Kunming Upland International Youth Hostel, Kunming, China

At Upland we do our best to ensure you have a great time in Kunming whether you want to get out and explore, or stay in the neighbourhood and just relax for a few days. At reception we have free maps and travel advice for those that want to go explore, supplemented by our interesting things to do in Kunming blog, written by a Canadian traveler who enjoyed Upland and Kunming so much he decided to stay a while. Our reception will also help you book accommodation at other hostels in China free of charge.

For when you want to socialize with other guests, we have a free pool table in our common area and table tennis in the courtyard. If you just want to chill out on your own, we have a selection of over 500 DVD's to choose from to watch on our 42 inch flat screen TV, in addition to a no charge book exchange and library.

If you have some work to do, there is free wireless internet throughout the hostel (even in the rooms!). At Upland we also have three desktop computers, which guests can use 30 minutes each day for free. Our more relaxed upstairs common area is a great place to work during the day, although at night when we are busy both common areas will become quite lively.

For those that are using Kunming as their base in Yunnan, we offer free luggage storage for up to three days, giving you plenty of time for excursions to Tiger Leaping Gorge, the Yuanyang rice terraces, or anywhere else in the region you choose to explore. Beyond three days we charge 2 RMB/day.

We also have two large sinks and a hang drying area for guests that like to do their own laundry by hand. There are also coin operated washing machines available for use.

In addition to the free services we offer above, Upland has a number of other services to help ensure a comfortable stay with us.

We have a full service restaurant serving both Chinese and Western food, a cafe, and well stocked bar with wine, spirits, and 20 brands of beer.

At our reception, you can book plane, train, or bus tickets for a 15 RMB fee, which will save you a trip to the ticketing office. You can also rent bikes to explore the city, which includes a special bike map that we provide. If you are missing any toiletries things like toothpaste, soap, and shampoo can be purchased at reception. The reception area also has a dedicated landline for guests to make long-distance calls. Prices vary by country and you pay reception after your call is over.

At Upland we have both dorms and private rooms. Our beds have proper mattresses (not those thin foam mattresses) and each guest gets a clean set of linens, including a freshly washed blanket cover. And then there are the pillows. They aren't those flimsy pillows you've sadly come to expect. Our pillows provide the comfort and support you need for a good nights sleep! We also frequently get complements on our showers, which have large shower heads and good water pressure.

All dorm rooms have two large windows to let in natural light during the day, with opaque curtains to keep out the light in the morning. We have 5 and 6 bed female only dorms, while our mixed dorms are 8 beds. Each bed booked in a dorm room comes with a locker (& free lock rental), a reading lamp, personal shelf, and use of common tables in the room.

Our private room options include singles, doubles (either with two single beds or a double bed), and the deluxe Sunny Room with king sized bed, which includes a balcony overlooking our urban oasis courtyard.

All private rooms have a television and en-suite bathroom with shower (including soap and shampoo dispensers). There is also a kettle and coffee mugs. Lastly, every private room has a large window and opaque curtains to let in natural light during the day, while also allowing you to keep out the light while you sleep.

Please note that while private rooms include towels, dorm beds do not. Full size shower towels can be purchased at reception for 25 RMB.

Lastly, to help ensure your time in Kunming starts off right, if you give our reception ample notice before you arrive, they can arrange a free train station pick-up for you.