In most Chinese households, a rack of slippers near the entrance is a clear signal that you should swap your outdoor shoes for indoor ones — hosts will often provide guest slippers. The custom is rooted in keeping the home clean, as outdoor shoes are considered dirty. This norm is consistent across urban and rural areas, though some very Westernized households in major cities may be more relaxed about it. Outside the home, the expectation to remove shoes is less universal — it applies in some traditional guesthouses and certain martial arts or yoga studios, but not in most offices, restaurants, or shops.
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Try the Local Etiquette & Taboos Checker →Most Chinese households keep a supply of guest slippers near the entrance specifically for visitors, so you won't need to bring your own. If no slippers are offered and you're unsure, it's fine to ask. Bringing your own clean indoor socks is a good backup in case the provided slippers don't fit.
In standard hotels, no — the norm doesn't apply there. However, traditional-style guesthouses (particularly in rural or heritage areas) may follow a shoes-off policy, and you'll usually see a shoe rack or signage indicating this. When in doubt, look at what other guests are doing at the entrance.
Most hosts will gently prompt you or gesture toward the shoe rack rather than take offense, especially if you're a foreign visitor. That said, making the effort without being asked is genuinely appreciated and signals respect. It's one of the easiest ways to make a good first impression in a Chinese home.