Backpacking in China

[PaPaPeng]

Top ten backpackers' favorite hotels in China
(Sina.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-04-27 09:32
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/citylife/2007-04/27/content_861632.htm
Backpackers and independent travelers always look for quality
accommodation on a budget. Good location, affordable price and a
comfortable room are what they need. In the Bulletin Board System
(BBS)of sina.com, a large Chinese-language information web portal in
China, there is a listing of China's 10 most popular hotels among
backpackers. Most of them are located in famous ancient towns or small
villages, which are hot tourist spots but difficult for visitors find
good places to stay. The list may help those who want to travel to
these destinations.
Fenghuang Tuo River Hostel

Just as its name implies, this gorgeous place is located next to the
beautiful Tuo River, in southern China's Hunan Province. The view from
the hostel's terrace reveals a panoramic vista of the ancient
Fenghuang Town.

As one of the earliest family-style hostels, the homey decoration and
warm welcome of the hosts make the guests feel at home. All the
windows and walls are made from wood, which add much more simple and
natural atmosphere. The clean and bright lobby offers a great place to
enjoy your meal. And when sampling the local fare, guests also can
feast their eyes on the rustic fishing boats and their ears on the
melodious folk songs.

Address: No. 13, Huilong Ge, Tuojiang Town, Fenghuang County, Hunan
Province.
Tel: 0743-3224558

Tips: 1) If you want to have dinner, tell the hosts before going out
so that when you arrive, the meal will be ready.
2) There is a sightseeing platform inside the hostel, which is the
best place to capture the picturesque views of the Tuo River and Hong
Bridge.

Cuicui Hostel

Like Fenghuang Tuo River Hostel, Cuicui is also situated beside the
Tuo River, but the decor is totally different.

This place put more emphasis on the local culture which can be seen
from the dried golden corn and red peppers hanging on the wall. And
the windows are all made of wood which gives the place a rustic charm.

The hostel consists of three floors. On the top floor is an outdoor
grandstand where guests can fully enjoy the outside scenery and the
local songs sung by the laundry women.

Address: No. 014, Laoyinshao, Tuojiang Town, Fenghuang County,
Zhangjiajie Huanan Province
Tel: 0743-3261026
Wuyuan Lao Wu

With a history of more than 180 years, this place is famous for its
engraved decoration. From the gilded tablet with chinese characters
.to the exhibits, this hostel reveals the cultural background of its
sophisticated host.

Located in a beautiful village called Wuyuan, this lodge features some
charming scenery. The best place of this hostel is the Xiulou villa in
the backyard. Staying in the Xiulou feels like you are living in a
gorgeous ancient mansion where the traditional style is full of
culture.

Address: Xiaoqi Village, Jiangwan Town, Wuyuan County, Jiangxi
Province
Tel: 0793-7297402

Ju Shan Tang

As the best-preserved ancient building in Hong Village, Ju Shang Tang
is worth a tour if you don't spend the night here. With a clear stream
flowing across its gate, Ju Shang Tang becomes an attractive and
mysterious place to visit.

Inside the hostel, the wooden beds and engraved antiques add to the
historical charm of the place. Outside the lodge, fancy pavilions and
classical rock gardens also dazzle your eyes and instantly draw you
back to ancient times.

Address: No.6, Cunshangshuiba, Hong Village,Yi County, Anhui Province
Tel: 0559-5541218

Duoduo Hostel

Though it's named as a hostel, Duoduo is much more like a community
center where people can read books and enjoy music. Located beside
Lugu Lake, everything inside Duoduo seems simple and natural.

It is said that there are only two kinds of music heard in Duoduo
Hostel. One is good, the other is better. But in reality, no matter
what kind of music is played, the atmosphere in the hostel creates
soothing sounds to stimulate your mood. Music and the lodge are fused
together.

The books in the library are available for you to read and relax your
mind.

Address: Yongningxianglige Village, Ninglang, Yunnan Province
Tel: 0888-5881026

MCA Hotel

In Dali, a city full of minorities, it's a surprise to find a
Western-style hotel. When entering the courtyard, you may be shocked
to see so many foreigners swimming in a big pool. All is so enjoyable
and relaxing.

At MCA, guests can enjoy coffee and authentic Western cakes. Every
weekend there's a grand party that includes a buffet and barbecue.

Last but not least, if you are an art-lover, you should check out the
Arts Center in MCA. The Painting Studio inside the center is equipped
with art materials for you to dabble with should you be inspired by
your visit.

Address: Zhong duan, Wenxian Road, Dali Ancient Town, Dali, Yuanan
Province
Tel: 0872-2673666
Laomofang Hostel

Lijiang is a romantic ancient city and the Laomofang Hostel adds to
the wonderful atmosphere.

Laomofang is located beside a brook, whose source is the melted snow
from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The landscape is so clear that your
visit will refresh your senses. Another feature of this hostel is a
big old phoenix tree. When in season, the tree will blossom full of
flowers, creating a beautiful sight.

Near the gate, there is a pavilion where guests can chat and taste
some green tea. If it rains, people also enjoy the other face of
beautiful Lijiang. With the pitter-patter of the rain on the roof, the
scenery comes alive and green.

Address: No. 64, Baisuifang, Dayanzhen, Lijiang City
Tel: 0888-5103244

Tips:
1) Free Internet is available.
2) The kitchen here well equipped, so guest can make their own meals.

Danbadanba Lodge

Danba is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
It's so stunning that visitors be amazed seeing such fantastic views.
This is why four backpackers, originally strangers ,became the
co-owners of Danbadanba.

The decoration of this hostel is unique, using photography as the
theme. All the photos are about Danba, from pictures of local people
to the famous sights, so guests can get a preview of what they will
encounter on their visit.

Address: Suoduan Bridge Zhanggu Town, Danba County, Sichuan Province
Tel: 0836-3521075

Wang Gu Cheng Restaurant

"Wang Gu Cheng" means visitors can get a bird's eye-view of the whole
old town. So it's not surprising this place is so popular among
travelers.

But as the hostel is located on a hill, guests need to climb about
five minutes to get there. But after a night's sleep, they will wake
up to find a stunning scenery of the snow on the mountains and feel
every effort to get there is worthwhile.

Address: No. 64, Huangshan Shangduan, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province.
Tel: 08885106180

Tips: This lodge is very busy during weekends and holidays, so it's a
good idea to make reservations ahead of time

Wangjianglou Hostel

If you walk the streets of Yangshuo, you may be confused because you
might not know where you are. Every where you look, the scenery is so
gorgeous and imaginary that you may think you're day-dreaming.
Situated in such a fantasy place, Wangjianglou will make your dreams
of enjoyment and relaxation come true.
There are only 11 guest rooms which are small but sweet. Every one has
a private telephone number and for your convenience, the hostel also
has free bicycles for you to use to tour around.
Address: No. 15, Bangjiang Road,Yangshuo County, Guilin, Guangxi
Province
Tel: 0773-8829676

Edited by KK Zha