HG*Waerdaiguanhanqing
Shanjian Xiaoyin Hostel
I stayed at Shanjian Xiaoyin Hostel in Hangzhou while running the marathon, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. Located within Qingzhiyu Scenic Area, just a short distance from the starting point at Huanglong Gymnasium, the location couldn’t be more convenient—whether by metro or taxi, getting around was easy. The property itself feels like a peaceful retreat tucked into nature, with a fresh, minimalist decor that’s both calming and stylish. Rooms are clean, well-equipped, and thoughtfully designed. Right outside the door is a lively little street where you can grab meals, stroll, or pick up snacks—everything you need is within walking distance. The host was incredibly kind and helpful, offering great local food recommendations that turned out to be spot-on: every dish we tried was delicious and reasonably priced. After finishing the race, traffic delays meant I arrived after check-out time, but the host never once rushed me—just said it was totally fine, which made me feel so appreciated. A small heads-up: weekends can get a bit busy in the scenic area, so if you’re heading straight to the train station, expect some congestion. Luckily, the shop owner right next door offers a 20 RMB electric scooter ride to the nearest metro station—super practical! Also, the hostel doesn’t serve breakfast, but there’s a tiny gem just across the road: a family-run hand-pulled noodle shop run by an Anhui chef. Open at 5 AM, their noodles are amazing—springy, flavorful, and served with steamed buns, soup dumplings, congee, and dumplings. Perfect fuel for early mornings. Across the street, Niu Shanjin Yellow Beef Hot Pot is another must-try—the beef mixed rice is legendary, a true post-race recovery meal. Just go early—they sell out fast! Overall, this stay exceeded expectations in every way. If I run the Hangzhou Marathon again, I’ll definitely book here again.
