FindYourStay
πŸŽ’Backpackers

Where to Stay in Hohhot

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

πŸ›‘οΈ SafeπŸ’° Budget: CNY 250/dayπŸš‡ Good Transitβ˜€οΈ Best: Apr, May, Sep

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Hohhot

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

Qiaoxi District (Old Town)

The historic core, characterized by older architecture and a slower pace of life.

Our top picks in Qiaoxi District (Old Town)

✨
Hohhot Old Town Inn$

Offers a glimpse into traditional architecture with comfortable rooms.

Book Now
🏨
Grand Hotel Hohhot$$

A well-established hotel offering good value and amenities.

Book Now
🏠
Hohhot Youth Hostel$

A budget-friendly option for backpackers and solo travelers.

Book Now
πŸ›‘οΈ Generally safe during the day;...Budgetculturefoodies
View Hotels in Qiaoxi District (Old Town)

Xincheng District (New City)

The modern administrative and commercial heart, offering wide avenues and contemporary facilities.

Our top picks in Xincheng District (New City)

🏨
Shangri-La Hotel, Hohhot$$$

A well-regarded international hotel offering premium comfort and amenities.

Book Now
🏨
InterContinental Hohhot$$$

Offers luxurious rooms and dining options, known for its service.

Book Now
🏨
Novotel Hohhot$$

A reliable choice for comfort and convenience, located in a central area.

Book Now
πŸ›‘οΈ Generally safe during the day ...Mid-rangefirst-timersbusiness travelers
View Hotels in Xincheng District (New City)

Saihan District (South)

A developing area with a mix of residential zones, some commercial activity, and proximity to natural attractions.

Our top picks in Saihan District (South)

🏨
Hohhot Tianze International Hotel$$

A modern hotel in a developing area, offering good facilities.

Book Now
🏨
Pudong Hotel Hohhot$$

Offers comfortable rooms and standard amenities for travelers.

Book Now
πŸ›‘οΈ Safe with typical urban precau...Mid-rangefamiliesnature lovers
View Hotels in Saihan District (South)

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

NeighbourhoodBudgetVibeBest For
#1Qiaoxi District (Old Town)
BudgetThe historic core, characterized by older architecture and a slower pace of life.
culturefoodies
Xincheng District (New City)
Mid-rangeThe modern administrative and commercial heart, offering wide avenues and contemporary facilities.
first-timersbusiness travelers
Saihan District (South)
Mid-rangeA developing area with a mix of residential zones, some commercial activity, and proximity to natural attractions.
familiesnature lovers
🏨

Find budget-friendly hostels in Hohhot

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Tips for Backpackers in Hohhot

πŸ›οΈ

Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Hohhot. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

🚢

Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

πŸ†“

Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

πŸ’§

Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

πŸ—ΊοΈ

Find free walking tours in Hohhot

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Hohhot

1

Qiaoxi District (Old Town)

Budget

The historic core, characterized by older architecture and a slower pace of life.

culturefoodiesbudgetcouples
  • +Rich historical and cultural sites
  • +Authentic local atmosphere
  • +Abundant street food and local eateries
  • -Infrastructure can be dated
  • -Fewer modern amenities
2

Xincheng District (New City)

Mid-range

The modern administrative and commercial heart, offering wide avenues and contemporary facilities.

first-timersbusiness travelersluxury
  • +Good infrastructure and modern amenities
  • +Convenient for business
  • +Access to shopping and dining
  • -Can feel less historically authentic
  • -Less green space compared to older areas
3

Saihan District (South)

Mid-range

A developing area with a mix of residential zones, some commercial activity, and proximity to natural attractions.

familiesnature loversdigital nomads
  • +Quieter and more residential feel
  • +Access to parks and green spaces
  • +Emerging commercial areas
  • -Further from major historical sites
  • -Public transport can be less frequent

Daily Budget (Budget)

CNY 250/day

Hohhot International Youth Hostel dorm bedCNY 60
Local noodle soup and steamed buns from a street vendorCNY 40
Several bus rides within the cityCNY 20
Visit Inner Mongolia Museum (free entry)CNY 0
Explore the Dazhao Temple complexCNY 30
Wander through the Hohhot People's ParkCNY 0
Dinner of Mongolian dumplings (Jiaozi)CNY 50
Snack on local dairy products (e.g., cheese, yogurt)CNY 50
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Hohhot

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🍜

Hohhot Food Street

FREE

Experience the vibrant local culinary scene at this bustling street lined with diverse food stalls and small restaurants. It's the perfect spot to sample authentic Inner Mongolian snacks and dishes.

foodXincheng District

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Hohhot

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city
1

Hohhot Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Hohhot on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details
Local street food and cuisine
2

Hohhot Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Hohhot with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details
Famous museum and attraction entrance
3

Best of Hohhot: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Hohhot's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details
Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from Hohhot: Scenic Excursion

Escape Hohhot for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details
Local cultural experience and traditions
5

Hohhot Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Hohhot's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.

⚠️

1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Hohhot

Backpackers in Hohhot: FAQ

What is the best area in Hohhot for backpackers?
Qiaoxi District (Old Town) is our top pick for backpackers in Hohhot. The historic core, characterized by older architecture and a slower pace of life. It is a budget-friendly area known for culture, foodies, budget.
Is Hohhot safe for backpackers?
Hohhot is rated "safe" overall. Main streets and commercial areas are well-lit and safe. Stick to busy areas; quieter residential streets can be deserted. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.
How much does it cost per day in Hohhot for backpackers?
Expect to spend around CNY 250 per day in Hohhot as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.
When is the best time for backpackers to visit Hohhot?
The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.
Where are the cheapest hostels in Hohhot?
The most affordable hostels in Hohhot are typically found in Qiaoxi District (Old Town). Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

Found your hotel in Hohhot?

We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage PrivΓ©. Most people save 14-23%.

Find cheapest price
Booking.comExpediaSecret EscapesVoyage PrivΓ©+25 more including members-only

Plan Your Perfect Hohhot Trip

Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.

Day-by-day planHotel picksTour recommendationsBudget breakdown