Hostels in Xinjiang, China

Whenever I return to Yining, this hostel is always my first choice. You can easily team up with other guests to explore, and the host even organizes excursions. It's perfect for students, backpackers, or long-term travelers on a budget, allowing you to save money that can be spent on richer travel experiences. The front desk's chalkboard or their WeChat group is regularly updated with real-time travel info, which is far more practical than any guidebook.

I enjoyed my first day here so much that I decided to extend my stay for another night. I've been traveling in Xinjiang for ten days, and my trip to Northern Xinjiang is winding down. When I transit through Urumqi on my next trip to Southern Xinjiang, I'll definitely book Shahai again. The ambiance is pleasant, and the facilities are quite modern. However, some cabinet locks are broken and should be repaired promptly.

It was our first night in china and I immediately fell in love with the host and the location. The atmosphere is amazing, the spirits are near and you accepted as a part of the group the moment you step into it. The host showed us the greatest noodle palace I have ever seen and it’s around the corner. There is an intense party district within 15 minutes of walking. All your wishes will come true in Kailash! Would book again and already thinking about returning in the future. 10/10 would highly recommend.

The accommodation is generally good, but there are two minor points. 1. When asking the staff how much the minimum extension fee is, the staff said 80, but it is 75 yuan when booked online. It is not reasonable to point out this situation. The female staff member was very loud and emotional and repeatedly said to the resident: I am just a worker, I don’t know much; some people even booked more than 90, why don’t you say; if you think it is cheaper online, go and book online, don’t ask me to book. This is not a normal staff at all, the basic work quality should be; there should be no emotions in life, but they should not be brought into work; 2. In summer, it is normal to have some mosquitoes in the room. The mosquitoes here may bite cattle and horses. People can’t stand it when they are bitten, and the swelling is very big. Go to the hospital; Youth Hostel does not have any medicine, and it is recommended that subsequent residents bring their own mosquito repellent and other medicines;

Nice location which is 4 min walk from the West gate (cars are not allowed in the ancient city area so being close to the gate would be an advantage). A lot of shops and restaurants just downstairs where you can get everything you need. Easy to wander around the ancient town as well. The dormitory bed and the bathroom is nice and clean. There is activity at night to socialise. Staff are nice and helpful. Will recommend this!

Great hostel to stay at for a short trip to Kashgar! It’s close enough to the Ancient City (about a half hour walk) and easy to get to both the railway station and airport by bus. The amenities here are great with good lounge areas, free laundry, place to hang laundry, and a kitchen! The bathroom situation isn’t great thought because the shower is right over a squat toilet. Also this isn’t the cleanest tidiest hostel with rubbish overflowing and and luggage strewn around the reception area. It’s not a big issue but be aware the hostel is definitely not as nice as the photos!

Ella is a conscientious and gracious host who has cultivated a warm and fun environment. I had a great experience sleeping in the comfortable dorm which was a very fair price by China standards as well. Facilities are new and clean. I slept well on a comfy bed in a relatively quiet neighborhood that’s still very close to the ancient city. Also you can take a taxi directly to her Homestay whereas in the ancient city you have to carry your bags at least a few hundred meters from taxi drop off. Ella was patient and answered all of my touristic questions while caring for the other guests too. Also she often prepares a potluck meal for a fair price. I met many interesting travellers here too so if you are looking for a good base to rest that meets your social and touristic needs as well Ella’s home is the place for you. Probably my favorite hostel in my month in China. Shame I have to leave. The private rooms look quite cozy as well

Luggage storage was just kept in the open at the busy front desk, which felt quite insecure. The bunk curtain wasn't long enough to fully block out light and was also very thin/translucent. The lockable locker provided for luggage in the room was tiny. There was no light within the bunk itself. The small fan with a light they provided was dead. The bed was the hardest I've ever slept on in any hostel. There were only two communal bathrooms per floor, which were combined shower, sink, and toilet facilities – and consequently very damp. The only upsides were its excellent location and decent value for money. That's pretty much it.

I stayed here alone for four nights (August 27-30, 2025) while participating in the Urumqi Marathon. Each room features 3 to 4 single bunk beds. Rooms and shared bathrooms are separated by gender. The beds were clean, with fresh linens provided for each guest. There's also a common area. Seeing I was an older guest, the staff thoughtfully assigned me a lower bunk and even helped me connect my phone to the Wi-Fi. Due to its affordable price, this hostel attracts many guests; it was fully booked, especially on the night of the 30th. On the afternoon of the 31st, I returned late and still needed to shower, but the staff was very accommodating. Thumbs up for C'est La Vie Youth Hostel! If I have the opportunity to visit Urumqi again in the future, I wouldn't hesitate to stay here.

The location is great. The shower and toilet at 2nd floor need to be clean regularly. Also it helps to put curtains at both the entrance/exit because when you take shower, the wind/ cold air really send shivers down your spine. Please please fix the door at 209, 211. When you want to close the door from the outside, you have to pull to shut it and the bang can wake up the whole neighborhood.