Hostels · Backpacker
Hostels in China for foreign travelers
10 verified hostels across 10 cities — verified 2026.
The China hostel scene is smaller than Southeast Asia or Europe, but it exists. Most hostels cluster around Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Yangshuo (the classic backpacker trail). The "international hostel chain" brands (Hostelworld, MEININGER, Generator) don't operate in China — you'll find mostly local chains and converted guesthouses.
Typical prices (2026): 4-bed dorm ¥60-120/night ($8-17), 6-bed dorm ¥50-90/night ($7-13), 8-bed dorm ¥40-70/night ($6-10). Private double rooms at hostel-style places: ¥180-280/night ($25-40). Most hostels accept foreign passports for check-in; some require you to leave your passport at reception (Chinese regulation).
Verified hostels by city
Beijing
1 hostel· Backpacker-friendly stays
- • Happy Dragon Alley Inn
Shanghai
1 hostel· Backpacker-friendly stays
- • Blue Mountain Hostel
Chengdu
1 hostel· Backpacker-friendly stays
- • Holiday Inn Express Tianfu Square
Dali
1 hostel· Backpacker-friendly stays
- • Dali Lvgucheng (Green Tower Inn)
Wuhan
1 hostel· Backpacker-friendly stays
- • Holiday Inn Express Wuhan Hankou
Datong
1 hostel· Backpacker-friendly stays
- • Datong Youth Hostel
Zhangjiajie
1 hostel· Backpacker-friendly stays
- • Zhangjiajie Sangey Inn
Yangshuo
1 hostel· Backpacker-friendly stays
- • Yangshuo Old Carriage Inn
Luoyang
1 hostel· Backpacker-friendly stays
- • Holiday Inn Express Luoyang
Hohhot
1 hostel· Backpacker-friendly stays
- • Inner Mongolia Hotel
Booking platforms that work in China
Hostelworld
The standard backpacker booking platform. Some China hostels listed, but coverage is thin. Useful for cross-border trips (Vietnam, Thailand) where you can chain reservations.
Trip.com
China's largest OTA. Has 8,000+ "hostel-style" budget stays across mainland China. Filter by price and rating. The platform we link to for the highest conversion reliability.
Walk-in
Most backpacker-trail hostels take walk-ins, especially in low season (Nov-Mar, excluding Chinese New Year). If you arrive in a new city without a booking, ask a local hostel; they often know cheaper nearby options.
Tips for foreign travelers
- Passport at reception: Chinese regulation requires hotels to register foreign guests with the local police. Most hostels do this automatically — you'll sign a form and they'll keep a copy of your passport scan. This is normal and legal.
- Booking apps that don't work in China: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Airbnb's website all load slowly or not at all behind the GFW. Download Trip.com before you fly or set up a VPN.
- Female-only dorms: Most Chinese hostels offer female-only dorms (typically 4-bed, sometimes 6-bed) — book these in advance through Trip.com if you want to guarantee a same-sex room.
- Lockers: Bring your own padlock. Most hostels have lockers under the bed but don't always provide locks.
- Laundry: Self-service machines cost ¥10-20/load and take ~1 hour. Most hostels have a 24/7 laundry room.
- Common areas: Chinese hostels often have a rooftop bar, a shared kitchen, and a long-distance-traveler common area. Great for meeting other foreign backpackers on the same route.
Looking for non-hostel budget stays? See our full city-by-city hotel guide for mid-range and budget hotels in 30+ Chinese cities. All hotels on the site accept foreign guests and have 24h English reception.