BEIJING -- area code (86-10)

Kelvin's Studio Apartments Central Beijing, Utopia Map, 130-5133-6528, FAX 6703-7797, email. Absolute privacy in a great location near shopping, the subway, and a short cab ride from everything. Located right behind the New World Shopping Center in a secure, gated community. Absolutely no frills (buy your own toilet paper and soap at the nearby 7/11). Low cost budget accommodation for independent travelers. Studio rooms have queen or twin beds, kitchenette, hot water pot, small private bath with hot shower. Free broadband Wi-Fi. Fridge, TV, water heater, electric cooker, sheets and linen, and aircon. English speaking landlord. Personal tour guide with car may also be arranged for Beijing sightseeing. Your local friends can easily rendezvous with you at the Starbucks on the sidewalk in front. Close to Chongwenmen subway station, one subway stop from Tiananmen Square/Forbidden City and Beijing Railway Station. Utopia Member Discount

Comments from Utopians:

"Simple, clean and a great place to stay during my visit. It was conveniently located and very quiet for a good night sleep. Loved it and would recommend it to anyone who wants simple, inexpensive accommodation in Beijing." -- prgwm34, Sep 5, 2009

Comments from Utopians:

"Staying in the new Hotel G here in Beijing and it's fantastic. As the name suggests, it's very gay! Boutique design hotel, right behind Destination, subtle light Japanese restaurant... everything our PLU love! The room is very decent sized, poshly decorated and quiet (the hotel is on a side street). The breakfast is a half buffet with freshly prepared eggs, which comes slow but very tasty. All in all, very very nice!" -- christopheg, Apr 22, 2009

GUANGZHOU (Guangdong Province)
-- area code (86-20)

• Guangdong Victory Hotel
  53 Shamian Rd, 8121-6688, FAX 8121-6062. Perfect location on beautiful Shamian historical island with easy access to/from the city by taxi. The hotel has both a main branch, with beautiful executive rooms with safe and free Internet, and a nearby annex inside a heritage building near the park. Breakfast is US$6 and has a very good selection of foreign and Chinese foods to choose from. Staff are impressive: security writes down the license plate of every taxi that drops you off or picks you up; bellboys speak English and are extremely helpful, as are the desk staff. 7-11 just around the corner to stock up your mini-fridge. No problem for same sex couples if you book a double room.
• Sunshine Men's Club
  (See Guangzhou Sauna listings) is in a hotel for business travelers. Clean, with modern bathrooms and not expensive. Foreigners must bring a passport to check in, as with any other hotel. No problem with guests.

Harbin / Haerbin (Heilongjiang Province) -- area code (86-451)

• Tie Hai Hotel (Iron Sea Hotel)
  117 Hai Cheng Jie (near the train station), Nan Gang Qu, 366-6647. Known as an inexpensive place that is popular with tongzhi (gays). 铁海旅馆 : 南岗区海城街117号

HONG KONG -- area code (852)

Comments from Utopians:

"DON'T stay at the Ocean Guest House. GAWD what a place. It's cheap but YOU feel cheap staying there! And the bathroom is no bigger than 3X4!" -- Sekjr, May 24, 2009

Lijiang (Yunnan Province) -- area code (86-8891)

• Home 古城第一家
  30 Guangbixiang, Guangyijie, 888-518-6023, FAX 888-512-0322, email. A lesbian-owned and managed high-end boutique hotel in the old town of Lijiang. Very clean, peaceful and comfortable, with free Internet access, bar/entertainment room and a beautiful courtyard to sit around in. A G&L retreat for fellow comrades around the world. Utopia Member Discount 丽江古城光义街光碧巷30

NANJING (Jiangsu Province) -- area code (86-25)

• Zhongshan Hotel
  200 Zhongshan Rd, 8336-1888. Good central downtown location from which all attractions are a short taxi ride away. Executive rooms are huge with free Internet, king size bed, and living room set. No smoking rooms available. Clean and plush. Bathroom is large with separate shower and tub. Breakfast is fairly good, but mostly Asian flavors (there's a McDonald's next door if you really have to). Room safe is too small, but will hold most valuables. No problem for same-sex couples if you book a double room.

SHANGHAI -- area code (86-21)

• Astor House (Pujiang Hotel)
  15 Huangpu Rd, Utopia Map, 6324-6388. Shanghai's classic heritage hotel. Established in 1846 during the Qing Dynasty. Now retrofitted with modern rooms that maintain the heritage ambiance. Great location just minutes walk from The Bund and opposite the Russian Embassy. Easy to get taxis to and from. Large room safe for laptops and free Internet in executive rooms. Breakfast is OK, but the overlit dining room loops the same song by the Chinese Kenny G over and over. If you can, get a peek at their famous Peacock Ballroom and imagine the swinging Shanghai parties that took place there once upon a time. No problem for same-sex couples if you book a double room.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Crowne Plaza is right in the heart of the gaybourhood and there are at least four gay bars within walking distance of the hotel." -- ecyc02, Aug 13, 2009

  "I booked the Metropole Hotel in The Bund, Utopia Map. It is one of Shanghai's classic old art deco buildings, although the interior has been modernized without much thought to period decor. Fantastic location just two blocks from the river. Low price for a mid-range hotel in this city. Expedia got me free Net in the large and comfortable room. Hotel policy states no visitors in the rooms after 11pm, but I had no problem coming back with a friend after a late night out." -- azmi, Nov 10, 2008

XIAMEN (Fujian Province) -- area code (86-592)

• Lujiang Harbourview Hotel
  54 Lujiang Rd, 202-2922. Old heritage hotel, with contemporary modern room decor, perfectly located at the start of the Zhongshan Road shopping street and opposite the ferry to Gulang Yu historical heritage island. Rooms have free Internet and ocean view rooms have balconies. In-room safe is small, but will hold most valuables. Breakfast buffet is good. No problem for same-sex couples if you book a double room. Great value and reasonable rates.