Shànghai: Mingtown Etour International Youth Hostel

Lonely Planet Review

Things have much improved at this epicentral youth hostel just west of People's Square. Virtually at Shànghai's geographic heart, the Etour shacks up in a historic building along a quiet alley with access to the underground a few minutes' stroll away.

Overlooked by the rocket of Tomorrow Square, Etour brings you close to both sides of Shànghai -its modern, dynamic architecture and its quainter, small-scale alley charms. There's a traditional bird and flower market street out front. New management has successfully expelled shortfalls and the youth hostel is now a presentable, clued-up place where backpackers can feel at home. The courtyard is a small oasis of calm while the rooftop terrace adds a much-needed air to a rather constricted space. Check rooms first as some are very small, with bathroom shared between rooms. Dorms, doubles and shower areas are clean, staff are helpful, there's free internet at a handful of terminals and staff can rustle up air and train tickets. Etour can be tricky to find - it's tucked away in the first corner as you head west along Jiangyin Rd next to a narrow alleyway - look for the signs.

Damian Harper
Lonely Planet author

Hostelworld Description

The Mingtown Etour Hostel is located in the most developed city in China � Grand Shanghai! It's conveniently located at the center of the city � right in the People's Square district.

The entire hostel is built in old-fashioned Shanghai residential style, and the flat construction design distinguishes it from skyscraper hotels. It has its own central courtyard as an open area for guest activities. The building�s traditional brick fa�ade suits the surroundings well, and opens directly onto the cultural attractions of one of Shanghai�s Nong Tong (old-style narrow streets).

The hostel holds 20 standard rooms and over one hundred bunk beds. Onsite facilities include a full service restaurant, bar, self-service laundry, common area internet terminals, as well as a business center. All staff members speak moderate English, and are familiar with tourism points of interest and travel information. The hostel is also pleased to help guests with making travel arrangements and reservations.

An abundance of famous sightseeing attractions are within walking distance. Within five minutes walk, you can reach the Nanjing Road pedestrian shopping district, the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Development Center, City Hall, and Grand Theater. Within 25 minutes, you can visit the Yuyuan Garden, The Bund, and the Temple of Culture. On special occasions, you can even watch fireworks and national holiday ceremonies right from the hostel balcony!

Dorm bunk beds suit a crowd--Young Travellers
Please remember to bring passport with you when you come here.
Please inform us in advance if there is sth.changed in your booking such as date change or cancell,via mail or phone.

If you book over 1 bed, we may not be srue that you all could be arranged in the same room. But we will try our best definitely.

Only crash , no POS

Please inform us your new arrival time by phone if you arrive later than the scheduled time on your booking, (we will hold your booking till 6pm if you do not note your arrival time) or else your booking would be cancelled automatically.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to write mail to us. Note the hostel name !

Hot shower time: 24 hours!( Please prepare toiletries for yourself.)

Work Hour: 7：00-1:00(next morning)