You do not need a big budget to enjoy Hangzhou. The city has an excellent range of budget accommodation, from social backpacker hostels with lakeside locations to reliable Chinese budget chain hotels that deliver clean, private rooms at prices that seem almost too good to be true. Here is everything you need to know about staying cheap in China's paradise city.
Budget Hotel Picks
Mingtown Youth Hostel
Best for: Backpackers & solo travelers. Hangzhou's best-located hostel, a short walk from West Lake. Dorm beds from ¥60, private rooms from ¥200. English-speaking staff, lively common area, organized tours, and a great place to meet other travelers.
Check AvailabilityHanting Hotel
Best for: Private rooms on a budget. China's most reliable budget chain with locations across Hangzhou (West Lake, Wulin, East Station). Small but clean rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, free WiFi, and basic English-speaking front desk.
Check AvailabilityJi Hotel (Quan Ji)
Best for: Style-conscious budget travelers. Slightly more upscale than Hanting, Ji Hotel offers minimalist design, comfortable beds with quality linens, and a more polished experience for just a small price premium. Often the best value pick overall.
Check Availability7 Days Inn
Best for: Rock-bottom private rooms. Basic but functional. If all you need is a bed, a hot shower, and a clean room, 7 Days Inn delivers at the lowest prices in town. Multiple locations, especially around East Station.
Check AvailabilityHi Inn
Best for: No-frills city-center budget. A younger, more colorful brand from the Jin Jiang group. Rooms are tiny but modern and well-designed. Good locations in Wulin and near West Lake at very competitive prices.
Check AvailabilityBudget Travel Tips for Hangzhou
Chinese budget chains like Hanting, Ji Hotel, and 7 Days Inn are generally safe, clean, and reliable — do not be put off by the low prices. Book through Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) or the hotels' own mini-programs on WeChat for the best rates. Note that budget hotels may not have English-speaking staff; having your booking confirmation in Chinese and a translation app ready helps enormously. All listed hotels accept foreign passports, but it is worth confirming when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do budget hotels in Hangzhou accept foreigners?
Not all of them. By Chinese law, hotels must have a foreigner-acceptance license. Major budget chains like Hanting and Ji Hotel accept foreigners at most locations. Hostels almost always accept foreigners. The cheapest local guesthouses may not — always confirm before booking, especially on Chinese platforms.
Is it safe to stay in a hostel in Hangzhou?
Yes. Hangzhou is one of China’s safest cities. Hostels are well-regulated, and major ones like Mingtown have security lockers, 24-hour front desks, and English-speaking staff. Use the same common sense you would anywhere: lock valuables, be aware of your surroundings.
Can I book budget hotels on Booking.com or should I use Chinese apps?
Both work. Booking.com and Agoda cover most international hostels and larger Chinese chains. Chinese apps (Ctrip/Trip.com) often have lower prices and more options, especially for smaller local hotels. If you are comfortable navigating a Chinese-language interface or using the English version of Trip.com, you will find more choices at better prices.