Xitang Hotels

Yiao Zhai ›L‘î: Old Chinese style hostel

Basically there are plenty of Local villagers, spare their rooms for hostels. you can find many phone numbers online, or even just walk-in upon arrival. Xi Tang is an old water town which requires "entrance fee" for travellers, but people whom lived there of course can get in and out freely. My hostal offers a trick that lets you entering the town free; they will simply carry your lugguage, give you their rusted bike, give you a cap, make you look like one of the villager and ride the bike from side passages straight ahead into the town.

Unique Quality: Yiao is very much a place that was built like... 200 yrs ago? (sorry haven't asked in details), in there you can find very old style Chinese furnitures, the decendants from the ancient family lived there, the wife will ask if you want to stay for dinner. Funny that their daughters are playing internet in the corner of the old old living room. they have 2 levels, ground level with 1 bed, i lived there, cost RMB 80/night, tel: 86-573-456-4734. Hostel owner can't speak English i guess... 2nd Floor cost higher, and often fully booked. the different is... rather you can see the small river from the balcony. basically not necessary.

Toilet is to be shared. Very simple shower, no "seated toilet". It's alright, OK clean. (do not expect too much in a small town like this)

This place is average OK. In Xi Tang, do not expect a luxury place to stay at; what you should look for is just a surrounding atmosphere, eat, hang out with local snacks, drink their wine... and most importantly, take beautiful pictures of the ancient water town in China.

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Phone: 86-573-456-4734.
• Related to: Backpacking, Budget Travel
• Written September 23, 2007

Old (Qing's dynasty) style living room..but messy!

---

Was this review helpful?