Originally Posted by
JPDM
Not an issue at all. I opened my first bank account on a short trip in Shanghai. In total I have opened 4 accounts and never had a work visa. Anybody can open an account.
Some banks are pickier than others. Often it's the Chinese operations of foreign banks (Fubon, Dah Sing, UOB, KEB-Hana, etc) that won't let you open an account without some kind of proof of residence. A Chinese bank should be a non-issue.
Also, the one case it might be worth at least trying for- ICBC offers a Diners Club card that's free and gives you full access to all Diners lounges for yourself (and yes, I mean totally free- I checked my statements and was never separately charged for those lounge visits). Unfortunately, for foreigners they're quire strict when it comes to creditworthiness- one late payment (I paid my US$ balance owing but forgot about a couple purchases I made on the associated UnionPay card, billed in RMB) and my credit account was terminated. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.