Guangdong Youth Hostel- Guangzhou, China

Address: 2 Shamian 4 Jie (street), Shamian Island, Huangsha


Website: none
COST 160 yuan total for private ensuite double

We'd had trouble finding this hostel after getting off at the nearest train station, crossing the highway and walking about 10 minutes into the Shamian area towards the White Swan Hotel, which is apparently diagonally across from the hostel. This was because the whole block was one of many in the area currently undergoing renovation so the sign was covered by canvas. We eventually found it and after viewing the dorm room (which was slightly crowded), decided to go for the private ensuite room for two people which cost 160 yuan (A$26) which was quite expensive, being the most we'd spent in China so far. However, we remembered that this hostel was apparently one of the cheapest options in Guangzhou and there were only proper hotels in the nearby area so we went ahead and checked in.
The room was actually quite nice, pretty much up to hotel standards (not just a hostel as it's name suggests) with clean interiors and bathroom. There was also tv which had the Pearl channel (the only channel with English shows and which we also didn't get during the rest of our China trip) which was great. There was also a wireless connection despite the reception advising us that it had been disrupted due to the reconstruction going on. The only major downside to the room was that it was very cold, with no heater in the room and the windows probably thin which let the freezing outside air transmit in.
Overall, a decent stay in Guangzhou although I would have preferred a slightly more downtrodden room for a cheaper price. The atmostphere of the hostel remained empty and unfriendly, but that could possibly be due to Guangzhou not having many tourist sites in the first place to be able to attract enough friendly travellers to this hostel at least.

Rating: 4/10