Guest post from Monica Wong, author of A Pair of Panties and Boxers
Hutongs in Beijing are slowly becoming a thing of the past. But there are nooks and crannies that shed light to the old school way of life. If you’re looking for insights on the lives of the locals, you will find it in the daily interactions of the people living in hutongs.
The Far East International Youth Hostel is the perfect place to integrate into the local customs and lifestyle. Their accommodations are geared towards budget travelers. To score additional discounts, you can:
- Show them your student ID and ask for a student discount
- Offer to pay in cash if they could lower the rates
- Ask if they have lower rates for an extended stay
Complimentary breakfast is served daily at the café next door. Across the road is a mini mart that has everything at a super cheap price. The hostel is a 10-15 minute walk away from Tiananmen Square, two blocks away from the He Ping Men subway station and a short walking distance from the Beijing railway station.
The hostel includes a traditional courtyard and an entertainment center complete with:
- flat screen TVs
- surround sound
- multiple shelves of the latest movies
- Internet access
- a pool table
- a dart board.
There are multiple ways to get to the hostel via public transportation. However, many taxi drivers have a difficult time finding the hostel. Many drivers migrated from poor rural areas in search of work. As a result, they are not familiar with the smaller roads and alley ways that lead into the hutongs. I’d recommend taking bus #9 or the subway at the Beijing railway station to He Ping Man station. From there, the hostel is only two blocks away.
For additional information, you can contact the hostel below.
- Far East International Youth Hostel
- 90 Tie Shu Xie Jie
- 010-5195-8811
- http://www.fareastyh.com
- courtyard@vip.sohu.com








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Do you have any suggestions for budget accommodations that would be suitable for families with young children?
.-= Andy´s last blog ..Venezuelans Ponder Harbourfront =-.
Hi Andy,
In Beijing? I’ve heard the Templeside Courtyard Hutong House in Beijing is good, but I’ve never stayed there.
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