China can be surprisingly affordable if you know where to stay. After backpacking through 15 provinces, these are my favorite hostels that mix quality with low prices.
**Beijing:**
- Peking International Youth Hostel ($12-15) – Great common area, near subway
- Leo Hostel Forbidden City ($10-12) – Super central, helpful staff
**Shanghai:**
- The Phoenix Hostel ($10-14) – Clean, close to Jing'an Temple
- Blue Mountain Bund ($12-16) – Rooftop view of the skyline
**Xi'an:**
- Shuyuan International Hostel ($8-12) – Traditional courtyard setting, very social
- Han Tang Hostel ($7-10) – Budget option near Muslim Quarter
**Chengdu:**
- Mix Hostel ($9-12) – New, clean, great for meeting people
- Lazy Bones Backpackers ($7-9) – Laid-back atmosphere
**What to expect:**
- Shared dorms with 4-8 beds (bunk beds with curtains are common)
- Western toilets (usually) but bring your own toilet paper
- Laundry services ($3-5 per load)
- Free wi-fi (but you might need a VPN – see separate thread)
**Pro tip:** Book through Hostelworld or Ctrip for best prices. Always read recent reviews – a hostel can change quickly!
Anyone found other great budget spots? Share below!
Posted on 2026-5-12 19:57:16