Find Hotels in Yuanyang, China

I was in touch with Jacky before my trip and he was very helpful in arranging for a shared pickup from the train station to the lodge. The room is basic but clean and has electric blankets. However, hot water may be sporadic when the guests are all using the bath at peak hours. They also serve affordable and delicious meals at the lodge, and have helpers to help with the luggage as it is located down a steep flight of stairs from the main carpark. I would wish to have more time to ask Jacky questions about YuanYang, but he is super busy with guests all the time. Nevertheless, I did enjoy my time here and would recommend it for it’s value.

First of all, Yuanyang is a little piece of heaven with spectacular rice terraces so grand it is difficult not to have a nice view. So when we walked into Flowers, we were immediately awed by the view. Not to say that the house didn't impress because it was equally impressive. I love wood and big windows so I may be partial. All these combined with a charming host, CC and his uncle, this place is a keeper. I wish I weren't staying only for the night. It is a place where one would just be happy to hang around. The house, beautifully designed, coupled with the spectacular view spells relaxation – a definite stress buster. The rooms were clean, beds firm and blanket thick and comfortable. The bathroom, although amenities such as soap and shampoo were not provided (so make sure to bring your own) and quite small, was functional and beautifully designed. Dinner was simple local fare and breakfast was a choice between Chinese or Western. I had noodle soup while the rest had eggs and bacon. Both prepared well and coffee was wonderful.

This hostel is an ideal location for exploring around the rice terraces in this area. Even if you don't have a car, you can walk through the surrounding Hani villages and see magnificent views all around. The hostel itself is located at the end of a small village, of which you have to walk through winding pathways to find. We were lucky that one of the hostel owners met us at the entrance to the village when we first arrived so that we could be guided to the hostel. It is quite a maze, at first, and I definitely recommend calling the hostel and asking them to meet you when you arrive. It is a very idyllic spot, however, and staying at this hostel almost feels like staying on a farm in the middle of rural China. Definitely an experience worth having! The rooms were very clean and comfortable. The food offered (breakfast and/or dinner) was a bit pricey, perhaps, but they always use fresh ingredients from their vegetable garden/animal stock. You will definitely get a taste of the authentic local dishes from eating at this hostel. The only issues we had was being promised duck for dinner, and instead getting served chicken (there was a mix-up on which bird to slaughter, I believe). But because of this, we were given a discount. Also, we had some issues with the hot water, which seemed to be unreliable. However, while mid-shower, my friend ran down to tell them the water had turned cold suddenly and it was immediately fixed. Also, as the hostel is more or less on a farm of its own, the many wandering roosters have a bad habit of waking you up around 6am every morning. So maybe it would be best not to stay for too many nights, if that sort of thing bothers you. Otherwise, this hostel only added to an amazing experience among the beautiful rice terraces and we would definitely stay here again if we ever return.