Competition is keen.

Touts stand at the doorway of every inn, who excitedly waylay the traveller and cry the merits of their houses.

At the counter inside the entrance, piles of pukais (the warm Chinese bedding), are stacked for hire--few of the travellers carry their own bedding.

The inns are sufficiently comfortable.

The bedrooms are in one or two stories and are arranged round one or more, or a succession of courts.