Yangshou is the end point for most tourists coming from the boat cruise on the Ly river through the scenic landscape of the Guilin mountains. After the heat on the boat and the low-quality food the New Century Hotel in Yangshou was a pleasant surprise. It is a good three star hotel, nice Chinese decor of the deluxe rooms. Food in the restaurant is good, while breakfast was less than average in terms of quality and choice. The staff is very friendly, helpful and most speak reasonable English. The location of the hotel is great, the night snack market is just in front of the hotel and the city’s main streets (for shopping, cafés and restaurants) are in easy walking distance. However, if you are sensitive to noise, you better ask for a room to the backside, since street and market can be a bit noisy at times. There was a huge safe in the room, suitable for laptops but no internet access and no direct-dial telephone. But don’t forget – you are in China!

This was a really nice hotel in a very convenient location in Yangshuo (5 minute walk to New West street). We had booked a standard non-smoking room but were upgraded (at no cost) to a business room because they had run out of standard non-smoking rooms. The business class room was beautifully decorated and comfortable, with a great view. The Western breakfast included in our rate was small in selection but quite adequate and very good (eggs and pancakes were cooked fresh, on demand, with a wide selection of fruits, cereals, breads and muffins). The lobby is not air-conditioned, but the rooms were, as well as the dining area. A bustling night market sets up adjacent to the hotel, and bicycle rentals were available from the park lot. Large, clean washrooms and BBC world service on the television made this a very comfortable and enjoyable stay.