest, storage before check-in and after check-out is usually free.
• Non-guests pay according to the hotel's baggage storage policy per day.
• International chains such as Marriott or Hilton are likelier to say yes than budget properties.
• You must email the hotel before arrival to confirm their policy.
• Avoid waiting until the last moment in the lobby for the hotel to give you a space.

Smart Lockers and Self-Service Luggage Storage in China

Note: AI-generated image. Only for reference.

• Smart lockers are widely available across various cities in China.
• These are automated electronic lockers that usually operate via WeChat or Alipay mini-programs.
• You can scan a QR code on your phone. Choose an available locker size. Pay digitally for the locker. Once paid, the door opens.
• However, there's a catch for foreign travelers. Many networks such as Fengchao need a Chinese local phone number and registered digital wallet to operate. Therefore, having a foreign-card-linked Alipay or WeChat Pay account set up before your trip, makes navigating newer station lockers easier.

Luggage Storage Rules: What You Can and Can’t Leave Behind

Note: AI-generated image. Only for reference.

• Luggage storage facilities in China are tightly integrated into national security protocols. Therefore, your bags will have to undergo X-ray screening or manual inspection upon dropping it off.
• Prohibited items include hazardous materials, flammable items, compressed gas canisters, loose lithium-ion power banks, controlled substances, or perishable/raw foods that may spoil or attract pests.
• Official station counters and airports are usually secure. Yet, you must keep your passport, cash, expensive electronics and important travel documents in your daypack instead of leaving them in your checked storage bags.

Long-Term and Multi-Day Luggage Storage in China

Note: AI-generated image. Only for reference.

• Usually, counters expect you to collect your baggage on the same day.
• However, airports and hotels are better options for multi-day storage.
• Shanghai Pudong T1 and T2 offer paid baggage storage and retrieval service for up to one month.
• Hotels also may keep bags for several days when you are returning. However, don't assume. Check the hotel's policy before planning anything.

What to Do When the Luggage Counter Is Closed or Full

Often, rush hours (6–9 am and 5–8 pm) are the worst. So, if the counter is shut or lockers are full:

• You must try another floor, exit or station entrance.
• You can walk into a nearby international hotel for a paid baggage storage service.
• Use a third-party app that accepts international cards.
• Switch payment apps if one fails, then retry after 30 seconds.

Alternatives to Luggage Storage: Luggage Delivery and Forwarding

Note: AI-generated image. Only for reference.

• If you are moving between cities, skip storage entirely.
• You can use China’s railway “Travel Light” service that provides door-to-station and station-to-door luggage assistance at some of the country's major railway stations.
• With the door-to-station service, you can have your luggage picked up from a designated location, within 35 kilometers of the station, transported to the departure station, and then delivered to a luggage service locker or the platform.
• The luggage limit is 20kg for adults, 10kg for children, and 35kg for diplomats.
• It costs ~US$9.50 / ₹965 per bag and is booked through the 12306 app or WeChat mini-program, 48 to 4 hours before departure. However, prices may vary based on the demand and operational costs.
• Currently, the service is available at 19 stations, some of which include Beijing South, Beijing West, Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai, Hangzhou East, Hangzhou, Hefei South, Shenzhen North, Chengdu East, Chengdu West, Chengdu South, Kunming South, and Dali.

Luggage Storage Tips for Travellers in China

Note: AI-generated image. Only for reference.

• Photograph your claim slip and note the locker number.
• Confirm closing times at drop-off.
• Test your payment app in advance.
• Use a translation app for station counters.
• Pack a small day bag so you can store the rest.

🔥Discount - China Hotel Recommendations