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December 10, 2014

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Home » City specials » Hangzhou

Small and cozy, guest houses offer personal touch

By Wu Huixin | December 10, 2014, Wednesday | Print Edition

HANGZHOU’S tourism industry has developed tremendously in recent years, creating opportunities for enterprising individuals to start their own businesses. Numerous family run guest houses and youth hostels have opened within the West Lake Scenic Area, offering travelers different experiences from ordinary hotels and resorts.

Last Friday, the West Lake Scenic Area Administration Commission established the Home Stay Industry Association of West Lake to ensure high standards and good practices within the industry.

“The association aims at integrating resources and formulating standards. Our next step is to attract more travelers to stay in the city’s guest houses,” says the association’s Lin Ping.

Most of Hangzhou’s guest houses are scattered across six residential blocks and nine villages, especially Manjuelong and Baile Bridge of Linying Temple. The others are on Nanshan Road, Yuhuang and Santai Hill.

Independent guest houses started to emerge in greater numbers after Jiangnanyi International Youth Hostel opened in 2003. At the time, its low prices (30-100 yuan/US$4.85-16.15 per night) and picturesque location attracted numerous backpackers and students. Now there are 146 youth hostels and guest houses in Hangzhou. Some guest houses now boast luxury accommodation with rooms costing around 1,000 yuan each night.

In 2003, the city government started numerous face-lift projects in villages around the lake, pulling down run-down homes and building two-floor villas. Villas were required to have white walls and black-tiled roofs, aimed at fitting in with the surroundings and adhering to traditional architectural practices. The infrastructure in these villages was also renovated.

The guest house industry began thriving in 2011 when UNESCO listed the city as a world heritage site.

Guest house owners, often artists and designers, have decorated their properties based on their personal styles. In most cases they match with the surrounding environment. Most guest houses have six to 10 rooms.

Xiao Zhu Li Inn is near Linying Temple and reflects the surrounding Buddhist culture in its decor. On the steps leading to the lobby sit two Buddha statues, while a large vase of artificial lotus flowers and a mini fountain are found in corners of the lobby.

Owners of such properties also work to differentiate themselves from others. Fei Niao Ji in Manjuelong offers a cafe, while Jiangnanyi is famous for its savory food.

Some guest houses and youth hostels have begun to offer personal services, including wedding ceremonies, birthday parties and art exhibitions. Some also offer free bicycle rentals, maps and shuttle services.

Shanghai daily takes a closer look at three popular guest houses in the city.

Manshu Guest House

Numerous temples, including Tianzhu Faxi Temple and Tianzhu Fajing Temple, can be found in western Hangzhou. Centuries ago, a group of renowned monks lived in these temples, including the famous poet Su Manshu (1884–1918).

This guest house is named after Su and attracts many travelers from the first to the fifth day of every lunar month, which is considered an ideal time to worship Buddha.

Rooms come either with a balcony that has a view of a huge tea garden or with a yard where children can play.

Address: 277 Tianzhu Rd

Tel: (0571) 8798-7277

Lanshui International
Youth Hostel

The hostel’s location across from Orioles Singing in the Willows, a famous attraction, has made it very popular with young tourists even though it is within a residential block.

The hostel is informal with a homely vibe. Flowers surround a small blackboard menu, paintings hang on walls, magazines are piled on tables and plants decorate every corner alongside shelves of postcards, books and knick-knacks.

The front yard has tables and chairs so people can sit outdoors and relax with a cup of coffee. A small carp pond adds to the tranquil atmosphere.

Address: 148-5 Nanshan Rd

Country Stroll Inn

As one of the oldest guest houses around Baile Bridge, Country Stroll Inn is so popular now that reservations are necessary during the peak April to July season.

The inn features numerous plants, sunshades and garden furniture, making it a relaxing place on sunny days for a leisurely tea or coffee. A stylish decoration made from bamboo partitions the public and hand washing areas, and dried flowers adorn the ceiling.

The rooms are painted green like the countryside, while others have pink paint work and floral curtains.

Address: No. 289, Baile Bridge

Tel: (0571) 8696-8921

Hangzhou


 

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