The Places we call Home in China (Our second visit)

Arriving in China for the second time, we knew pretty much what we can expect from Chinese accommodation. However, this time round we were lucky to be able to combine less touristy places and cities with lots of cheaper hostels. Our first base was Kashgar, in the far west of China en route of the Silk Route. We stayed right in the midst of the Old Town in an atmospheric traditional home around a big courtyard. Rooms were basic but that wasn’t a problem as we were able to hang out in the courtyard or on the rooftop terrace. Next stop was Chengdu with so many good value hostels that it was difficult to make a choice. Our hostel was a lovely friendly hostel all in Tibetan style with a great restaurant.

After another overnight train ride we arrived in the Yunnan province. Yunnan accommodation ranged from Tibetan style wooden hostels in Shangri-la to Bai minority courtyard home in Shaxi. Our hostel on the Tiger Leaping Gorge trail provided us with a gorgeous view from our bedroom and not to forget probably the best view a toilet can have. Most nights were cold so the electrical blankets on our beds were more than welcome. On this second visit to China, we mainly went for the private room but with the shared bathroom option which nicely pulled down our accommodation expenditures. The average price per night was EUR 13.

These were the places we called home:

Kashgar – Old Town Youth Hostel

Chengdu – Mix Hostel

Kunming – Cloudland Hostel (4 bed dorm)

Shangri-la – Tavern 47 (6 bed dorm)

Shangri-la – Tavern 47 (private room)

Tiger Leaping Gorge – Halfway House (room with a view)

Tiger Leaping Gorge – Halfway House (toilet with a view)

Lijiang – Mama Naxi Guesthouse

Shaxi – Horse Pen 46 Hostel

Kunming – Cloudland Hostel

Shanghai – Rock & Wood Hostel