Must-see hotels in China

  • Shuyuan Youth Hostel

    Xi'an

    The longest-running hostel in Xi'an, this converted residence has three lovely courtyards, and a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. The cafe has a pizza…

  • Sūzhōu Watertown Youth Hostel

    Suzhou

    Tucked away down Dashitou Xiang (Big Stone Alley), a lane off Renmin Lu, this 200-year-old courtyard complex houses an OK hostel. Rooms on the 2nd floor…

  • Jiayun Mingtai Hotel

    Sichuan

    This is an impressive new addition to the Le Shan hotel scene. River-facing rooms have big, free-standing bathtubs overlooking the chocolate brown river…

  • Bella's Inn

    Yangshuo

    One for budget travellers who aren't into the whole backpacker scene is this stylish guesthouse run by the friendly, English-speaking Bella. Rooms are…

  • Jano’s Backpackers

    Xi'an

    Set in a little faux hútòng (narrow alleyway) with artist galleries and cafes nearby, Jano’s is a pleasant place to escape bustling Xi'an (though street…

  • Hostel Geographer

    Zhangjiajie

    Great-value rooms at the Geographer come with hot showers and industrially cool decor – there are even floor-to-ceiling windows in some double rooms. The…

  • 42 Xiaoshe

    Guilin

    Hidden away in a back alley of Daxu's old town is this super relaxed guesthouse within a small traditional house. Its three upstairs rooms are simple but…

  • Dege Hotel

    Sichuan

    This government-run place is the town's original hotel. It has rooms split between two riverside blocks. All are large and classically styled with private…

  • Tibet Bike Hostel

    Lhasa

    This modern courtyard hostel (north of Beijing Donglu behind the Yak Hotel) is a decent option, especially if you speak some Chinese and want to connect…

  • Hán é Zhuāngyuán

    Sichuan

    High up above Zhonglu village, this traditional whitewashed stone building set in a large flower garden has been converted into a fantastic boutique hotel…

  • Travelling With Hostel

    Chongqing City

    Travelling With is much nicer than its location (on the 4th floor of a commercial building, no elevator) might suggest. It's the only hostel in Chongqing…

  • Inner Mongolia Hotel

    Inner Mongolia

    Despite competition from upmarket western and Asian chains, this 14-storey high-rise remains one of Hohhot's best, featuring fine renovated rooms with big…

  • Pan Pacific Sūzhōu

    Suzhou

    There’s a kitschy feel to the exterior of this former Sheraton Hotel, which looks like a faux Forbidden City. But once you step into the lobby, you’ll…

  • Yǎng Shēng Gé

    Yunnan

    The luxury rooms at this hushed, upmarket place all come with their very own mini-spa complete with water piped from the hot springs; in the more…

  • Huating Hotel & Towers

    Shanghai

    An absolute monolith overlooking the Shanghai Indoor Stadium, Huating offers good value for a five-star property. Book a room on one of the top floors for…

  • Courtyard by Marriot

    Shanghai

    This hotel's most distinctive feature is the lit-up, gold-trimmed temple atop its modern tower block. It's a reasonable option for those wanting a more…

  • Leo Hostel

    Beijing

    Big, sociable hostel with a communal bar, western food (including what must be Beijing's only 'beans on toast') and plenty of cosy seating. Staff are…

  • 998 Hostel

    Guizhou

    This bohemian residence is pretty and quiet, with stunning views out across Xijiang. The communal landing with cushions is a fun place to meet other…

  • Giggling Tree

    Guangxi

    Simply lovely rooms in a beautiful countryside setting are what's on offer at the Giggling Tree, an old 24-room farmhouse, just 7km from Yangshuo…

  • Mork House

    Nanjing

    Mork House is a popular hostel burrowed into the 4th floor of a nondescript shopping mall. It's well run and well kept. Bunks are stacked three high, with…

  • Bayside Inn

    Zhejiang

    The best-value inn on the water in Nanxun has clean, if compact, rooms with modern amenities and friendly staff, who try their best at English. All the…

  • Holiday Inn

    Heilongjiang

    Chain hotels in China can be fairly predictable affairs, but this huge Holiday Inn on the northern edge of Mudanjiang is loud and proud, from the garish,…

  • Husi Teahouse

    Yunnan

    The old man of the Lugu Lake hostels, this multistorey complex of dorms and private rooms is still a mainstay. The more expensive rooms come with…

  • Four Seasons

    Hong Kong

    The Four Seasons arguably edges into top place on the island for its amazing views, pristine service, and its location close to the Star Ferry Pier, Hong…

  • Somerset

    Chongqing City

    If you're looking for short-term apartment-style accommodation, consider this welcoming suite hotel, perched high above the noise of central Jiefangbei…

  • Báilùyuán

    Yunnan

    Out front this is a lovely teahouse which opens in the afternoon and also serves coffee and juices, but out back you can stay in what's effectively your…

  • Holly’s Hostel

    Chengdu

    Prepare for trips out west by plugging yourself in to Chengdu’s small Tibetan district, which surrounds this welcoming hostel. Holly’s has bright,…

  • Joan's Guesthouse

    Sichuan

    Run by the friendly Yang family, this slightly rundown guesthouse overlooking a forested valley (and with a terrace to enjoy the view from) is the best…

  • Climbers Inn

    Yangshuo

    Run by the ever-helpful Lily is this aptly named guesthouse that's the place for climbers to stay in Yangshuo. Here you'll get the lowdown on everything…

  • Tea Boutique Hotel

    Hangzhou

    A Chinese–Japanese minimalist mood holds sway at this hotel with tea-themed artwork, muted colours, soft lighting and heavy wood in the bedrooms to create…

  • 54 Coffee Inn

    Fujian

    It’s worth the effort to seek out this welcoming red-brick building managed by two friendly women. The four-bed dormitory is excellent value, while the…

  • Wuyi Mountain Villa

    Fujian

    This grand residence has been given new life and resembles a palace fit for an emperor. Staff are attentive and match the dressed up marble decor with…

  • Wangjiang Hotel

    Zhejiang

    One of the few hotels to accept foreigners in Jinhua is thankfully excellent. The old business hotel has unusual carpeted halls separated by walls so that…

  • Amdo Coffee House Inn

    Sichuan

    In a stylish wooden structure just inside the old town's North Gate, this hip guesthouse with English-speaking staff, unusually comfy beds and a…

  • Putman

    Hong Kong

    Behind the art deco–inspired glass facade, this designer outfit has three cool-toned standard rooms and 25 one-bedroom suites. You get space (the…

  • Dōngān Fàndiàn

    Gansu

    This rather old-school hotel only opened in 2003 but already possesses a seasoned, throwback air, which is actually good news. Service is friendly, though…

  • Typha Youth Hostel

    Yunnan

    This is a legit hostel with a cosy communal area, bike hire (¥30 per day) and sound travel advice; it's also a good place to book a tour of the…

  • Sanmao Youth Hostel

    Hubei

    The selling point of this simple hostel is a great little outdoor terrace to chill on. Located on the 11th and 12th floors of an apartment building near…

  • Mango Guesthouse

    Guangxi

    By far the best budget choice in Beihai is this relaxed guesthouse at the eastern end of historic Zhuhai Lu. With its eponymous mango tree standing out…

  • Wada Hostel Yulong River

    Guangxi

    One of few genuine budget places out this way is this long-established hostel that's now opened a branch here in Chaoyang Village, 5km from Yangshuo…

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