Xinhui Hostel

Emma Guesthouse gave me a spectacular three-night stay. Finding it can be a little confusing because the listed address isn't right. Go to the location here, then walk to the next street on the right. There's a sign just before the bus station on the main street. If you're unsure, ask anyone, they know where it is. Emma speaks spectacular English and was incredibly friendly and helpful, far beyond what I'd expect from a hostel owner. On my first day she showed me around town and explained its history. For days two and three, she helped me plan the schedule, find the buses to the national parks, and buy tickets ahead if needed. On my last day she kindly invited me to dinner with her friends. As a foreigner, that's an experience I don't think we'd usually get in China. The guesthouse is clean and well located, and the rooms and bathrooms are cleaned daily. Its restaurant serves good Chinese and Western food at good prices. Emma even got up very early to make me breakfast on both days I went to the parks. I'm very grateful and recommend this place to locals and foreigners looking for an authentic, fun stay in Songpan.

We stopped for a short stay on the way to Huanglong. Emma and her family were warm, helpful hosts, with great advice for getting to Huanglong and then Jiuzhaigou. It's a lovely hostel with a lot of warm history.