One of the most challenging aspects of any trip abroad is figuring out where to stay. This is a greater challenge when it comes to major cities like Beijing, where there is so much variety and wonder around every corner. The common question when planning a trip to this modern marvel is, where is the best area to stay in Beijing?
In this article, we highlight where to stay in Beijing for different travellers. We showcase the best Beijing neighbourhoods for first-time visitors and tourists as well as discuss the best place to stay for nightlife in Beijing. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or a business traveller on a luxury trip, we also suggest some areas in Beijing that will suit your needs.
Beijing is a huge city and our recommendations will help you narrow down your search, so read on to discover the best locations for your next Beijing adventure.
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When you arrive in Beijing for the first time it is easy to get overwhelmed by the bustling streets and immense sightseeing opportunities. With so much to do, finding the best location in Beijing for a tourist trip can feel challenging. Fortunately, there is an area of Beijing that is perfect for first-time visitors and eager tourists who want to be close to the top attractions.
Situated in the central Dongcheng district in Beijing, Wangfujing is undoubtedly the best place to stay for tourists. It is a bustling hub filled with different shops and entertainment which make it the perfect place for your first visit to Beijing. What’s more, its central location means it is just a short walk from all of the top attractions in Beijing and other famous landmarks.
Wangfujing is known as one of the best shopping streets in Beijing. The prosperity of the area can be seen in its excellent offering of luxury and international brands, which will feel familiar if it is your first time visiting Beijing. The main shopping street stretches along 1.6 km between Changan Avenue and the National Art Museum of China.
On Wangfujing Street, you can also find traditional stores that sell local commodities which is a great way to explore Beijing’s fascinating culture. We suggest you stop in at Gongmei Mansion which is the main shopping centre for crafts and jewellery.
Likewise, there is a range of restaurants and eateries in Wangfujing serving Chinese delicacies as well as international flavours. One of the best things about staying in Wangfujing is that you can explore Wangfujing Snack Street. Here you will find over 500 different stalls offering a variety of cuisines, including local staples, be sure to try steamed rice cakes and roasted scorpion.
Wangfujing has several hotels near the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square which makes sightseeing a breeze. You can take a short walk to reach these sites or utilise the efficient public transport networks to explore downtown Beijing. You can also get a taxi but it can be hard to hail one during weekdays.
There are a variety of places to stay in Wangfujing that cater to different budgets and travel styles. Below we highlight some top picks for places to stay in Wangfujing that will make your first time in Beijing spectacular.
Nestled in the heart of the Wangfujing commercial area, Sunworld Hotel is the perfect place to stay in Beijing for tourists. It is just a 5-minute walk from Dengshikou Subway Station and is surrounded by shopping malls and restaurants. The property is gorgeously decorated and features a booking service at the front desk where you can arrange tours and guides.
If you’re looking for modern luxury in Wangfujing, there’s no better choice than Park Plaza Beijing. This brilliant hotel is just a few steps away from Dengshikou Subway Station and about a 13-minute drive from the centre of Beijing. The stylish interior and convenient location make it a great place to stay for your first time in Beijing.
While it may not be the main reason people choose to visit, the nightlife in Beijing is especially spirited. There is no better place to dive into Beijing nightlife than Sanlitun, a vibrant area in the northeastern Chaoyang district.
In Sanlitun, visitors will find a wonderful selection of bars and entertainment with both local and international influences. In this electric environment, you will discover trendy cocktail lounges, laidback craft beer bars and even some thrumming nightclubs. For a more relaxed evening, you can lounge in one of the many beer gardens or listen to live music in bars like Modernista, which focuses on blues and jazz.
One of the best compliments to the varied nightlife in Sanlitun are the late-night eateries and street food stalls. After a night of partying, you can enjoy delicious meals and snacks which will give you that boost you need after a few drinks.
While it is very popular with locals, there is also a strong expat community that enjoys Sanlitun. As a result, English is commonly spoken in many establishments which makes it a great place to visit for foreigners. If you are an LGBTQ+ traveller, you will be pleased to know that Sanlitun is very inclusive and has bars which cater to diverse communities as well as the mainstream.
There are a range of places to stay in Sanlitun that make it one of the best locations in Beijing for travellers looking for a party vibe. Below, we highlight some of our top recommendations for hotels in Beijing that are within Sanlitun.
Situated in the heart of the district, CHAO Sanlitun Beijing is the best place to stay if you want to explore Beijing’s nightlife. It is just a 3-minute walk away from some of the best shopping and dining in Sanlitun and Tuanjiehu Metro Station. When you stay in CHAO Sanlitun you get exclusive access to unique events and can enjoy the two restaurants and onsite bar.
For a more humble stay, the Holiday Inn Express is a fabulous choice. This chain hotel is situated in the embassy area, just 15 minutes away from the main bar street in Sanlitun. Craft beer lovers in particular will enjoy this location as it is just 3 minutes from Great Leap Brewing and JingA Brewpub.
A trip to Beijing can be expensive. Being a capital city the prices are already high and depending on where you are travelling from, flights can take up a big portion of your travel budget. Fortunately, there are some very affordable places to stay in Beijing which will keep your expenses low without sacrificing quality or authenticity.
If you are headed to Beijing on a smaller budget, Qianmen is the place to stay.
Situated to the south of Beijing’s city centre, Qianmen is a great option for budget travellers who want to be close to the major attractions. The area is famous for its traditional architecture and provides visitors with a charming local experience.
One of the best reasons to stay in Qianmen is the Hutongs, narrow lanes made up of single-storey houses and shops. These maze-like streets are the best place to get a local experience and see the daily lives of local Beijingers. As you explore the spirited alleys you will be welcomed into a tight-knit community and can revel in the friendly atmosphere.
Budget travellers are truly spoiled when it comes to food in Qianmen. There is a broad range of eateries within the narrow alleys which offer authentic local dishes at reasonable prices. You can enjoy savoury crepes in the morning, snack on lamb skewers and devour delicious Peking Duck for your evening meals.
The benefit of staying in Qianmen is that it’s very close to some of the best places to visit in Beijing like Tiananmen Square and The Temple of Heaven. This allows you to save on public transport costs and focus on the Beijing landmarks you want to see.
There is a selection of accommodations in Qianmen that are perfectly suited to budget travellers and Beijing backpackers. We list some of our top recommendations below.
If you’re looking for an authentic place to stay in Beijing that is also budget-friendly. Qianmen Courtyard Hotel is a great option. The property includes traditional Chinese architecture and decor, providing a cultural experience alongside a great place to stay. It is also just a 10-minute walk from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, making it perfect for sightseeing.
Like our previous recommendation, Beijing Hyde Courtyard Hotel features an elegant Chinese design and interior. It is situated among the hutongs, providing a unique setting that is ideal for budget-conscious travellers. It is conveniently located just 10 minutes away from Zhushikou metro station and a 6-minute drive from Tiananmen Square.
We’ve discussed the best place to stay in Beijing for budget travellers, but what about those who prefer lavish hotels and luxury living? Being the capital city of China, Beijing is filled with cosmopolitan delights which make it a great destination for a luxury holiday. While you can find some exceptionally opulent hotels near the Great Wall of China, the Central Business District is perfect for luxury travellers who want to stay within the city.
Located in Chaoyang, on the eastern side of Beijing, the Central Business District is perfect for those looking for sophisticated Beijing accommodations. This area of Beijing is characterised by modern architecture, high-end shopping and upscale dining, so there is no better place to stay if you want a lavish experience.
The CBD has some of the most prestigious hotels in Beijing which include international chains such as The Ritz-Carlton and Shangri-La, offering gorgeous suites and impeccable service. Many hotels in the CBD have extensive amenities that make them perfect for a lavish Beijing trip. Whether you’re seeking a soothing spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre or a rooftop hideaway, you are certain to find what you need in the CBD.
If fine dining is your desire, the CBD is the place to be. There are fabulous Michelin-starred establishments within the district and it is common for hotels to have their own renowned chefs. You also get the benefit of being very close to Sanlitun where you can lounge in trendy bars and drink high-quality cocktails.
You will find some of the best hotels in Beijing in the Central Business District so choosing your accommodation is much easier. Hotels in the CBD are focused on lavish interiors and exceptional customer service, providing the very best luxury options. Below, we highlight some of our recommendations for places to stay in Beijing’s Central Business District.
The JW Marriott Hotel Beijing is a perfect place to stay for luxury travellers. It features a spa, indoor pool and modern meeting rooms. It is just a 20-minute drive from major sites like Wangfujing and Tiananmen Square and has access to the metro, meaning the whole city is at your fingertips.
Another great option is the Grand Millenium Beijing, an elegant hotel with spacious rooms, city views and astounding amenities. The hotel is just a five-minute walk from Jintaixizhao Subway Station and you can organise car hire and sightseeing excursions at the concierge. You can get pampered at the onsite spa and dine in the decadent CBD International Restaurant nearby.
Finding the best location to stay in Beijing will largely depend on your specific travel needs and preferences. Thankfully, there are so many areas in Beijing that cater to a vast array of travellers.
First-timers and sightseers are best suited to staying in Wangfujing, where the central sites are just a short walk away. Nightlife lovers will have a blast in Sanlitun where the bars and clubs always have something to offer. Even those travelling on a budget or seeking a luxury Beijing experience will find that Qianmen and the Central Business District have everything they need for their trip.
Thinking of an unforgettable trip to China? Check out our other blogs like Where to Stay in Shanghai and A Guide to Hong Kong in November for more travel tips and inspiration.
The best time to visit Beijing is during the months before and after summer, particularly May and September. These months provide the best weather and transform the natural scenery, making it a very picturesque time to visit. Temperatures in Beijing during these months can reach highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C, with only a few rainy days so the perfect time for exploring.
Although it is a large city, you can see most of the major attractions in Beijing in 3 days. However, the city is very well connected to other top destinations like Xian and The Great Wall of China, so you may want to factor in a few extra days to visit these incredible places.
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