We got to the Xiangzimen Guest House Youth Hostel (name depends on which website you access) at 9:20am. It is housed in an historic building in the traditional courtyard style. The lobby is modernized to accommodate mostly young travellers. There were 5-6 laptops for internet and a host of tour advertisements. These people organize budget tours to Tibet and other remote areas, as well as city tours, bike tours, and an all-day Panda adventure.
It is said that the brother of the Song dynasty Emperor, Zhao Kuang Yin used to reside in this building, which has over 200 years of history and is specially preserved in Ming dynasty style by the Xi'an government. It is the only building of its type in the whole of northwest China, and is divided into two main parts: the front 'siheyuan' with it's open-air courtyards and exquisite masonry, and the back with wooden panelling recreated in traditional ancient style. The charming atmosphere and friendly staff instantly made us feel welcome and at home.
At first we were told that we couldn't get into our room until noon, but then after about 15 minutes (we were planning to go eat breakfast), I decided to ask again. I didn't want to wait until after noon to go by public bus to the warriors. The receptionist went to speak with the manager and came back and said yes, we could have the room. Yippee.
Our room has what's called a Kang bed. It is built on a brick platform and has two mattressed with a small space in between. There are little cubbies underneath where you would traditionally put hot bricks to warm the beds. It has been freezing cold so far and we didn't bring enough warm clothes. Most buildings in China do not have central heat so you tend to feel cold all the time when it's only 50 degrees or so.
We scurried around trying to locate battery chargers and electrical adapters that work - there are so many types of outlet plugs you really need all sorts. It is hard to stay on top of keeping our batteries and electronic devices charged up in addition to keeping track of keys, which camera batteries have died, which ones go in which charger, etc.
The carved wooden detail and relaxed atmosphere of this hostel is welcome. We have a family room and are in an area that has nicer hotel-style rooms. The dorm rooms are in a different section.
There is a laid back restaurant with wi-fi, a lounge area plus a bar in the back. It seems that local young Chinese people come to the coffee shop here to hang out. It's fun.
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