Homestays in Gansu, China

The boss was very enthusiastic. I contacted him one day in advance and waited for us at the station early the next morning. The accommodation was close to the East Gate. We said we were going to Crescent Lake and Mingsha Mountain. The boss took the initiative to drive us to the Middle Gate, saying that we could save 20 yuan on the shuttle bus fare. The next day, we signed up for a tour group to go out and play. The boss also sent us to the boarding point early in the morning. The boss was afraid that it would be inconvenient to go back after the Crescent Lake Music Festival, so he also came to pick us up, making our travel very convenient. The accommodation environment is also very good, and the steamed bun for breakfast is particularly large.

The best aspect of this stay was by far the owner. He was incredibly, incredibly helpful and friendly — from the moment I walked in the door he offered me a cup of tea, then provided tea and bread the next morning for breakfast, offered advice on what to see in the area, arranged a car to take me to Dalzong Lake, and finally even found me a spot on a local minibus going to my next destination. I couldn’t have done half the things I did during my stay in Xiahe without his advice and efforts on my behalf, so that alone made staying here fully worthwhile! It’s worth mentioning that the guesthouse’s architecture is also absolutely beautiful, and everything looks quite new. It’s located down a quiet side alley off of one of the main commercial streets in town, which seems like the ideal placement. On the accommodations: I stayed in one of the two tents erected on the second floor of the guesthouse. This was largely quite a good experience! The bed was very comfortable (with a heated pad), water and towels provided, etc. The tents are not in a closed-off area, but rather on the second floor/balcony area that also is used for sitting, serving tea, etc., so privacy is somewhat limited, but the whole guesthouse is relatively quiet anyway so it doesn’t feel like a public space. My only suggestions for improvement would be related to the bathroom: during my stay, the shared bathroom for the tents was a sort of temporary-style booth installed in the corner of the room with a toilet, sink, and showerhead. The bathroom was very clean and everything inside worked well, but its sliding door separated from the wall enough that there was always a substantial enough space on one side or the other that could be seen through (the door also didn’t lock and slid back and forth easily). The booth was also small enough that, realistically, I think it would be a bit of a challenge to actually use it to shower. If possible it might be worth looking into some simple fixes to improve these situations, but otherwise I have no complaints!

This was my first stop in China and I’m so happy that I stayed in Dunhuang at Baibaili Hotel. I was looked after so well, the hospitality of the staff extended many times for several necessities and I’m touched by their hospitality. This will for a very long time, be my remarkable first impression of China, its people and their culture. The location is perfect if you want to stay a bit further out from town and enjoy the silence of being closer to the desert and the stunning design of the place. Beautiful and comfortable room, all the final touches refined every day and after 24 hrs of travelling; a generous fruit and snack plate that grounded me sweetly into Dunhuang upon arrival and farewelled me just after mid-autumn with a beautiful moon cake. Their communication was frequent and always made sure I had what I needed. Thank you so much Baibaili

This stay was absolutely delightful! I was initially worried about the location being a bit out of the way, so I only booked one night. To my surprise, getting a taxi on the first night was super easy, so we extended our stay. While there aren't other guesthouses right around ours, we noticed a whole street full of guesthouses nearby, which seemed crowded and noisy. At night, lying in bed, you can hear the wind brushing against the walls, but it's not loud; it actually feels like being in harmony with nature. My husband and I also went gold panning – if you find gold coins, you can exchange them for prizes. We went enthusiastically, expecting a small sandbox like in a park, but it was a massive area! **Mingsha Mountain View Afternoon Tea:** The chilled apricot peel tea was delicious. **Fengmingsha Desert Restaurant - 30% off coupon for set meals:** After we landed, the butler collected our luggage and told us hotpot was ready, just waiting for us to freshen up and eat. The lamb wasn't ***** at all, and the dipping sauce was really tasty.

If life is a never-ending journey, then the camping trip at the Desert Star Hotel is undoubtedly a highlight of my journey. When I arrived at the campsite, the first thing that attracted me was the unique tent house. Unlike regular tents, the top of the tent is made of special transparent materials, like a huge viewing platform, which builds a bridge of communication between me and the vast galaxy. As night fell, I couldn't wait to lie on the soft bed, and when I looked up, the bright starry sky was presented to me without reservation. The stars twinkled, like gems inlaid on the black sky, beautiful as a dream. At that moment, the world seemed to press the mute button, and the impetuousness and noise in my heart were instantly soothed. The unique beauty of this quietness made me intoxicated. It is worth mentioning that the hotel staff is very considerate. After placing the order, the customer service guy at the front desk added our contact information and gave us some local travel tips, which saved us a lot of time. From the warm reception at check-in, to the careful guidance during the activities, to the warm greetings at night, every detail made people feel cared for. They not only provided me with thoughtful service, but also made me feel the simplicity and enthusiasm of the desert people. This desert camping trip not only allowed me to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the desert, but also experienced exciting and interesting activities, which became an eternal and beautiful memory in my heart.

I loved the Courtyard B&B. The rural but very chic style. My room was generous, furnishing in the same traditional style. Clean throughout The reception area very attractive and provides nice secluded spaces for relaxing- working in my case) under Bamboo trees and mandala decorated glasses of the ceiling. Very peaceful. I very much appreciated the presence of a kittens with mum and a little doggie which I perceived like mascotte of the place. They were very well maintained and cared of. The stuff is very nice and helpful and we were able to understand each others in some way. I highly recommend this accomodation both for holiday and work.

Out of our 9-day trip along the Qinghai-Gansu Loop, this homestay was our family's absolute favorite. It's a place with real heart and soul, where every detail is thoughtfully considered. Even our five-year-old said he'd give this hotel 30 stars! The homestay has a great design aesthetic, and the rooms are spotless, perfectly matching the tastes and ideas of younger travelers. We always bring our own disposable toiletries when we travel, but here, everything was already provided in the room. I also really loved the landlady – she's just one of those people you instantly like, and it was so comfortable interacting with her. From the moment we checked into the homestay in Dunhuang, we had such a positive impression of the city. Even though our stay was brief, it's full of beautiful memories. When we were leaving, she found out my child liked apricots and even gave him some from her own yard, which was incredibly touching. The breakfast offered a wide variety, and it was all very enjoyable. I truly recommend this homestay if you're coming to Dunhuang. I hope everyone gets to experience the genuine warmth and hospitality during their travels here. Their raisins are also highly recommended!

This guesthouse is a hidden gem! 1. The location is super convenient, right at the west gate of Mingsha Mountain, just a 1-minute walk away. It was perfect for playing in the sand and attending the concert. 2. The desert-themed decor and furnishings are incredibly photogenic, and the hotel facilities are brand new, including smart toilets. They even have cute little kittens around! ☺ 3. It has a starry sky theme, and the owner gives amazing stargazing classes. The rooftop terrace is perfect for stargazing, and the owner even has a professional telescope. It's fantastic! 4. The breakfast is homemade by the owner. While simple, it's clean, hygienic, and tastes great. 5. The best part is the owner's service. The whole family is incredibly nice and hospitable. They helped us with our luggage, answered all of my child's astronomy questions, provided airport transfers, and even recommended local itineraries. It's just wonderful!

Staying at Shazhou Wild Luxury Camp in Dunhuang was an amazing experience. Tucked away on the edge of Mingsha Mountain, it offers private access to the vast desert. Unlike the crowded Crescent Lake scenic area, this place is tranquil and relaxing. In the evenings, we played cards in the cool shade of the terrace, watched the sunset, and then the sunrise in the mornings. At night, we could step out anytime to gaze at the starry sky and the Milky Way. It was a truly unique experience, highly recommend! Just a couple of suggestions: 1. It would be great if you could recommend a few spots and paths for sandboarding. Otherwise, kids with sandboards run around everywhere, and some dunes are too hard to slide down, wasting a lot of energy and time. 2. Could you consider installing a rope ladder to the highest dune, similar to Crescent Lake? It would make climbing much easier. Otherwise, the women and children in our group couldn't make it up, which was a shame given the beautiful views.

The B&B has a large yard, a good environment, and is surrounded by green trees. It is very close to the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake scenic area. The owner will take you to a small path, which takes less than ten minutes to reach the scenic area, which is especially convenient for watching the sunrise and sunset. The room is spacious, clean and tidy, and there is no odor. The bathroom is separated into dry and wet areas, and the spray hot water is large, so it is very comfortable to take a bath. Recommended! ! !