China - info

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Not so much a blog post but an entry with some info in response to some requests I have had from people about where I stayed, how I got around and what it all costs. Hope this helps - any questions drop me an email 😊

Beijing - stayed at the Happy Dragon Hostel (happydragonhostel.com) which is pretty central and was 40Y a night, clean, small bar, good food. Also have heard the Hostelling International in Beijing is good and its located in the hutong area which may appeal. Getting around Beijing, used the airport shuttle to initially get into the city, 25Y, and that takes you to Dongzhimen subway station, subway rides are a flat 2Y fare to anywhere. A taxi is about 100Y from the airport to the centre.

Beijing to Xi'an - train, I took a soft seat but would recommend a hard sleeper as the best budget option. Cost me 237Y in peak (Spring Festival) time.

Xi'an - stayed at ShuYuan hostel which is right by the south gate of the city and perfect for cycling the city walls or getting to the Big Goose Pagoda. 30Y a night, free drink in bar and free coffee in coffee shop. Hostel runs a tour to the Terracotta Warriors for 130Y but its cheaper to go on your own.

Xi'an to Chengdu - train, hard sleeper, go for middle or top bunk as they are not only cheaper than bottom but also you wont get stared at all night and people won't come and sit on your bed :P Middle has more head space than top. Cost 212Y.

Chengdu - stayed at Sim's Cosy Garden hostel, really good. Cost 20-30Y a night.

Chengdu to Lijiang - could be done more cheaply by bus but takes nearly 2 days so I flew, cost 515Y inc. transfers to airport each end and tax for the runway construction in Lijiang (you would hope it would be constructed before you land but it isn't...)

Lijiang - stayed at Mama Naxi's guesthouse, its only 20Y a night and its an experience! Really good place and Mama makes the biggest evening meal in the world for everyone who happens to be in or around the hostel at 6-7pm, for just 15Y each.

Tiger Leaping Gorge - bus there 20Y, hitched back for 30Y each (5 people, you always pay when you hitch in China so confirm price first), accommodation was 20Y at Tea Horse Guest House. Meal about 15Y each and breakfast about 10Y each, take a torch and insect repellent.

Lijiang to Dali - local bus, arranged through Mama Naxi and just 35Y each.

Dali - stayed in Lily Pad guest house, 30Y a night although don't think they had dorms. Really clean and really friendly but not the best to meet other travellers as was really quiet.

Dali to Kunming - overnight hard sleeper train, 115Y.

Kunming to Guilin - overnight hard sleeper train, 270Y. Didn't stay in Kunming but have heard that Kunming Cloudland is really good.

Guilin - stayed at Guilin Backstreet hostel, dire place, only 10Y a night if booked through hostel bookers website, so ok to save money for 1 night but really dull place.

Guilin to Yangshuo - local bus, 15Y.

Yangshuo - stayed at Yangshuo 11 hostel, really good, stay here and use Monkey Jane's bar across the road but I wouldn't recommend staying at Monkey Jane's. Cost 30Y a night.

Cooking lesson - Cloud 9 restaurant, 100Y each, 4hrs, class of 2 people.

Yangshuo to HK - bus Yangshuo to Guilin 15Y, train Guilin to Guangzhuo 201Y, change to bus to Shenzhen 60Y, Octopus HK subway card 150HK$ (inc. 50$ deposit)... you can train straight to Shenzhen but I was meeting people so changed.

HK - stayed in Yes hostel, book online as it fills up. Subway, boats and trams (and even MacDonald's...) all accept the Octopus card.

Hope that helps - as I said, email if there are any Qs. :D x

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Comments

[pavs pride]

Weather
Hi there, just a quickie. Comments about weather around Guilin/Kunming/Dali etc. We are arriving HK 08 April, and expecting nothing less that "comfortable" temperatures. Did temps fall much up at Lijiang?? From when you were there, we will be 6 weeks later. I guess spring was still passing through while you were there?

[KatrinaJames]

Hi there, thanks for the comment! It was shorts and tshirt wear all the time I was in Yangshuo, although it rained one day it wasnt cold. A sweater for the evenings is a good idea a most the bars has roof top terraces. And mosquito repellent, I didn't have a problem but there were mozzies around. Enjoy :)