Hostels in Shandong, China

I had a flight with an overnight layover in Qingdao, so I opted to stay locally in a hotel. 'Locally' meant riding two stops on the subway, and catching the bus for two stops which altogether cost me less than £1. Probably about $1 US, or €1. However, I had to wait a while for the bus, so it took me about an hour. Upon arrival, the landlord treated me like a king and was exceptionally helpful. I can speak Chinese, and I wouldn't recommend this hotel unless people can speak a little Chinese and can read basic sentences. The hotel is fairly basic but, as I said, the proprietors are extremely accommodating and told me to ask if I needed anything. The landlord showed me where to eat locally (and physically took me there!) and when I left, he showed me where the nearest bus stop is (photo). I couldn't make the hot water work for a shower, but had I asked I'm sure they would have sorted it. I was in a bit of a rush in the morning and I didn't want to make a fuss. The bed was hard (like I Chinese prefer) but I slept well. There was no kettle in the room, but boiling water was provided. The area is out in the country, so if you want to see how ordinary Chinese live, this is a good opportunity. City hotels are quite westernised but this place is authentic Chinese. Pictures are of the bus stop and the subway station. Although I was told that a taxi might only cost me a little over a pound.

A Ninety-Yuan Surprise in Qingdao: The Most Healing Travel Encounter My time in Qingdao happened to coincide with peak tourist season. Hotel prices across the city had skyrocketed, costing hundreds or even thousands, making one realize how difficult it is to find a budget-friendly and comfortable place to stay during peak season. With a 'nothing to lose' attitude, I randomly browsed Ctrip and stumbled upon this youth hostel with a 4.9 rating. The overwhelmingly high ratings and clean, new-looking real photos convinced me to book it on a whim. I never expected this last-minute choice to become the biggest surprise of my Qingdao trip. I've seen too many guesthouses and hotels that are solely profit-driven, full of commercialism, perfunctory, and sloppy. But the owner of this youth hostel is completely different. He runs this place not just to make money, but out of genuine passion from his heart. This pure passion is hidden in every detail of the hostel. What surprised me most was the value for money. A bed here costs only 80-90 yuan, yet it outperforms many chain hotels costing three to four hundred. The soft, comfortable, high-quality bedding is neat and clean, and lying on it feels gentle and healing, instantly melting away all travel fatigue. Bao's thoughtfulness is reflected in every user-friendly design. Each bed comes with a lockable locker for securely storing valuables, and there's spacious room underneath for luggage, keeping things tidy and convenient. The bedside thoughtfully features a small shelf, a clothes hanger, and an eye-friendly wall lamp integrated with the bed, balancing privacy with comfort. The most considerate detail is the improved ladder. Regular bunk bed ladders in youth hostels are often stiff and uncomfortable to climb, making going up and down very inconvenient. Here, they've been redesigned as gentle, step-like stairs, which are stable and comfortable, completely eliminating the awkwardness of climbing. Every detail exudes tenderness. I later learned that the owner's main business is clothing, and he also has an extreme passion for music. So, he meticulously transformed the lobby into a cozy lounge area with a great ambiance. At night, it's like a gentle lounge bar, without any noise or clamor, just a relaxed atmosphere. Travelers from all corners of the world gather here to chat and listen to music, strangers gradually getting acquainted, without any sense of distance. It feels as warm as a temporary family. While staying here, I couldn't help but recall my youth hostel days in Tibet over ten years ago. Back then, I spent time with fellow backpackers, and our interactions were simple and pure, without calculations or defenses, just the honest joy between travelers. I never expected to find such a peaceful haven below Zhan Shan Temple in Qingdao, a delightful surprise of tranquility amidst the bustling city. In vibrant Qingdao, encountering such a pure and gentle little world feels like a rare gift to me. The entire place is spotless, clean, and bright, making you feel refreshed and invigorated, as if basking in a spring breeze. What's even more heartwarming is the owner's generosity and sincerity. Every guest receives a complimentary cup of coffee or beer. The hostel is equipped with Qingdao's advanced smart robotic coffee machine, offering a wide variety of coffee types with a delicate and rich taste. You can enjoy a refined beverage experience without any extra cost. In just a few days, eating, living, relaxing, and socializing – everything can be accomplished here. I've always believed that the meaning of travel is never about superficial sightseeing, but about encountering gentleness and collecting good memories. During the peak tourist season with skyrocketing prices, being able to find a clean, safe, and warm place to stay for around ninety yuan, and meeting sincere and interesting strangers, is the most precious gift of this journey. A good place to stay can heal an entire trip. I wholeheartedly recommend this place to everyone visiting Qingdao. Travel with intention, travel with heart, and in an unfamiliar city, meet sincerity with sincerity, make true friends, appreciate the scenery, and cherish the time.

The accommodation is also very nice. You can go to the May Fourth Square right outside the door. It is very convenient to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the light show. After graduation, I returned to Qingdao again. It felt like meeting an old friend. Everything was so familiar. See you later, Qingdao❤️❤️❤️

The facilities, hardware, and location are all top-notch. The bathroom design is good, and the bedding is comfortable. The only thing is that there were quite a few guests, and the cleanliness... As someone who's a bit of a clean freak, I was a little uncomfortable, but it was still within an acceptable range. I don't blame the hostel, after all, it's a youth hostel, and cleanliness relies on everyone's self-awareness to maintain it.

The hotel is in an excellent location with convenient transportation, and is surrounded by well-developed subways and buses. The room is heated, making it especially warm in the winter, and air-conditioned in the summer. The sanitation is excellent, the lighting is great, and there's a balcony for drying clothes. The room is ventilated and odor-free. There's plenty of purified drinking water (both hot and cold) and hot water for washing. The owner is welcoming and the check-in process is simple, with prompt notifications of any necessary matters. Takeout is available in the living room, which also has a smoking area where you can sit on the sofa for tea and a short chat. The rooms are well soundproofed, and there's no noise at night. The guests are all very polite and conscientious, creating a harmonious and comfortable atmosphere! Downstairs are Chao Yi Xing and Bao Zi Ke, so you won't have to worry about food and clothing. This is a great choice for studying, working, or traveling. Excellent Youth Hostel is probably the best located youth hostel in Jinan! Excellent Youth Hostel will provide the best service to make you feel at home. Welcome to Shandong!

I’m not gonna lie this was the best hostel I’ve been to in China and I’m travelling for more than a month. The owner is absolutely amazing, helpful, kind and happy. Also the other roommates at that time was so friendly and nice I had such a great time, it really make me feel like it was a small family 🥹 If I’m going back to Qufu one day, you can be sure I’m gonna booked this hostel again and for a longer time.

Such an amazing place for a foreigner, everyone treated me like family from the first moment! The hostel is in a great location, very comfortable and with all the amenities you could possibly need. I was included in the game night to play uno even without speaking any Chinese, I was gifted a lovely handmade keychain and I was allowed to check in really late while I was waiting for my train. On top of all that great treatment from the staff, when I was super late to the train station and couldn’t call a taxi, I was offered a ride and the guy that drove me literally was the only reason I made it in time. I am so unbelievably grateful for my stay. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I 100% recommend this place to everyone!

The most perfect stay: calm environment, everything was clean. Very kind English-speaking owner was present all the time. Complete amenities, near a bus stop and Line 3 metro. Just the wifi could be a bit stronger...

This was my first time staying in a hostel, and the environment was really great. Plus, it was only for girls, which made it feel safer – that was one of the main reasons I chose this hostel. The bed was also very comfortable and soft; the owner and the hostel staff were incredibly kind, and their pick-up service from the station was excellent, helping with my luggage. Truly good hotels don't need much advertising or positive reviews; we students will naturally promote them, haha. The hostel also had lots of little stickers for leaving messages, which was really thoughtful. I left one too, hoping the owner's business thrives, and that I'll recommend it to my friends next time they visit Qingdao, hehe. For those of you traveling in Qingdao and still undecided about which hostel to stay in, don't hesitate, book now! As a university student, I prioritize honest reviews.

Chaomanju, worth living in a place for more than 7 days! Garden villa, male and female dormitory partition, comfortable and friendly! With Yang Ma, chasing mango, punching in the ”Bright” filming place! Blowing the sea breeze, watching the sunrise, non-legacy food is super happy, three meals a day do not repeat! Well, I really like the homestay!