Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
21
China
China has fascinated travelers ever since Marco Polo traversed the Silk Road. Now as China's promin-
ence and economic might in the world grows, more and more people flock there seeking to explore and
understand the country like the explorers of yore. This gigantic and diverse place can be challenging for many
travelers—there's a strong language barrier, it's chaotic, confusing, and stressful—but those brave enough to
travel in the region are richly rewarded with friendly people; delicious food; a country in constant flux; beauti-
ful mountains, beaches, and valleys.
China remains a fascinating place where travelers can view cutting-edge, high-tech mega cities and small
villages steeped in ancient traditions. While the days of China being a super-cheap destination are long gone,
the country remains a budget destination with many opportunities for savings, especially in the countryside.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hostels
Unlike most other parts of Asia, traditional dormitory-style hostels are quite popular throughout the country.
A search on the booking site Hostelworld in 2014 revealed fifty-eight hostels for Beijing, twenty-three for
Shanghai, and sixty for Hong Kong. And while that is not a lot for such populous cities, it's a lot more when
compared to other parts of Asia, which still prefer traditional guesthouses. A bed in a dormitory costs between
$4 USD and $8 USD, and private twin or double rooms in hostels cost around $16 USD. In Beijing and
Shanghai, hostel dormitory beds can go as high as $14 USD per night. In Hong Kong, prices are even higher,
with beds ranging between $10 USD and $16 USD.
Hostels in China are a great value for the money and include a lot of amenities. Guests typically get free
drinking water, wi-fi, and heated blankets (those winters are cold!). Hostels also have large common rooms,
and lockers. In short, they have everything a traveler could need and are similar to hostels in the West. In
some hostels in remote locations, they may or may not have squat toilets in lieu of Western toilets so bring
your own toilet paper!
Kristin Addis of Be My Travel Muse (bemytravelmuse.com) spent a lot of time hosteling in China and
writes, “I was blown away by the great value provided by the hostels in China. They were inexpensive, clean,
tended to be well-decorated with wonderful common rooms, had free and decent wi-fi, provided free clean
drinking water for hot tea, often offered group meals at good prices, and tended to be easily available and in
central locations. There was a good mix of foreigners and Chinese travelers in them too.”
Budget Hotels
Budget hotels begin around $22 USD for a twin room. In these hotels, you'll find basic accommoda-
tions—private rooms, a bathroom, a heated blanket, air-conditioning and/or heat, a water kettle, and quite
