Panba Courtyard Guesthouse & Hostel

Comment by William McLaughlin, USA

October 2009

Awesome hostel in good section of town
I stayed at Panba for two nights. The hostel exceeded my expectations. Located in a winding cobblestone road in the ancient part of the old city. Although it's a bit tricky to find (look for Chinese lanterns on either side of the door), the hostel is a warm home base for your adventures in the city. The rooms are spacious (especially on the Third Floor, where you will awake to the sun rising over mist rolling on the mountains). While the building's exterior is ancient, its interior is strictly modern. The bathrooms are clean. Western toilets with two settings. The guys at the front desk are helpful and, what's more, friendly. They know the surrounding area well and their English is decent/great. Just FYI -- if you stay in the hostel during the school year, beware that a nearby elementary school will play the National Anthem at wake-up volume at eight in the morning. Can't express more appreciation for the place. Bike rentals are available for 30 RMB. Stay here!

Panba Courtyard Guesthouse & Hostel

Lijiang