Hello, it is usually safe to use a credit card as a guarantee when booking a hotel on the Ctrip website. Using a credit card to guarantee a hotel reservation is also a common practice internationally when booking a hotel. The purpose is to prevent bookers from not checking in after booking a hotel.

Generally speaking, Ctrip will ask the bank to unfreeze the guaranteed amount for you after you go to the hotel to register and make a reservation. However, since it takes time between the hotel and Ctrip, Ctrip to the bank, and bank processing, the unfreezing time cannot be completely determined. If your credit card is guaranteed for 35 working days (some banks have other regulations, please consult the bank's credit card center for details) and the bank does not receive notification of your default, then the funds will be unfrozen for you.

If it’s quick, it can be completed in 3-5 days. Some banks can also unfreeze the funds on the next working day or even on the same day