With its sprawling size and wealth of attractions, deciding where to stay in Beijing can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.
The Chinese capital and cultural hub offers a wide array of accommodations to suit different interests and budgets.
In this post, I'll share my recommendations for the best areas and hotels to stay in Beijing based on your priorities – whether you're looking for luxury, convenience, nightlife, or just want to be in the heart of the action.
For accommodations, I'll provide options across different price points – from affordable hostels to five-star hotels fit for royalty.
You'll find recommendations for historic courtyard hotels that provide a glimpse into old Beijing, modern high-rises with amazing city views, and international chain hotels offering familiar comforts.
Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, you'll find options for fantastic lodging that will enhance your Beijing experience.
Let's get started!
Best Places to Stay in Beijing – Answers Organized by Traveler Type
For First-Timers and Sightseeing Travelers
- Qianmen & Jianguomen Station: Located near famous attractions like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, etc. You can walk directly to them, very convenient.
- Wangfujing: One of Beijing's CBDs, popular shopping area, also close to the Forbidden City, the central area of Beijing.
For Families with Elderly or Young Children
- The Hutongs: Many antique Beijing courtyards with old charm, and yards suitable for elderly and children to move around.
- 798 Art Zone: Close to Chaoyang Park, surrounded by urban greenery, beautiful and quiet environment suitable for walking with children and the elderly.
- Zhongguancun: University area, close to the Summer Palace and Beijing Zoo, less densely populated, suitable for bringing children to visit.
For Night Owls Who Love Nightclubs
- Sanlitun: Has the famous bar street, with many foreigners and young people gathering, the most fashionable and trendy area in Beijing.
- The Workers's Stadium: An up-and-coming hood with all kinds of bars and clubs – more lively at night than in the day.
- Shichahai Bar Street: Hutong bar area known for open-air and rooftop bars in a more relaxed style – drink while admiring the night scenery.
For Business Travelers and Layovers
- Central Business District: Beijing's core CBD area, close to China World Trade Center, CCTV Headquarters and China Merchants Bureau – top choice for business travelers.
- Beijing Capital International Airport: Close to the airports, some even inside, convenient for catching flights without high prices.
- Beijing Olympic Park: Near Beijing International Convention Center, also a former Olympics venue, clean and well-kept surroundings.
For Budget Travelers
- Areas near the train stations: Where many youth hostels and budget hotels gather, convenient transportation but crowded and dirty environment.
For Experienced Travelers, Off the Beaten Path Choices
- Vacation villas: Choosing a villa in the outskirts of Beijing or within a scenic area can be a great option to get away from the crowded urban areas. It's particularly suitable for families and groups.
- Area near the Great Wall: For those who want to watch the sunrise at the Great Wall or like to climb the Great Wall at night, this is the best choice because the Great Wall is far from the center of Beijing.
My Top Pick For You
If you are short on time, here are the best hotels I've picked for you ranging from luxury to budget options. They are all conveniently located with great reviews!
1. Qianmen & Jianguomen Station
✓ No. 1 sightseeing and food districts for first-timers.
Beijing's Qianmen area, centered around the historic Qianmen Gate, and Jianguomen Station together make up a vibrant neighborhood that blends tradition with modernity.
Qianmen was once the southern gate of Beijing's Inner City during imperial times.
Today, the reconstructed Qianmen Gate stands as both a symbol of old Beijing and a bustling commercial district lined with shops and restaurants.
Nearby Hutong alleyways and courtyards reveal the old architecture and way of life.
The Jianguomen subway station is right next to the Qianmen.
It's one of Beijing's biggest transportation hubs. From here you can take the subway to quickly get to all parts of the city.
This area is in the heart of Beijing, close to top attractions like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the hutongs.
Transportation is super convenient, so it's a popular place for first-time visitors to stay when sightseeing, trying local foods, and shopping.
It's kind of an all-in-one destination.
Advantages:
- Central location: Qianmen is located right in the heart of Beijing, just south of Tiananmen Square. This makes it very convenient to visit major landmarks like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven.
- Rich history: Qianmen has been around since the 15th century Ming Dynasty and was a major commercial area. There are historic buildings like the Qianmen Gate and Dashilan Commercial Street that provide a glimpse into old Beijing.
- Shopping: Home to many malls, department stores, and shops selling traditional Chinese goods. Brands like Quanjude roast duck and Tongrentang traditional medicine have stores in the area.
- Dining: There are many restaurants in here serving local Beijing cuisine. It's a good spot to try dishes like Peking duck, noodles, and dumplings.
- Transportation hub: Being a major subway interchange, there are metro lines here going in every direction across Beijing. It only takes an hour to get to the airport on the Airport Express line.
Disadvantages:
- Crowded: As a popular tourist attraction, Qianmen can get very crowded, especially on holidays and weekends. This can make simply walking down the streets challenging.
- Overpriced: With its focus on tourists, vendors and shops in Qianmen sometimes jack up prices on goods, food, and souvenirs. Shopping here may not yield the best deals.
Luxury Hotel near Qianmen
5-star hotel with fitness center, pool, and spa.
Rooftop bar and all-day dining.
Walking distance to Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven.
If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other Accommodation Options near Qianmen
Things to Do in Qianmen & Jianguomen Station
- Visit the Forbidden City: Explore the ancient imperial palace from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Walk to Tiananmen Square and see the Monument to the People's Heroes.
- Visit the Temple of Heaven: Admire traditional Chinese architecture in Beijing's largest and most exquisite complex of ritual buildings. If you're up for it, you can also practice tai chi with locals.
- Stroll along Qianmen Street: Walk down this restored historic shopping street lined with traditional buildings, shops, and restaurants. Don't miss the iconic Qianmen Gate.
- Eat Peking duck: Try Beijing's famous roasted Peking duck at one of Qianmen's many duck restaurants like Quanjude or Bianyifang.
- Explore Dashilan Street: Just west of Qianmen, Dashilan is another restored shopping street with a more local Beijing feel.
- Ride a rickshaw: Take a fun ride down Qianmen's pedestrian zone in a traditional Chinese rickshaw. Negotiate prices first.
- Watch a Chinese acrobatics show: Check out jaw-dropping acrobatic and tumbling acts at the Chaoyang Theatre near Jianguomen Station.
- Stroll through Ritan Park: Walk through this peaceful park just northeast of Jianguomen and visit the dramatic stone Ritan altar.
🌟Best Beijing Qianmen Street Tours
2. Wangfujing
✓ A shopaholic's paradise, just east of the Forbidden City.
Wangfujing (Chinese: 王府井) is a shopping street in Beijing, China, located in Dongcheng District.
It is one of the most famous and prosperous shopping streets in Beijing, with a history of over 700 years.
The street is 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long, running from Changan Avenue in the south to the National Art Museum of China in the north.
The name Wangfujing comes from the fact that there used to be eight royal mansions and a well with sweet water on the street.
In the Qing Dynasty, the street was a popular place for the imperial family and their entourage to shop.
Today, Wangfujing is a popular tourist destination, and is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Advantages:
- Central location: Central location – Being in the heart of Beijing, Wangfujing is very convenient and accessible to get to. Close to Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.
- Wide variety of shops: As one of Beijing's premier shopping streets, you can find a huge range of stores selling everything from street food to high-end luxury goods.
- Luxury brands: For high-end shoppers, Wangfujing has boutiques of top international designer brands like Chanel, Rolex, Cartier, etc.
- Department stores: Well-known Chinese department stores like Wangfujing Department Store have been located here for decades. They sell quality goods.
- Tourist-friendly: Given its fame and popularity, Wangfujing is very tourist-friendly. Shop employees often speak English and accept foreign credit cards.
- Evening activities: At night, the neon-lit Wangfujing comes alive with late night shops, night markets and lively crowds of locals and tourists.
- Nearby attractions: The location allows easy access to other Beijing sights like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, National Art Museum and Donghuamen Night Market.
Disadvantages:
- Tourist traps: There are some scam shops or vendors that target unsuspecting tourists with overpriced or low quality products. Shop wisely.
- High prices: As a high-end shopping area catering to tourists, expect to pay higher prices for goods, food, and hotels compared to other spots in Beijing.
Luxury Hotel near Wangfujing
5-star hotel in the heart of Wangfujing.
Fitness centre, indoor heated pool and Peninsula spa.
Fine international dining.
If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other Accommodation Options near Wangfujing
Things to Do in Wangfujing
- Shop at the high-end malls: Splurge at luxury mega-malls like Oriental Plaza for top international brands. Or check out Wangfujing Department Store for quality Chinese goods.
- Visit St. Joseph's Cathedral: This beautiful Byzantine-style Catholic church in Wangfujing is worth seeing.
- Wander down Snack Street: Sample exotic snacks like scorpions, snakes and grasshoppers sold by food vendors on this bustling section.
- Watch street performers: Mingling on Wangfujing you may catch Chinese opera singers, dancers, martial artists and other acts.
- See the China Art Museum: Admire Chinese artworks and artifacts at this massive state museum just off Wangfujing.
- Shop for time-honored Chinese brands: including Daoxiangcun, Neilian Sheng, Majuyuan, and Shengxifu.
- Explore other interesting spots: like Jinyu Hutong, Heping Guoju, Lao She's Former Residence, Wangfujing Bookstore, and more.
🌟Best Beijing Wangfujing Tours
3. The Hutongs
✓ Charming old alleys, the best places to soak in the culture.
Hutongs are narrow streets or alleys with traditional Siheyuan courtyard residences that are unique to old Beijing.
They are an important attraction for experiencing traditional Beijing culture.
The history of hutongs dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).
They were originally built as a way to connect different parts of the city and provide housing for residents.
Hutongs were also important commercial and trade centers.
During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), hutongs became more crowded as the urban population grew.
They were also the location of shops and workshops of various trades.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, many hutongs were demolished to make way for new development.
However, some hutongs were preserved and restored.
Today, some of the main hutong areas in Beijing include Nanluoguxiang, Beiluoguxiang, Dongjiaomin Xiang, Shichahai, Yandai Xiejie, Wudaoying Hutong, etc.
Advantages:
- Authentic experience: Hutongs offer a glimpse of real life in Beijing away from tourist sites. Chance to interact with true locals.
- Unique architecture: The gray brick houses, courtyards, and narrow alleys are architectural wonders not seen elsewhere in Beijing.
- Old crafts: Some hutongs house artisans and workshops preserving traditional Chinese crafts like paper cutting, silk fans, or cloisonné.
- Hidden shops & cafes: Many charming, one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and cafes line hutong alleys selling antiques, jewelry, clothing and more.
- Very lively: Get close to the real lives of Beijingers, with many people hanging laundry, practicing tai chi, and playing chess in the hutongs.
- Affordable lodging: Boutique hotels with courtyards, family-friendly, and budget-friendly.
- Very rich living environment: You can explore the hutongs with your family, experience the nightlife at Houhai bars, or cycle around Shichahai.
Disadvantages:
- Poor amenities: Most hutongs have basic public facilities, such as washrooms that are not well-maintained or occasional trash that hasn't been cleared. This can make some tourists uncomfortable.
- Inconvenient transportation: Hutongs are best explored on foot since the narrow, winding alleys are complex to navigate. It can be tiring and inconvenient for those with limited mobility. Vehicles are also less accessible.
- Over-commercialization: A few popular hutongs have become very commercialized, filled with shops and restaurants rather than residential life.
Luxury Hotel near Hutongs
4-star hotel with courtyard, spacious and clean.
Brand new modern hotel with smart control systems.
Custom dietary options available, including vegetarian or halal food.
If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other Accommodation Options near Hutongs
Things to Do in Hutongs
- Experience authentic local cuisine: Hutongs offer a variety of street snacks. sampling local hutong flavors is one of the most worthwhile things to do here.
- Bike the hutongs: Rent a bicycle and pedal through the alleyways to cover more ground and see daily life.
- Take a rickshaw tour: Rickshaws are the most fun way to explore the hutongs, great for couples or families.
- Learn a Chinese craft: Take a class in calligraphy, paper cutting, or other folk arts still practiced in some hutongs.
- Catch traditional opera: See an opera performance at the historic Lao She Teahouse or Huguang Guild Hall.
- Visit the drum and bell towers: These two iconic towers loom over the central hutongs and offer panoramic views.
- Visit a traditional courtyard residence: Siheyuan are traditional courtyard residences that are a distinctive feature of the hutongs. You can visit one of these residences to learn about their history and architecture.
- Shop for souvenirs: There are many shops in the hutongs selling souvenirs, such as traditional Chinese handicrafts, clothing, and snacks.
- Have a drink at the bar street: Houhai Bar Street is the famous nightlife area of the hutongs, with many rooftop lakeside bars that let you sip drinks while taking in the night views of the alleys.
🌟Best Beijing Hutongs Tours
4. Sanlitun
✓ Stylish hangout spot for night owls and expats alike.
The name Sanlitun literally means “Three Li Village” in Chinese. Originally, it was a village 3 li (1.5 km) from Beijing's city center.
In the early 21st century, the area began developing into a commercial and entertainment district.
It is also home to many embassies and international organizations.
Today, Sanlitun is one of Beijing's most popular destinations for shopping and nightlife.
The area features a variety of stores, including international brands like Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo. Sanlitun also has many upscale boutiques and designer shops.
Sanlitun is also a vibrant nightlife hub. The area has many bars and clubs catering to different tastes.
It is a popular gathering place for expatriates and young people.
Advantages:
- Trendy atmosphere: Sanlitun has a lively, energetic vibe with a youthful, modern ambience perfect for experiencing cosmopolitan Beijing.
- Diverse shopping: Home to high-end global brands, cool local boutiques, and big malls, Sanlitun offers unparalleled retail therapy in Beijing.
- Vibrant nightlife: The area boasts the best concentration of stylish bars, pubs, and clubs in the city for drinking and dancing.
- Convenience: Centered on a transportation hub with lines 10 and 2, Sanlitun is quite convenient to get to from most parts of Beijing.
- Entertainment options: In addition to shopping and nightlife, cinemas, bookstores, arcades and live music make Sanlitun an entertainment hotspot.
- Foreigner-friendly: High English ability and experience with international travelers make Sanlitun accommodating for foreigners.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of cultural sights: Besides shopping and nightlife, Sanlitun itself has few historic or cultural attractions to visit.
- Expensive: As an upscale entertainment district, expect to pay higher prices in Sanlitun for lodging, dining, drinks, shopping and activities compared to elsewhere in Beijing.
Luxury Hotel near Sanlitun
5-star hotel positioned in the heart of the Sanlitun.
Featuring an art center, library, and private movie theater.
Top-quality decor filled with artistry and warmth.
If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other Accommodation Options near Sanlitun
Things to Do in Sanlitun
- Shop at Taikoo Li: Browse this luxury megamall featuring top international brands like Apple, Nike, Zara and over 200 outlets.
- Bar hop on Bar Street: Have drinks and enjoy the lively nightlife scene by strolling along this bustling strip of bars and clubs.
- Eat amazing food: Taste Chinese specialty dishes, such as LePur Yogurt, Dirty Bread, Fried Tofu, Rou Jia Mo (Chinese Burger), Hot Pot, and more.
- Check out bookstores: Browse massive multi-floor bookstores like Jetlag Books or Sanlian Taofen Bookstore for English titles.
- Sanlitun SOHO: This area has lots of affordable eats, including the famous Xiangge Restaurant for Hunan cuisine, which is quite tasty.
- Jing Yard: A good place to discover hidden gem shops and easily take Instagrammable photos.
🌟Best Beijing Sanlitun Tours
5. Central Business District
✓ With prime location and surroundings, the optimal choice for business travelers.
The Beijing Central Business District (Beijing CBD) is the primary area for finance, media, and commercial services in Beijing, China.
It is located in the eastern Chaoyang District and is a major transportation hub, served by Beijing Subway Lines 1 and 10.
The Beijing CBD is also home to the headquarters of major financial institutions such as the Bank of China and the China Securities Regulatory Commission.
It is the site of headquarters for many multinational corporations including Coca-Cola and Microsoft.
There are many landmark buildings including the China World Trade Center, CITIC Tower, and the CCTV Headquarters.
Many visitors come daily for the night views or to take photos.
Advantages:
- Modern conveniences: The CBD offers conveniences like luxury hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and easy transportation that make it attractive for business or leisure.
- Business services: As Beijing's financial hub, the CBD provides access to banking, business services, and corporate offices needed by many travelers.
- Skyscraper views: The tall buildings offer beautiful panoramic views of the Beijing skyline from observation decks and rooftop bars.
- Architectural marvels: The iconic, modern buildings make the CBD a fascinating architectural attraction.
- Luxury hotels: Five-star hotels provide superb accommodations right in the economic heart of Beijing.
Disadvantages:
- Limited history: Most of the buildings are newly constructed so there is not much historic architecture or sites to see.
- Expensive: Dining, shopping, hotels and entertainment in the CBD cater to high-end business clientele and carry premium price tags.
- Traffic congestion: Driving during rush hour can be very congested.
Luxury Hotel near Beijing CBD
A 5-star hotel in Beijing World Trade Center.
High floors and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking stunning night views.
Rooftop infinity pool and 24-hour spa.
If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other Accommodation Options near Beijing CBD
Things to Do in Beijing CBD
- See famous modern architecture: like the CCTV Headquarters, Galaxy SOHO, Linked Hybrid.
- Ascend a skyscraper: like China World Tower, China Zun, or Fortune Financial Center for views.
- Enjoy green spaces: like Chaoyang Park, Silk Street Park, Yintai Park for a break from the concrete.
- Visit Xizongbu Hutong: Observe the Beijing CBD from a different perspective in the hutongs, while also uncovering a mix of modernity and traditional charm.
- Photos at Jinghua South Street: Unique spot to photograph the various landmark buildings from great angles.
- Eat, drink and play at Heshenghui: A massive mall right by the subway with 12 snack streets – a food and shopping paradise.
- Enjoy acrobatic performances: Chaoyang acrobatic shows are very popular, with talented performers delivering thrilling acts that often elicit gasps from the audience.
🌟Best Beijing CBD Tours
6. Beijing Capital International Airport
✓ Best for layover lodging and layover tour.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the primary international airport in Beijing, China.
It is located 32 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of downtown Beijing in Shunyi District.
You can reach the city center by taxi in 50 minutes or by taking the Airport Express in 1.5 hours.
There are also many good hotels near Capital International Airport, and many tourists choose to stay overnight or for layover tour in this area.
Advantages:
- Easy for transiting: The hotel district is close to the airport. The nearest hotels are even within walking distance, making it easy for you not to miss your connecting flight.
- Affordable price: Hotels at the airport are often much cheaper than staying in Beijing proper. Also saves money on taxis.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of high-end hotels: There are no 5-star hotels, and most hotels only offer simple accommodation conditions.
- Risk of missing your flight: When planning a stopover tour, you need to allow ample time.
Luxury Hotel near Beijing Capital Airport
The nearest high-end hotel to the airport is only a few minutes' drive away.
Features a sauna and beauty salon.
Convenient transportation with 24-hour free shuttle bus service.
If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other Accommodation Options near Beijing Capital Airport
Things to Do in Beijing Capital Airport
- A layover travel is a good way to kill time: The airport express train takes just an hour to downtown Beijing, and many travelers like to use their brief layover to see sights like the Forbidden City and hutongs. If you have ample time, hiking a section of the Great Wall is also highly recommended.
🌟Best Beijing Capital Airport Layover Tours
7. Area near the Great Wall
✓ Best For those who enjoy hiking the Great Wall at night or camping on the Great Wall.
Beijing has three popular sections of the Great Wall – Badaling, Mutianyu and Simatai.
Badaling is the most famous but also the most crowded and touristy. Most foreign visitors opt for Mutianyu instead.
Nowadays, both Badaling and Mutianyu offer night tours, so the best experience is to stay overnight at a guesthouse near the Wall (mostly boutique hotels or homestays), and enjoy the Great Wall at night or early morning without the crowds.
Simatai Great Wall is located in Gubei Water Town, a scenic resort town surrounded by rivers and old traditional architecture.
Gubei has abundant night scenery and activities, as well as high-end hotels, making it a great vacation destination.
Advantages:
- Relaxing tranquility: Crisp clear air, away from noisy crowds, stargazing in the night sky, listening to the chirping of insects.
- Perfect for families or groups: Whether staying in a B&B or camping, there's plenty of room for multiple people.
Disadvantages:
- Limited luxury accommodation options: Given the remote location, there are not many luxury hotels available.
Luxury Hotel near Beijing the Great Wall
A 5-star hotel in the mountains.
Close to Mutianyu Great Wall, only 5 minutes by car.
Idyllic setting surrounded by mountains with a spacious courtyard.
If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other Accommodation Options near Beijing the Great Wall
Things to Do in Beijing Great Wall
- Hike along the wall: Walk along the winding wall to take in views from different watchtowers and vantage points. Popular stretches include Badaling and Mutianyu.
- Night hike at Simatai and Gubei Watertown: Hike up to the top of Simatai Great Wall to overlook the night view of the entire town, then head back down to enjoy shows in the town.
- Ride a cable car: Take a cable car up at sections like Mutianyu to skip some stairs and enjoy aerial views of the wall.
- Go to unrestored areas: For a more authentic glimpse, visit unrestored parts of the wall away from major sites like Jiankou or Gubeikou.
- Camping on the Great Wall: Get off the beaten path, spend an exciting night on the Great Wall, and catch the sunrise.
🌟Best Beijing Great Wall Tours
In addition, here you can find the best hotels in Beijing.
FAQs
Where Are the Best Places to Stay in Beijing?
Based on most visitors' preferences, here are three top areas to stay in Beijing.
1.Qianmen – Close to the Forbidden City, hutongs, and other attractions, not far from Wangfujing either.
2.Sanlitun – Vibrant nightlife and a shopper's paradise, popular with fashionable crowds.
3.CBD – Home to top luxury hotels and transportation hub, best for business travelers and the wealthy.
Where to Stay in Beijing with Family?
When traveling to Beijing with family, consider staying near parks or in a traditional courtyard house for a cultural experience.
1.Hutongs – Quaint courtyard houses with spacious rooms, step outside to enjoy excellent food and vibrant nightlife.
2.Beijing Olympic Park – Surrounded by green spaces and close to the Bird's Nest stadium, with fresh air perfect for walking or exercising.
