The Best Hostels in Pingyao for Backpackers, Couples, and Groups

This social hostel in the heart of Old Town Pingyao is a great option. The staff is very friendly and makes sure that all of the guests are having a great time. The hostel is centered around a beautiful traditional courtyard in the middle of the building.

Various room types are available, from dorm bunks all the way up to more luxurious private rooms. Some of the private rooms feature traditional Kang style beds, which are essentially large beds that take up almost the entire room, and have a small table set in the middle of them. Ensuite bathrooms are available with some of the rooms, and the facilities are modern and clean.

The hostel provides great meals as well as other helpful tidbits of information (in English). They can also help arrange onward transportation, which is great because the trains here can be a bit tricky. The meals, the courtyard, and other common areas provide a great spot for guests to mingle and discuss their travel plans.

Wi-Fi, air conditioning, parking, luggage storage, restaurant and bar, TVs, hot water, laundry service, and more are also on the list of amenities.

Guests leaving reviews give high marks for the friendly staff, perfect location, and cleanliness.

Set in a beautiful old building with a large courtyard, the Fly by Knight has modern, updated interior with a beautiful Chinese decorative style. This hostel is the best of old and new, as you can relax in the historic atmosphere without having to deal with historic toilets.

Private rooms of various sizes and prices are available, as are dorm bunks. Many of the private rooms are elegantly decorated. Dorms are modern and clean, but basic. There's really nothing to find fault with here.

Common areas include the outdoor courtyard previously mentioned and highlighted in the name, plus the onsite restaurant and bar. Lockers, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, tour booking, meals, a BBQ, hot water, laundry service, and more are also available. The staff is super friendly and can help with anything a traveler could need or want, including booking onward transportation, tours of the city or nearby areas, etc.

Reviews from previous travelers seem to focus on the amazingly beautiful atmosphere of the historic building. Others say that the facilities are clean. The location is also said to be perfect, as it's on the main street that runs through the center of Old Town Pingyao.

Owned by the same folks as the Harmony Backpacker Guesthouse, the Harmony Hotel provides private rooms and some dorm beds in a great location in the center of Old Town, set around (no surprise here) a very ornate courtyard. The courtyard itself is worth the price of staying here, as it is almost like staying inside an ancient Chinese museum. The prices here are higher than at the neighboring Guesthouse, though.

Private rooms come in a variety of sizes and prices, all with ensuite bathrooms. Many have Kang style beds, the traditional beds of the area which are quite large and comfortable. Modern bathroom facilities make this option very comfortable. TVs are also available.

Meals and drinks are served at the restaurant, which is also a great place to mingle and meet other guests. Both western and Chinese food is served. The staff is very friendly, and can book tours and onward transportation. Wi-Fi, laundry, air conditioning, hot water, books and games, and more are on the list of amenities.

Guests leaving reviews give this hotel high marks for the ambience, the food, the cleanliness, and the location. The staff is said to be very very friendly as well.

The Langji has been recommended by a number of guidebooks, and so it sees some good traffic from backpackers which make it fairly social. Located in the historic Old Town, the hostel is centered around a basic courtyard (lacking in ambiance compared to many of the other hostels in the area).

Dorms and private rooms are available for a good price, some with ensuite bathrooms. The bathrooms are modern and clean (western style), but not as new as some might desire. Dorms are basic with bunks, security lockers (a bit small), outlets and lights.

In addition to the courtyard, the onsite bar set in a glass room is a good spot to mingle with other guests. A Wii is available for entertainment. Laundry is also available, as is free Wi-Fi. Amenities are a bit short here, but the low price makes up for it.

Guest reviews are mixed. Some give high marks for the friendly staff, social vibe, and cleanliness, while others ding the hostel for leaky roofs, the staff not speaking English, disorganization, and lack of security.