I'm sorry to be further contradictory, but this is simply not true either for foreign-run or purely Chinese hotels.

In better hotels in China it's like everywhere else. As you get out of the vehicle the bell boys get the bags from the boot (trunk), they check with you that they have everything, and then you abandon them altogether to their mercies and walk to over to check-in. The bell boy and bags then either accompany you in the elevator once you've checked-in (or up to the room or executive floor for check-in if that's the way things operate) or they appear at the room shortly after you get there yourself. The bags are unloaded from the trolley, you confirm that those are the ones you arrived with, you are wished a pleasant stay, and the bell boy departs. You don't have to request anything. It all just happens.

And neither here, nor right down to three-star level, does any money ever change hands for the moving of bags, whether into or out of the hotel. Nor is it even requested.

Far from it being hard to get a bell boy's attention, even at three-stars they often intercept you as you head for the hotel entrance (I travel very lightly and walk as much as possible in China, and really need no one's help) or as you cross the lobby. Even when you've made it to the three-star check-in counter by yourself reception may absolutely insist on getting you help with the bags, although there are some cases you are indeed just left to your own devices, or there may not be a bell boy at that level (or he's having a break).

I'll make one small caveat, which is that possibly because I speak Mandarin there are occasions when others would be asked for a tip, but I won't be asked because it's clear I know the lie of the land, and in that way my situation is the same as that of a Chinese (who also won't be asked). That doesn't mean, however, that requests received by others should be rewarded with a gratuity, only ensuring that further attempts are made to cheat the unwary who follow after.

Peter N-H