Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HOMESTEADS
In more rural destinations, small towns and villages, you should be able to find
a homestead (
nongjia
) with a small number of rooms in the region of ¥50
(bargaining is possible); you will not need to register. Showers and toilets are
generally communal.
HOSTELS
If you're looking for efficiently run budget accommodation, turn to China's
youth hostel sector.
Hostelling International
( 020-8751 3731;
www.yhachina.com
)
hostels are generally well run; other private youth hostels
scattered around China are unaffiliated and standards at these may be vari-
able. Book ahead in popular towns as rooms can go fast.
Superb for meeting like-minded travellers, youth hostels are typically staffed
by youthful English-speakers who are also well informed on local sights and
transport. Many offer wi-fi, while most have at least one internet terminal (free
completely, free for 30 minutes or roughly ¥5 to ¥10 per hour). Laundry, book-
lending, kitchen facilities, bike rental, lockers, noticeboard, bar and cafe should
all be available, as well as possibly pool, ping pong, DVDs, PlayStation and
other forms of entertainment. Soap, shower gel and toothpaste are generally
not provided, although you can purchase them at reception.
Dorms usually cost between ¥40 and ¥55 (discount of around ¥5 for mem-
bers). Most dorms won't have an en suite shower, though some do; they
should have air-con. Many hostels also have doubles, singles, twins and
maybe even family rooms; prices vary but are often around ¥150 to ¥250 for a
double, again with discounts for members. Book ahead (online if possible) as
rooms are frequently booked out, especially at weekends or the busy holiday
periods.
HOTELS
Hotels vary wildly in quality within the same budget bracket. The star rating
system employed in China can also be misleading: hotels may be awarded
four or five stars when they are patently a star lower in ranking. The best rule
of thumb is to choose the newest hotel in each category as renovations can be
rare.
