Dali li li wan xiang youth community hostel

This is a really great hostel with an amazing vibe. The rooms are also very nice and clean. I had a bad experience at a previous guesthouse in Dali, so coming here definitely improved my impression – I wish I had stayed here from the beginning! A special shout-out to the front desk guy who was incredibly helpful; he even drove us to our ride when it was raining and really cold. Much appreciated!

Environment: The environment is great, the lobby has lots of entertainment, and the front desk staff are young and friendly. Plus, there are cats and dogs! Service: The service is excellent and very thoughtful, including a shuttle service to and from the West Gate of Dali Old Town. Facilities: All the facilities you could need are available, but the power outlet by the bed doesn't allow you to turn on the light and charge your phone at the same time. The charging area is too close to the light switch, which is quite inconvenient. Hygiene: Clean and tidy.

I saw this place recommended online while planning my trip, and it really is great. It has a fantastic hostel vibe. You have to walk up a small slope to get to the entrance, and inside, they have two dogs and a cat.

Before coming to Dali, I had a feeling that Lililixiang (a hostel name) would be different from any other hostel I'd stayed in before. Usually, the hostels I've stayed at are purely for sleeping. People might chat a little, but it's mostly about rest, so comfort and quiet are the main priorities. But Lililixiang is the most unique one I've ever experienced. First, the location. Lililixiang is near the Cangshan Gate San Yue Jie in Dali, on a small hillside. It's quiet, but a little out of the way. From 9 AM to 10 PM, the owner provides a shuttle service to the foot of the hill, and from there, it's about a three-minute walk to the ancient city. However, for a solo female traveler like myself who wants to enjoy a pub and stay out late, you might need to take a taxi, which isn't expensive, around 10 yuan. Safety is something to consider. Next, the accommodation. Lililixiang has several floors. The first floor is a common area, the second, third, and fourth floors are for sleeping, and the top floor offers views, a paid washing machine, and a drying area. What I found a bit challenging was that the bathroom is inside the room and the door doesn't have a lock. This compromises privacy a bit, and without a door for soundproofing, I worried about disturbing roommates. The common area has many sections: billiards, table tennis, desks, dining tables, and a karaoke area (I really wanted to sing, but I left before I got comfortable enough with everyone). There's also a water dispenser, kitchen, and more. The common area is large and very convenient, and people usually hang out there. The owner stops noisy activities at 11 PM, so it doesn't disturb those sleeping. Finally, the atmosphere, which many people might be curious about. My stay was short this time, so I didn't fully experience it. Friends who stayed longer can add their comments. Last night, I met some international guests, and as someone who practices speaking English whenever and wherever possible, I went up and chatted with them. Others joined in too. I found that everyone had been to so many different places and countries, all traveling solo. I've always wanted to travel abroad by myself, but I always worry about this and that. I feel that everyone from all corners of the world shared experiences I haven't had, and it truly inspired me. Bonus: pictures of cats and dogs. A special thanks to the owner who helped me transport my luggage to the foot of the hill after I checked out. So incredibly thoughtful.

I had to switch to this hostel because of issues with my original B&B, and honestly, it completely changed my negative impression of Dali. This place is perfect for taking it easy. There are two adorable cats and a friendly, lively dog. In the basement courtyard, you can relax and listen to the rustling leaves. Inside, there's a common room where you can play billiards, board games, or just lounge on the super soft and comfy sofa cushions by yourself. The first-floor terrace connects directly to the ground level, and in the mornings, the sunlight streams into the lobby through its floor-to-ceiling windows. It made me truly feel like this is what life should be. The third floor has an open balcony with two lounge chairs, great for looking down at the ground below or lying back and watching the sky. On the fourth floor, there's laundry, and you can also enjoy the night view. The dorm rooms have en-suite showers and toilets, which is very convenient. Each bunk has a privacy curtain, providing enough shade for sleeping. If I had to pick a downside, it would be that the hostel is located a bit high up, so carrying luggage can be tiring. However, the hostel offers a shuttle service on the hour, which helps mitigate this issue.

The hostel staff were really helpful, and they offer a shuttle service to and from the old town. It's a great place to meet new people and have fun. The auntie who cooks here makes amazing food! Plus, there are two adorable Alaskan Malamutes named Latte and Xibei, and a bunch of cute little kittens.

This hostel is right at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, very close to the cable car entrance! The overall vibe is great. The first floor has board games, a ping-pong table, and even a singing area. If you're a little outgoing, you can meet lots of interesting people! They have communal meals every day, and the food is really good! Plus, the hygiene is excellent! Auntie comes to clean every day. The owner is also very nice and approachable. There are two adorable big dogs and a few little cats. This trip was a bit rushed, so I didn't get a chance to properly meet the animals, but I'll definitely do that next time!