Shigatse
This four-star giant has clean and modern Tibetan-style rooms, each decorated with its own thangka of Gesar Ling, and a pleasant rooftop teahouse, though…
Must-see hotels in China
Shanghai
Just perusing the lobby landscape, with its traditional Chinese paintings and vast overhead screen swarming with hypnotic patterns, is a diversion in…
Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island
Sandwiched between Victoria Park and the commercial buzz of Causeway Bay, the 832-room Park Lane is a fine choice for those who want to be both in and out…
The Bund & People's Square
Capped by a distinctive clock tower, this historic hotel (1926) is strong on both character and style. The neoclassical entrance leads to a marble lobby…
Guangzhou
This chain hotel is plusher than the norm and the best value near Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. Diffused lighting, wall-mounted TV panels, and bathrooms…
Xining
Xining's first foreign five-star hotel, the Sofitel guarantees a plush stay: rooms have soft beds, and large bathrooms have bathtubs and giant showers…
The Bund & People's Square
Sitting on top of a building block shared with other budget hotels, this hostel gets kudos for its central location. The prized rooms are the deluxe…
Shanghai
Stylish and excellent value for money, this neat and tastefully presented hotel zeroes in on business travellers, but also appeals to visitors who want…
Jiuzhaigou National Park
Angelie Hotel is equal parts hostel and hotel, and the friendly, English-speaking staff organise Huánglóng tours (¥120), cook Chinese and Western food,…
Gansu
This selection of pinewood log cabins, with decks and composting toilets, as well as khullu yak fibre and wood-floor tents, is very scenically located by…
Kowloon
Right in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Mira impresses with colour-themed rooms, designer fixtures and a darkened entrance so cool you wouldn't be surprised…
Datong
The well-appointed rooms at this popular hotel feature down quilts, carved rosewood bed frames and excellent bathrooms. There's an attractive atrium with…
Anhui
Filling several restored buildings inside the Yixian Xiuli Cinema Village, this boutique hotel has 31 rooms of various configurations, from humble doubles…
Shanghai
While perhaps falling a tad short of its boutique aspirations, this hotel is a stylish choice – especially given its prime location on West Nanjing Rd…
Mingtown People's Square Youth Hostel
The Bund & People's Square
Centrally located between People's Square and the Bund, private rooms here have homely touches and Chinese porcelain wash basins, while single-sex dorms…
Xi'an
The longest-running hostel in Xi'an, this converted residence has three lovely courtyards, and a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. The cafe has a pizza…
Suzhou
Tucked away down Dashitou Xiang (Big Stone Alley), a lane off Renmin Lu, this 200-year-old courtyard complex houses an OK hostel. Rooms on the 2nd floor…
Yangshuo
One for budget travellers who aren't into the whole backpacker scene is this stylish guesthouse run by the friendly, English-speaking Bella. Rooms are…
Sichuan
This is an impressive new addition to the Le Shan hotel scene. River-facing rooms have big, free-standing bathtubs overlooking the chocolate brown river…
Kowloon
Occupying the uppermost wedge of Hong Kong's tallest, loneliest skyscraper (the lobby is on the 103rd floor), this ultraluxe nest is for high-rollers and…
Xi'an
Set in a little faux hútòng (narrow alleyway) with artist galleries and cafes nearby, Jano’s is a pleasant place to escape bustling Xi'an (though street…
Sha Tau Kok
This campsite adjacent to the picturesque Hok Tau Reservoir (鶴藪水塘) is inside the 3100-hectare Pat Sin Range Country Park. It's also on Stages 9 and 10 of…
Zhangjiajie
Great-value rooms at the Geographer come with hot showers and industrially cool decor – there are even floor-to-ceiling windows in some double rooms. The…
Guilin
Hidden away in a back alley of Daxu's old town is this super relaxed guesthouse within a small traditional house. Its three upstairs rooms are simple but…
Sichuan
This government-run place is the town's original hotel. It has rooms split between two riverside blocks. All are large and classically styled with private…
Lhasa
This modern courtyard hostel (north of Beijing Donglu behind the Yak Hotel) is a decent option, especially if you speak some Chinese and want to connect…
Sichuan
High up above Zhonglu village, this traditional whitewashed stone building set in a large flower garden has been converted into a fantastic boutique hotel…
Chongqing City
Travelling With is much nicer than its location (on the 4th floor of a commercial building, no elevator) might suggest. It's the only hostel in Chongqing…
Inner Mongolia
Despite competition from upmarket western and Asian chains, this 14-storey high-rise remains one of Hohhot's best, featuring fine renovated rooms with big…
Suzhou
There’s a kitschy feel to the exterior of this former Sheraton Hotel, which looks like a faux Forbidden City. But once you step into the lobby, you’ll…
Yunnan
The luxury rooms at this hushed, upmarket place all come with their very own mini-spa complete with water piped from the hot springs; in the more…
Shanghai
An absolute monolith overlooking the Shanghai Indoor Stadium, Huating offers good value for a five-star property. Book a room on one of the top floors for…
Lantau
This cosy four-room B&B is one of the best-kept gems on Lantau. All rooms are tastefully decorated; the 2nd-floor double room with a balcony overlooking…
Enshi
This stylish hostel has an atmospheric location in Nü'er Cheng, as well as a nice cafe/bar. Beds are in four- or six-bed dorms, and there are also…
InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin Hotel
French Concession
The InterContinental has more than 200 rooms in a historic garden estate which includes Building No 1, a 1919 red-brick mansion and former residence of…
Shanghai
This hotel's most distinctive feature is the lit-up, gold-trimmed temple atop its modern tower block. It's a reasonable option for those wanting a more…
Beijing
Big, sociable hostel with a communal bar, western food (including what must be Beijing's only 'beans on toast') and plenty of cosy seating. Staff are…
Guizhou
This bohemian residence is pretty and quiet, with stunning views out across Xijiang. The communal landing with cushions is a fun place to meet other…
Guangxi
Simply lovely rooms in a beautiful countryside setting are what's on offer at the Giggling Tree, an old 24-room farmhouse, just 7km from Yangshuo…
Nanjing
Mork House is a popular hostel burrowed into the 4th floor of a nondescript shopping mall. It's well run and well kept. Bunks are stacked three high, with…
