Guilin Ming Palace International Youth Hostel

Guilin Ming Palace International Youth Hostel is a budget hostel at No. 10-3 Donghua Road in Xiufeng District, Guilin, Guangxi, China, next to the west gate of the Solitary Beauty Peak walled area and close to the Li River. The walled area is the former Jingjiang Prince's City, built in the Ming dynasty, and it now contains Guangxi Normal University and the Solitary Beauty Peak, a karst hill that visitors can climb for views over the city. Staying beside the west gate puts the hostel in one of the more historic parts of Guilin, a short walk from the river and the central streets. Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas and Elephant Trunk Hill are all within walking distance or a short taxi ride. The hostel offers Dormitory and Private Room categories, and a 2018 listing showed dorm beds from about 16 to 30 yuan (roughly 2 to 4 US dollars) per night, so current prices are likely higher and should be checked. Listed amenities are a free washing machine, a tour desk and wifi, which cover the basic needs of long-term backpackers and travellers on a tight budget. The tour desk can arrange Li River cruises and trips to Yangshuo. Restaurant, pool and spa facilities are not listed, and meals are taken at the many cheap local restaurants and noodle shops in the surrounding streets. The service character is informal and backpacker-oriented, with a focus on low cost and a central position rather than comfort. The shared facilities and dorm format suit solo travellers who want to meet others, while couples and families may prefer the private rooms. The location near the university gives the neighbourhood a lively student atmosphere, with inexpensive cafes and eateries nearby.