Luggage Storage in China (2026): Train Stations, Airports & City Lockers
Last verified: April 2026
Luggage storage in China (行李寄存, xínglǐ jìcún) is a widely available service at train stations, airports, shopping malls, and through on-demand locker apps — typically costing 10–30 RMB per bag per day at staffed counters or 5–15 RMB via smart locker systems like Cundianr (存点儿) accessible through WeChat or Alipay.
Whether you’ve arrived on an early morning flight and can’t check into your hotel yet, you’re between train connections with a six-hour gap, or you simply want to explore a city for the day without dragging a 23-kilogram suitcase behind you — knowing where and how to store your bags in China is genuinely useful knowledge.
According to Shanghai Pudong International Airport’s official website, luggage storage services are available 24/7 in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. And according to China Railway’s official service guide, most major railway stations provide staffed luggage storage counters near the main entrance, requiring valid ID for check-in.
This guide covers every option: staffed counters, smart lockers, app-based services, and hotel storage — with real prices, locations, and step-by-step instructions so you can drop your bags and go explore.
In this guide
- 1. Types of Luggage Storage in China
- 2. Airport Luggage Storage
- 3. Train Station Luggage Storage
- 4. Smart Locker Apps (Cundianr & More)
- 5. Shopping Mall & Tourist Area Storage
- 6. Hotel Luggage Storage
- 7. What You Need (Passport, Security Scan)
- 8. Pricing Comparison Table
- 9. Tips for Storing Luggage Safely
- 10. Useful Chinese Phrases
- 11. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Types of Luggage Storage in China
Before you start searching, it helps to know the four main categories of luggage storage you’ll encounter across China. Each has different availability, pricing, and convenience trade-offs.
Staffed Luggage Counters (人工寄存)
These are manned counters where you hand your bag to an attendant, receive a ticket, and collect it later. They’re found at most major train stations and airports. Prices run 10–30 RMB per bag per day depending on bag size and location. You’ll need your passport or a Chinese ID card. Hours are typically 6:00–22:00 at train stations, while airport counters may run 24 hours.
Smart Lockers (智能寄存柜)
Self-service electronic lockers that you unlock and pay for using your phone. Small lockers cost 5–10 RMB and large lockers 10–20 RMB per use (usually for a set number of hours). They’re increasingly common in metro stations, shopping malls, and tourist attractions. No physical ID required — your WeChat or Alipay account serves as verification.
App-Based Storage (平台寄存)
Services like Cundianr (存点儿) partner with shops, convenience stores, and hotels to offer luggage storage through their network. You find a nearby partner location via the app or WeChat Mini Program, drop off your bag, and pick it up later. Prices typically range from 5–15 RMB per bag depending on size and duration. This option gives you the most flexibility in terms of locations.
Hotel Luggage Storage (酒店行李寄存)
Most hotels in China will store your luggage for free if you’re a guest — both before check-in and after check-out. This is by far the easiest and cheapest option when it’s available to you. We’ll cover the details in a dedicated section below.
2. Airport Luggage Storage
If you’ve just landed and need to stash your bags before heading into the city — or you have a long layover and want to explore — both of Shanghai’s airports offer dedicated luggage storage. For getting from the airport to the city itself, check our airport-to-city transport guide.
Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Pudong Airport operates staffed luggage storage counters in both terminals, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Here’s what you need to know:
→ Terminal 1: Luggage storage is located on the arrivals level (Level 1), near the international arrivals exit. Look for signs reading “行李寄存” (Luggage Storage).
→ Terminal 2: Also on the arrivals level, positioned between the domestic and international arrival halls.
→ Pricing: Starting at 10 RMB per bag for the first 4 hours, with incremental charges for additional time. A full 24-hour period typically costs 30–60 RMB depending on bag size.
→ Hours: 24/7 — one of the few truly round-the-clock options in Shanghai.
→ ID Required: Yes. You’ll need to present your passport and bags will go through a security scan.
Pro tip: If you have a long international layover and want to take advantage of the 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy to explore Shanghai, store your bags at the airport and travel light into the city. Just make sure to return in time for your onward flight.
Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Hongqiao Airport is smaller and more centrally located. It’s also directly connected to Hongqiao Railway Station, making it a common transit point.
→ Terminal 2: Luggage storage counters are available on the arrivals level. Smart lockers are also available in the connecting corridor to the railway station.
→ Pricing: Similar to Pudong — roughly 10 RMB per bag for the first few hours, scaling up for longer durations.
→ Hours: Generally 6:00–23:00, though hours may vary. The 24/7 availability at Pudong does not always apply here.
Important: If you arrive on a late-night flight at Hongqiao, luggage storage counters may already be closed. In that case, consider using the smart lockers in the railway station corridor, or head to your hotel — most will accept early bag drops even if your room isn’t ready.
3. Train Station Luggage Storage
China’s railway stations are massive, busy, and well-equipped — and most of them have luggage storage services. If you’re traveling between cities by high-speed rail (and you should — see our guide to buying train tickets), knowing where to find storage at the station can save you from hauling bags through a city you’re only visiting for a few hours.
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站)
Hongqiao is Shanghai’s main high-speed rail hub, handling trains to Beijing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, and dozens of other cities. It’s also connected to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2.
→ Location: Staffed luggage storage counters are located near the main entrance on the ground floor (B1 level), close to the ticket offices. Follow signs for “行李寄存”.
→ Pricing: Small bags 10–15 RMB/day, large suitcases 20–30 RMB/day.
→ Hours: 6:00–22:00. Storage closes after the last train departure, so plan accordingly.
→ Smart lockers: Available near the south entrance and inside the waiting hall area. Scan with WeChat or Alipay to use.
Shanghai Railway Station (上海站)
The older of Shanghai’s two main stations, located closer to the city center. It handles a mix of high-speed and conventional trains.
→ Location: Luggage storage is typically found near the south exit (南广场), adjacent to the main ticket hall. There are also private luggage storage shops in the surrounding streets.
→ Pricing: 10–20 RMB for small bags, 20–30 RMB for large suitcases per day.
→ Hours: 6:00–22:00 for station-operated counters. Private shops near the station may have extended hours.
Pro tip: At busy stations, the official luggage counter may have a queue. The private storage shops just outside the station entrance are often faster and similarly priced — just make sure they give you a proper receipt ticket and check their posted hours so you don’t arrive after closing.
Other Major Stations Across China
The pattern is consistent nationwide. Beijing South, Guangzhou South, Chengdu East, Xi’an North, and Hangzhou East all have staffed luggage counters near their main entrances. Prices and hours follow the same general ranges: 10–30 RMB per bag, 6:00–22:00. Always look for the “行李寄存” signs or ask station staff: “请问行李寄存在哪里？” (Qǐngwèn xínglǐ jìcún zài nǎlǐ? — Where is the luggage storage?)
4. Smart Locker Apps: Cundianr & More
Smart lockers have exploded across China’s cities in recent years, and they’re often the most convenient option for travelers who need storage in non-transportation locations — think shopping districts, tourist attractions, and metro station exits. You’ll need a working WeChat or Alipay account to use them. See our essential apps guide for setup instructions.
Cundianr (存点儿) — The Most Popular Option
Cundianr operates the largest network of smart luggage lockers in China, with locations in over 200 cities. Here’s how to use it:
Find a locker: Open WeChat and search for the "存点儿" Mini Program (or scan the QR code on any Cundianr locker you spot). The app shows a map of nearby locker locations with availability in real time.
Select your locker size: Choose small (fits a backpack or carry-on, 5–10 RMB) or large (fits a standard suitcase up to 28 inches, 10–20 RMB). Prices are per storage period, usually 8–12 hours.
Pay and get your code: Pay via WeChat Pay or Alipay. You'll receive a QR code or numeric passcode to open the locker.
Store your bag: Scan the code at the locker, place your bag inside, and close the door. The lock engages automatically.
Retrieve your bag: Return to the locker, open the Mini Program, and tap "取件" (retrieve). The locker unlocks. If you exceed the time limit, you'll be charged an extension fee (usually 5–10 RMB per additional period).
Other Smart Locker Brands
You may also encounter lockers from other providers like Hive Box (丰巢) — which is primarily a parcel locker system but sometimes allows luggage storage — and various local brands in specific cities. The usage flow is similar: scan a QR code, pay via mobile, and retrieve with your phone.
Important: Smart lockers have size limits. Most large lockers accommodate suitcases up to 28 inches. If you’re traveling with an oversized bag or oddly shaped equipment (like a guitar case or stroller), you’ll need a staffed counter instead.
5. Shopping Mall & Tourist Area Storage
Many of Shanghai’s major shopping malls and tourist attractions have installed smart lockers in recent years. This is especially useful if you want to explore the city by metro and don’t want to lug bags around all day.
→ Nanjing Road & The Bund area: Smart lockers are available at several metro station exits along Line 2 and Line 10. Shopping malls like Raffles City and IAPM also have locker banks near their basement-level entrances.
→ People’s Square & Shanghai Museum: Lockers are often available near the museum entrance and in the underground shopping concourse.
→ Yu Garden (豫园) area: A popular tourist zone where Cundianr and other locker services have expanded coverage. Check the Mini Program for exact locations.
→ Jing’an Temple & French Concession: Smart lockers in Jing’an Kerry Centre and along Huaihai Road metro exits.
Pro tip: Some shopping malls offer free luggage storage at their customer service desk — especially the high-end ones. It’s worth asking at the information counter before paying for a locker. In Chinese: “请问可以寄存行李吗？” (Qǐngwèn kěyǐ jìcún xínglǐ ma?)
6. Hotel Luggage Storage
This is the easiest, cheapest, and most overlooked option. Virtually every hotel in China — from budget chains like Hanting (汉庭) and Home Inn (如家) to international brands — will store your luggage for free if you’re a registered guest.
Before Check-In
If you arrive before your room is ready (common with early morning flights), go to the front desk and ask them to store your bags. They’ll tag them and keep them in a secure storage room. In Chinese: “我的房间还没好，可以先寄存行李吗？” (Wǒ de fángjiān hái méi hǎo, kěyǐ xiān jìcún xínglǐ ma? — My room isn’t ready yet, can I store my luggage first?)
After Check-Out
This is even more common. You check out in the morning but your flight or train isn’t until the evening. Almost every hotel will hold your bags for free until you return to collect them — just ask at the desk during checkout. In Chinese: “退房后可以寄存行李到下午吗？” (Tuìfáng hòu kěyǐ jìcún xínglǐ dào xiàwǔ ma? — Can I store my luggage until the afternoon after checking out?)
Pro tip: Even if you’re not staying at a particular hotel, some hotels and hostels will store bags for a small fee (10–20 RMB). Hostels are especially flexible about this. It never hurts to ask.
7. What You Need: Passport & Security Scan
China takes security seriously at transportation hubs, and luggage storage is no exception. Here’s what you should be prepared for:
→ Passport or ID: Staffed luggage counters at train stations and airports will require you to present your passport. The attendant records your passport number and links it to your storage ticket. No passport, no storage.
→ Security scan: Your bags will go through an X-ray scanner at most staffed counters, similar to the security screening you go through when entering a train station. Prohibited items (flammable liquids, pressurized containers, sharp objects) will be flagged.
→ Smart lockers: No physical ID check is needed. Your identity is verified through your WeChat or Alipay account, which is already linked to your passport if you set it up properly.
→ Hotel storage: Your hotel already has your passport details from check-in, so no additional verification is needed.
Important: Always carry your passport when using staffed luggage storage. A photocopy or phone photo of your passport is not accepted as a substitute at official counters. Keep your original passport in your day bag, not in the suitcase you’re checking in.
8. Pricing Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of luggage storage options, prices, and key details:
| Storage Type | Price (RMB) | Hours | ID Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport counter (PVG) | 10/4h, 30–60/day | 24/7 | Passport |
| Airport counter (SHA) | 10/4h, 25–50/day | ~6:00–23:00 | Passport |
| Train station counter | 10–30/day | 6:00–22:00 | Passport |
| Smart locker (small) | 5–10/use | Varies by location | WeChat/Alipay |
| Smart locker (large) | 10–20/use | Varies by location | WeChat/Alipay |
| Cundianr (app-based) | 5–15/bag | Partner shop hours | WeChat/Alipay |
| Hotel (guest) | Free | Front desk hours | Room booking |
9. Tips for Storing Luggage Safely
Luggage storage in China is generally very safe — theft from staffed counters or smart lockers is extremely rare. That said, a few common-sense precautions go a long way:
→ Keep valuables with you: Never leave your passport, cash, credit cards, or electronics in stored luggage. Carry them in a day bag or money belt.
→ Photograph your receipt: At staffed counters, you’ll get a paper receipt or ticket. Take a photo of it immediately. If you lose the ticket, retrieval becomes complicated and may require proof of identity plus a detailed description of your bag.
→ Lock your zippers: Use a simple luggage lock or cable tie on your suitcase zippers. This isn’t about theft — it’s about preventing accidental opening during handling.
→ Note the closing time: If the counter closes at 22:00 and your train arrives at 22:30, you won’t be able to retrieve your bags until the next morning. Always verify closing hours before storing.
→ Save the Mini Program: If using a smart locker, favorite the Cundianr Mini Program in WeChat so you can quickly access it when you return. You don’t want to be searching for it with your phone on 3% battery.
→ Avoid unofficial storage: Stick to official counters, branded smart lockers, or hotel concierge services. Random individuals near stations who offer to “watch your bags” for a fee are best avoided.
10. Useful Chinese Phrases for Luggage Storage
These phrases will help you navigate luggage storage even if you don’t speak Chinese. Show them on your phone if pronunciation is challenging:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the luggage storage? | 行李寄存在哪里？ | Xínglǐ jìcún zài nǎlǐ? |
| I want to store my luggage. | 我想寄存行李。 | Wǒ xiǎng jìcún xínglǐ. |
| How much per bag? | 一个包多少钱？ | Yí gè bāo duōshao qián? |
| I want to pick up my luggage. | 我来取行李。 | Wǒ lái qǔ xínglǐ. |
| What time do you close? | 你们几点关门？ | Nǐmen jǐ diǎn guānmén? |
| Can you store luggage here? | 这里可以寄存行李吗？ | Zhèlǐ kěyǐ jìcún xínglǐ ma? |
| I lost my receipt ticket. | 我的寄存票丢了。 | Wǒ de jìcún piào diū le. |
| Can I store this until the afternoon? | 可以寄存到下午吗？ | Kěyǐ jìcún dào xiàwǔ ma? |
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Is there luggage storage at Shanghai train station?
Yes. Both Shanghai Railway Station (上海站) and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站) have staffed luggage storage counters near their main entrances. Prices typically range from 10–30 RMB per bag per day depending on bag size. You’ll need a valid passport or government-issued ID, and hours are generally 6:00–22:00. Smart lockers are also available at both stations for smaller items.
Can I store my luggage at the airport in China overnight?
Yes, but it depends on the airport. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) offers 24/7 luggage storage in both terminals, so overnight storage is not a problem. Hongqiao Airport’s counters may close in the late evening. At other airports across China, 24-hour availability varies — check with the airport information desk when you arrive. Prices for overnight storage at Pudong start at around 10 RMB per bag for the first 4 hours, with the full overnight period typically costing 30–60 RMB.
How much does luggage storage cost in China?
Prices vary by type and location. Staffed counters at train stations and airports typically charge 10–30 RMB per bag per day. Smart lockers are cheaper: 5–10 RMB for a small locker and 10–20 RMB for a large one per use (usually for 8–12 hours). App-based services like Cundianr (存点儿) generally cost 5–15 RMB depending on bag size and duration. Hotel luggage storage is almost always free for registered guests.
Do I need my passport to store luggage in China?
At staffed luggage counters in train stations and airports — yes, you need your original passport. A photocopy or phone photo will not be accepted. The attendant records your passport number for security purposes. For smart lockers and app-based services, no physical passport is needed at the point of use — your identity is verified through your WeChat or Alipay account. For hotel storage, your passport details are already on file from check-in.
Is there a luggage storage app in China?
Yes. The most widely used service is Cundianr (存点儿), which operates smart lockers and partner storage locations in over 200 cities across China. You don’t need to download a separate app — it runs as a Mini Program inside WeChat or Alipay. Search for “存点儿” within either app to find nearby storage options, check real-time availability, and pay directly from your phone.
Disclaimer: Prices, hours, and availability mentioned in this guide are based on information available as of April 2026 and may change without notice. We recommend confirming details at the point of service, especially for airport and train station counters where hours may shift seasonally. LandingIn is not affiliated with Cundianr, Shanghai Airport Authority, or China Railway.