China, ranked eighth in the world, twice took the lead through Meiyu Lang and Mengling Zhong.
Ireland, seven below their opponents in the rankings, levelled firstly with a Chloe Watkins penalty stroke and then a solo goal by Roisin Upton.
The Chinese netted three without reply to clinch victory over the Irish who play Korea on Sunday (11:00 BST).
In their opening game on Thursday, Ireland beat 2016 Olympic bronze medallists Germany 2-1.
Ireland have been beaten 5-2 by China in their second match of the Berlin Four Nations Cup.