Guilin Central Hostel (Muxi)

Guilin Central Hostel, listed as Muxi, is a long-running budget hostel at No. 3 Renmin Road in Xiufeng District, Guilin, Guangxi, China, across the road from the Sheraton. The address is in the heart of the city, close to the Li River bank, Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, so most central sights can be reached on foot. Elephant Trunk Hill is a short taxi ride south. The hostel has served backpackers for many years and is known for its English-speaking tour desk, which offers Li River cruises and trips to Yangshuo and the Longsheng rice terraces. Accommodation includes a 6-bed dormitory, Twin Rooms and Double Rooms. A 2018 listing showed dorm beds from about 35 to 40 yuan (roughly 5 to 6 US dollars) and private rooms from 120 to 140 yuan (about 18 to 21 US dollars) per night, so current prices should be checked as they are likely to have risen. Amenities include a bar and western-style restaurant, a tour desk, bicycle rental, laundry and wifi. The restaurant and bar make the common area a social space where independent travellers meet and share onward trips, and western breakfast dishes are a draw for visitors tired of rice-based meals. Pool and spa facilities are not offered, as is typical for a hostel. The service character is informal and traveller-oriented, with staff used to arranging transport, tickets and local advice in English. The website is guilinhostel.com and the phone number is +86 773 281 9936. Noise in shared dorms and the central location can be an issue for light sleepers, so earplugs are useful. The hostel is a practical choice for visitors on a limited budget who want to keep transport costs low and meet other travellers.