Over the last few years the number of cheap hostels in Chengdu has really exploded. Now there are many to choose from, but those listed here are the mainstays of sleeping in Chengdu for cheap. These places are all clean and run by nice people so don’t think that for paying less than $10 you’ll be staying in a rat trap. Most will start around 20 yuan for a bunk and range up to a few hundred for a clean but spartan private room.
If you’re backpacking and passing through Chengdu, the hostels below are the first ones to check out. They’re all cheap, clean, and reliable options which are affiliated with international hostel networks like Hostelling International. You can expect clean sheets, friendly staff, lockers to store valuables, and a common area frequented by other travelers. These kind of places are great if you’re interested in mingling with other travelers and they occasionally feature special events on holidays and weekends. For more information on these locations check out their websites which are linked below.
Mix Hostel
telephone: +86 028 83222271
address: Ren Jia Wan, Xing Hui Xi Lu #23, China
website: mixhostel.com
With its exceptional atmosphere, Mix is always full of backpackers exchanging stories and is a great place to hook up with others. There are lots of small communal areas for chatting, playing games, a tv room with a dvd player and the latest films, free internet and a book exchange.
The staff were very helpful with booking trips and treks and flights and with solving all sorts of travel problems and queries.
The showers are communal, so be prepared for long waits and/or scarcity of hot water. Also the food here is a bit pricey for what you get, so keep that in mind come breakfast time. Mix offers free pick up from the train station if you arrange this with them in advance.
price: 25 yuan for a bunk, up to 90 yuan for an air-con double room
Sim’s Cozy Garden Hostel
telephone: +86 028 81979337
address in English: First Ring Rd Section 4, #211 North Section
address in Chinese: ?????? ??????211?
website: gogosc.com
Sim’s Cozy Garden Hostel (known by locals as Sim’s) is beautiful temple-like hostel on the north side of town, near the Buddhist Wunshu Monastery. The building was once the home of the German Consular-General in Chengdu and somehow escaped the wrecking ball that tore down most of Chengdu’s old historic sites.
Recommended in Lonely Planet and Frommer’s, Sim and Maki have built a “home away from home” for fellow backpackers with unique features like a expansive garden. In addition to free Wi-fi internet access and a projection DVD with tons of DVDs to watch, there are Japanese and Chinese chefs on site who offer cooking lessons to guests. Sim and Maki have attributed their skill at building and maintaining the perfect hostel in Chengdu to their decades of traveling around the world on their own and more recently, together as husband and wife.
From the main road in front of Sim’s Cozy Garden Hostel, there are buses going directly to the Panda Breeding Center, Chengdu Railway Station, Chengdu Tourist Transport Center (XinNanMen Bus Terminal) and many other tourist sites in Chengdu.
price: From 20 yuan for a shared room with bunk beds to 240 yuan for a “Family Room” with extra large bed
The Loft
telephone: +86 028 86265770
address in English: 4 Xiao Tong Xiang (Xiao Tong Alley), Zhong Tong Ren Lu, Chengdu
address in Chinese: ????, ?????
website: lofthostel.com
The Loft is built in what used to be a printing factory, which lends it its modern and industrial feel. The building is tall and expansive, with many works by young local artists on display on the walls leading up to the guest rooms. Compared to other hostels you find in China, this place is seriously swank and stylish. But, with all it’s clean and minimal visual touches, it remains a friendly and comfortable place to crash in Chengdu for cheap. If you’re visiting in the winter, they keep the heater on constantly so it stay warm inside which is a nice bonus for staying warm in the grey Chengdu winter.
The Loft is run by Smart Travel Solutions, who have over 10 years experience helping backpackers enjoy their time in Southwest China. If you want to visit some of the more intriguing sites in and around Chengdu and Sichuan, the Loft offers tours and books trips to local sights like Qingcheng Mountain and Le Shan among others. Like the other hostels, The Loft offers free pick-up from the train station, free Wi-fi internet access, and bicycle rental.
price: 40 yuan for a bunk in a shared room or 180 yuan for a large private room
I’m passing through Chengdu soon and am glad there are budget accommodations in Chengdu and that you assembled this list. Thanks, I’m really looking forward to visiting!
Thanks for the info, the Mix also has a sister hostel called LazyBones just around the corner (about a 10 min walk). The dorm beds at the Mix are now 30 RMB.