Originally Posted by
travelinmanS
What would you worry about? The info is simply submitted to the local police as required by law.
True. The photocopy isn't for the hotel to keep. It's submitted to the local police as the government requires that all foreigners register their place of temporary residence with the police within 24 hours of arrival in China.
I much prefer the photocopy to the hotels that insist on holding your passport for the duration of your stay. That always makes me uncomfortable.