At the 46th International Youth Hostel Conference held in Davos, Switzerland, China was presented as one of the formal members of International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF). Chinese youth hostels are now included in the international booking network of the IYHF. IYHF member cards will be distributed in China as well.

A Youth Hostel in Yangshuo, Guangxi Province. Photo: wshl.fotolog.com.cn

The attractions to youth hostels, such as low price, safety and tidiness, have helped Chinese youth hostels develop at a rapid pace. At last count, there are between 80 to 90 international youth hostels around China. Shanghai alone has six of them. At this time of year during summer vacation, the Shanghai youth hostels have an almost 80 to 90% occupancy rate.

According to Liu Zhaoxiang, an official at the Chinese branch of IYHF, some unpleasant phenomena such as hotels arbitrarily putting "youth" in front of their own names to attract customers illegally will be controlled by the cooperation of chinese youth hostels and IYHF. The Chinese branch of the IYHF will work together with Chinese commercial and industrial administrations to beat any illicit activities taking place and to give more reliable developing surroundings to the collaboration of Chinese youth hostels and IYHF.