I got this tip from a fellow traveler on the bus ride to Lijiang. I prefer a private room with a bath instead of a dormitory usually. At the Camellia Hotel, I stayed 4 nights in a private room for 120 rmb/night. A cheaper alternative is the Yun Du Hotel (Chinese owned, 2 star) which is allowed to lodge foreign travelers. It is located near the long-distance bus station and train station on Beijing Lu. One night rooms are available for only 80 rmb/night.

If you like relaxing accomodation with plenty of recreational opportunities, then you should stay at the Jiudu Hotel in Yibin. There is a western restaurant, complete with international cuisine in the Oona Restaurant on the 3rd floor. Also, there is a KTV bar on the 16th floor of this hotel. Doubles start at 280RMB, and it is a far cry from your typical Chinese hotel in terms of service and quality.

Mama Naxi'sguesthouse in Lijiang offers the traveler a very inexpensive bed,as well as serving both breakfast and dinner. A dormitory bed is only 15 rmb/night and dinner is just 10 rmb for all you can eat. I was also given assistance on places to see and were to buy a cheap return bus ticket to Kunming. You can call Mama Naxi if you are wandering lost in Lijiang @ 8881012.