PingYao Harmony Backpacker Guesthouse

PingYao Harmony Backpacker Guesthouse is well located near the South Gate within the city walls, on a road filled with stalls and little restaurants. Harmony 1 and Harmony 2 guesthouse are owned and operated by the same people and situated two doors apart. Both have similar features and décor.

The buildings are very old, but in a good state of repair and decorated in traditional Chinese style. The rooms are kept fairly clean, which is difficult as the streets are very dusty. There is a central courtyard, with rooms overlooking. All private rooms have en-suite shower and toilet. Dorm rooms vary, however. Some dorms are actually twin rooms, and these can be mixed sex if the guesthouse is particularly busy -- specify that you would like bunk dorm rooms when making your booking. The public toilets are western-style and all rooms have air-con and TV.

There is a wonderful atmosphere at the hostel with many travelers of all ages sitting at the restaurant area socialising. The reception and restaurant are situated at the front of the hostel, along with the computers with free internet access. The restaurant features delicious home cooking, Chinese tea, and beers and wine. There are bikes for hire and the owners book onward train and bus tickets, which are virtually unobtainable by yourself from this town!

The staff are friendly and enthusiastic and speak great English. The owners are never far away and are extremely approachable and helpful. There is a laundry service, although things can go missing when a rainstorm ensues. The hostel offers free pickups from the train/bus station, although if you are trying to find it yourself, the road is directly in front of the South Gate and is about one hundred meters up on the left.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review