Prepare for trips out west by plugging yourself in to Chengdu’s small Tibetan district, which surrounds this welcoming hostel. Holly’s has bright, comfortable and four- to six- bed dorms, plus English-speaking staff, bike rentals (¥20) and a nice rooftop cafe (western and Chinese mains ¥10 to ¥50). Staff can also help with permits to Lhasa.
Discounted doubles go for as low as ¥120 in low season.