How to... register with your local police station

Foreigners in China need to register with their local police station. While this won't apply to most tourists as hotels automatically register them upon check-in, it is crucial to register yourself if you're staying at private accomodation or live here permanently, within 24 hours upon your arrival in China.

There are local police stations or 派出所 (pàichūsuo) all over the country; if you ask anyone on the street I'm sure they can point you to the nearest one.

If you rent an apartment, this is what you'll need to take along:

• your passport
• the lease contract with your name on it
• your landlord's contact details
• a copy of your landlord's ID card

The final "registration form of temporary residence" should look something like this: