Q: I appreciate if you could suggest the cheapest accomodations where I don't need to rely so much on transportation in Guilin, China, preferably for back packers. Thanks.

If you want stay in Guilin on the cheap side, you may consider the local youth hostels. There are quite a few of them around. Conditions may not be ideal, but that's part of the backpack travel. One possibility is Wada Hostel (in Chinese, Wadang Qingnian Lvshe). It is located at No. 212 Huancheng Xi Yi Lu (No. 212 Beltway West First Road). Costs range from 25 to 130 Chinese dollars, shared or exclusive bathroom, depending on how many travelers to a room. About 10 minutes walk to public transportation. Phone 0773-2154888, 0773-2154999; email wadahostel@yahoo.com.

Flowers Youth Hostel (Huamanlou Qingnian Lvshe) is a little distance northeast of Wada Hostel. It is about 100 meters from Guilin Railway Station, and about half a km from Guilin Long Distance Bus Station. Bunker beds, comparable prices, free internet, etc. Address is No. 6 Shangzhi Lane, Block 2, South Zhongshan Road. Phone 0773-3839625, 0773-3845275.

Guilin Backstreet Youth Hostel (Guilin Houjie Qingnian Lvshe), located on the bank of Li River, a few minutes walk from the Elephant Hill Park. Also close to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street. Comparable prices. Location is good; conditions and services may not be all that great. Address, No 3 Renmin Rd., Guilin , Guangxi, China 541001; phone 0773-2819936, 2827116; email guilinhostel@hotmail.com.

Dozycat Youth Hostel (lanmao Qingnian Lvshe). Location seems a little off, but service seems all right. Transportation, 10 yuan or so from railway station or long distance bus station. City bus station is about 300 meters away. Address, No.13 North Liumashan Lane, Guilin, Guangxi, China 541001. Tel 773-5657548, 2861086. Email, dozycat@yahoo.cn, msn gldozycat@hotmail.com.

In Yangshuo, there is Yangshuo West Street International Youth Hostel (Yangshuo Xijie Guoji Qingnian Lvshe). Xijie or West Street is a gathering spot for travelers to Yangshuo, with a large number of restaurants and bars. Cost 30-150 Chinese dollars. Address, No.102 West street Yangshuo,Guilin, China 541900. Phone, 0086 773-8820933, fax 0086 773-8820988, email yangshuoyha@yahoo.com.cn.

Also in Yangshuo, Yangshuo Li River Hostel (Yangshuo Lijiang Qingnian Lvshe), also known as Yangshuo Yongshengfu Hostel. It is about 15 minutes' walk from Yangshuo Long Distance Bus Station, about 300 meters from Xijie (West Street). Cost range is 30-150 Chinese dollars. For a few bucks one can take a motorcycle ride from the bus station to the hostel, but they say they can also pick you up at the bus station. Address is No. 25 Binjiang Road, Yangshuo, Guangxi, China 541900. Contact, Tel:+86-0773-6919876/6919826, Fax:+86-0773-6919876, Email:yhaliriver@yahoo.com.cn.

There are other places you can consider; these are just examples. You'll find quite some foreign travelers in Guilin and Yangshuo, including backpackers, so you won't be alone. Don't expect too much as hostels are hostels. If you're willing to spend over a hundred or more yuan a night, you can get a room to yourself, in a hostel or in a standard hotel.