Originally Posted by synthkeys

If you can't speak Chinese, I'd recommend getting some local help to sort it out. If you're really keen on getting a bank account, be prepared to spend at least an hour or more. It's also possible that one branch of the same bank might reject while another may accept. I was able to open a bank account nearly 4 years ago with CCB (China Construction Bank) with my US passport, China mobile phone number and using my hotel address. I travel on an M (business) visa, 10 years, 60 days max stay.

After losing that phone number, I got a new one this year and went to the bank to have it changed. Bank account still worked with no longer valid number, but ATMs kept reminding me to update my phone number and I couldn't register with AliPay without updating. With local help, still took nearly an hour on a Sunday morning. I also had to sign additional paperwork and provide my US SSN.

If you get a bank account, you're registered name is usually LAST FIRST MIDDLE from your passport, typically all in caps. This what you would use for WeChat/AliPay.

tl;dr
- It's possible to get a bank account with tourist/business visa and local (Chinese) phone number
- Might need to try a few different banks/branches before successful
- Use local help for language issues
- To ease the process perhaps bring the registration paperwork from your hotel for address verification.
- Official name for westerners is usually LAST FIRST MIDDLE