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?ten 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, Yunnan 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 Zhuang Autonomous Region
Tel: 0773-8829676
(Sina.com.cn April 27, 2007)