
Beijing is known for offering contrasting views of the city, including classic hutongs and palaces and contemporary business areas. Every district of Beijing has its special charm, and the decision of which district of Beijing to stay in can greatly affect the travels that you will be taking in this historic Chinese capital. In this guide, you will be introduced to some of the top areas to stay in Beijing.
🗺️ Where to Stay in Beijing: Tips for Every Traveller
Travel Style | Recommended places to stay | Our Top Activity Picks | Average hotel price per night |
Backpacker | Gulou, Nanluoguxiang (Dongcheng) | Explore the historical Hutong Neighborhoods, admire the grand Drum and Bell Towers, and enjoy the night life in Houhai. | £25 - £70 (Hostels / Budget Hotels) |
Couples | Shichahai / Houhai or Wangfujing | Boats on Shichahai Lake, promenade walk, shopping and eating street food. | £45 - £175 (Boutique / 4★ Hotels) |
Friends' Getaways | Sanlitun / Chaoyang / 798 Art Zone | 798 Art Zone, Sanlitun: Shopping & Nightlife, Street food on Guijie Street. | £60 - £160 (Apartments / 4–5★ Hotels) |
Families | Nearby Beijing Universal Resort or Wangfujing | Beijing Universal Resort, Beijing Zoo & Pandas, Summer Palace. | Around Universal Resort: £100-£400 |
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🏯 Tian’anmen / Forbidden City: History at your doorstep

🏙️ Ideal for: First-time visitors, culture and history enthusiasts, and families!
🌟 Top Activities
- Witness the Tian'anmen Flag Ceremony: Be sure to check the official schedule for the exact time in advance, and factor in plenty of time for security checks and those inevitable queues!
- Explore the Forbidden City in depth: Book your tickets in advance via the official website or app. You can also book a guided tour or grab an audio guide to gain a deeper understanding of its rich history.
- Jingshan Park for a panoramic view: This incredible park, nestled right opposite the Shenwu Gate, offers the most breathtaking vantage point to capture the entire Forbidden City in all its majestic glory!
🚇 Transport Links
- Hop on Subway Line 1! Tiananmen East and West stations are the subway stations that connect you directly to those places that you cannot miss in this metropolis. And for some therapy and excitement of the hustle and bustle of this urban life, Wangfujing Station is just the entrance to this business district.
Discover hotels near the Forbidden City
🎎 Qianmen / Dashilan: Old Beijing charm & street life

🏙️ Perfect for: Foodies, lovers of traditional culture, and travellers seeking fantastic value for money.
🌟 Top Activities
- Immersing in Culture: In the areas of Qianmen and Dashilan, you can explore some of the well-preserved traditional Chinese shops such as Tongrentang, and you will be transported right into the midst of Beijing's old business streets.
- Culinary Highlights: Do try the typical Beijing snacks such as Zhajiangmian, Tanghulu, Douzhi, or Peking Duck on the go and enjoy every bite of those authentic flavors.
- Explore the Hutongs: Take a stroll down the streets and experience the daily life of the locals. Later, you can explore the cafés and craft shops.
🚇 Transport Links
- At the Qianmen Metro Station, which is the point at which lines 2 and 7 intersect, you can access the main transportation centers such as Beijing Railway Station and West Railway Station very easily.
Explore & Book Hotels near Dashilan
🛍️ Wangfujing: Shopping hub with global comforts

🏙️ Perfect for: Shopping lovers, businessmen, and those prepared for adventure with the family!
🌟 Top Activities
- Shopping: Visit the likes of Oriental Plaza, APM, and other amazing shopping centers and get to explore international brands and the latest fashion trends in one place.
- If you are looking for an actual culinary experience, Wangfujing Snack Street is the place to go to try the likes of Lǘ Dǎ Gǔn and Ài Wō Wō, alongside mesmerizing performances such as sugar painting and dough figures.
- Culture: A leisurely stroll will take you to the National Museum, whereby you can admire historic bronze ware, porcelain collections, and much more.
🚇 Transport Links
- Wangfujing Metro Station, conveniently situated on Line 1, provides easy links that will transport you to every one of the popular sites in the city.
🏘️ Nanluoguxiang / Shichahai: Authentic hutong culture
🏙️ Perfect for: Culture enthusiasts and families
🌟 Top Activities
- Hutong Culture: Go for an alleyway stroll and explore the Siheyuan courtyards and venerable shops that are characteristic of old Beijing life.
- Leisure & Entertainment: In and around the area of Shichahai, you can find some very fascinating bars, cafes, and teahouses. Have leisurely days of strolling around, and at night, enjoy the vibrant night life that Beijing has to offer.
- Culture & Creativity: Get inspired at innovative craft shops, motivating art galleries, and energetic folk art exhibitions. Some of you might get the urge to attend a workshop or look for some fascinating souvenirs.
- Water Activities: In the summer, you can enjoy a pleasant boat ride on the Shichahai or go for a cycle around this beautiful lake. Once it turns into winter, this place turns out to be an enchanted ice-rink, just right for ice-skating sessions.
🚇 Transport Links
- From Nanluoguxiang Station (Line 6) or Gulou Dajie Station (Line 8), you'll effortlessly reach Dongcheng and a whole host of other incredible sights across Beijing.
Uncover the best hotels in Shichahai for your trip!
🍹 Sanlitun: Trendy fashion & vibrant nightlife

🏙️ Perfect for: Fashion lovers, night owls, and shopping enthusiasts!
🌟 Top Activities
- Shopping and Trends: Go to Sanlitun Taikooli and explore the designers and trending labels, get some pics at the popular photography locations, and experience Beijing youth fashion at its core.
- Eating and Nightlife: Enjoy international restaurants, experience daytime cafés, and spend your nights discovering bar streets and live clubs to get the full experience of cosmopolitan night life.
- Culture and Social Activities: Uncover fascinating art galleries, explore innovative creative areas, and delve into temporary exhibitions. Participate in workshops that kick-start your creativity and allow you to absorb the vibrant social life.
🚇 Transport Links
- Hop off at Tuanjiehu Subway Station (Line 10), and you'll find Taikooli just a short five-minute stroll from there.
🏢 Guomao / CBD: Skyscrapers & business buzz

🏙️ Perfect for: business travellers, modern city explorers, and discerning holidaymakers.
🌟 Top Activities
- Contemporary Architecture & Cityscape: Visit the China Zun and enjoy the striking skyscrapers that are great for taking photographs and admiring the Beijing skyline.
- Luxury Shopping: Find international and domestic designers at China World Mall or at SKP - it is every shopper's delight.
- Dining & Nightlife: Enjoy international restaurants and bars, relax during the day, and enjoy the night life that the city has to offer at night.
🚇 Transport Links
- Guomao Subway Station (Lines 1 and 10) is wonderfully central, and a fantastic array of bus routes are ready to whisk you away, connecting this vibrant district with all the other exciting parts of Beijing.
✈️ Airport Zone: Easy transit stays
🏙️ Perfect for: Transit passengers, business travellers, and those with late-night arrivals or early morning flights.
🚇 Transport Links
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Approximately 25 kilometres from the city centre. You can hop on the Airport Express to Dongzhimen or Sanyuanqiao, where you can easily transfer to the subway for a seamless journey into the heart of the city.
- Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX): Approximately 46 kilometres from Tian'anmen, you can hop on the Daxing Airport Line from Level B2, whisking you away to Caoqiao Station (around 19 minutes). From there, simply transfer to Metro Line 10 or other lines to reach the city centre.
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Where to stay in Beijing: Best neighbourhoods & hostels for backpackers

Gulou, Nanluoguxiang
🎨 Exciting Activities
- Hutong Wanderings: Take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Nanluoguxiang, Yuer Hutong, and a delightful maze of other winding alleys, truly immersing yourself in the traditional life of old Beijing.
- Gulou / Zhonglou: Ascend the historic Drum and Bell Towers and drink in the panoramic views across the old city.
- An Evening Adventure to Houhai Bar Street: Take a delightful evening stroll along Houhai, uncover the buzzing bars by the lake, and dive into Beijing's vibrant nightlife.
- Hutong Rickshaw Tour: Take a rickshaw ride through the Hutongs and discover fascinating stories about local life.
🏨 Recommended Stays
- Peking Youth Hostel: A vibrant hostel featuring a restaurant, bar, and café, ideally situated in the bustling Nanluoguxiang area, and just a short stroll from the majestic Yonghe Temple and the historic Mao'er Hutong.
- James Joyce Coffetel (Beijing Drum Tower): A fantastic hotel offering complimentary ironing and laundry services, perfectly situated just a short stroll from Soong Ching Ling's Former Residence, Houhai, and the vibrant Nanluoguxiang.
Where to stay in Beijing: Top family-friendly areas & hotels

Around Beijing Universal Resort
🎨 Exciting Activities
- Beijing Universal Studios: The park boasts seven themed lands, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Transformers attraction, and Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, making it perfect for families with children of all ages.
- Universal City Avenue: Get ready to explore a fantastic array of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, making it the perfect spot to unwind and truly soak up the atmosphere.
- Family-friendly attractions: Water parks, interactive shows, and themed performances create unforgettable experiences for the whole family.
🏨 Recommended Stays
- The Universal Studios Grand Hotel: Situated right at the entrance of Beijing Universal Studios, this hotel boasts a stylish ambience, brimming with classic Hollywood charm.
- Park Inn by Radisson Beijing Tongzhou Universal Resort: Get ready for adventure! This fantastic resort offers a convenient shuttle service to Universal Studios, plus a host of family-friendly delights like a children's playground and a lively kids' club, making it absolutely perfect for families.
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Wangfujing
🎨 Exciting Activities
- Wangfujing Street: Get ready for a family adventure! Here, everyone can indulge in some retail therapy, tantalise their taste buds with local snacks, and uncover hidden culinary gems – it's an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
- Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City: Absolutely perfect for an enriching family tour, allowing children to truly discover the wonders of Chinese history and culture.
- Beijing Zoo: Get ready to spot adorable pandas, majestic giraffes, and a whole host of other rare and wonderful creatures! It's a fantastic day out that families absolutely love.
- Kid-friendly adventures: Around Wangfujing, you'll discover museums and cultural exhibitions that offer a playful and educational experience for children.
🏨 Recommended Stays
- UrCove by HYATT Beijing Forbidden City: Family rooms and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City.
- Crystal Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Forbidden City: Perfectly positioned on Wangfujing Street, this hotel offers a delightful library, prams, and toys, making it an ideal haven for families.
Top Hotels in Beijing
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Gym
Breakfast
♥️ Handy Tips for Booking and Travel
- 📅 Best time to visit: If you want to enjoy pleasant weather and refreshing air, it is always advisable to travel during the spring season, which is from April to May, and autumn, which is from September to October.
- 💻 Booking: By using sites like Trip.com, you can easily book air tickets, hotel rooms, trains, or car rentals and get access to some amazing special discounts!
- 💳 Payment Options: Then you will be pleased to see that many of the hotels are capable of taking international credit card payments, and this makes travel much easier for you. However, when it comes to those lovely small guest houses or cozy places of rest, it is always a good practice to have some cash on hand or use the facilities of Alipay and WeChat Pay.
- 🌐 Language: Good news! English is generally spoken in international hotel chains, but for those authentic local encounters, translation apps are a lifesaver!
- 🚇 Getting Around: The Beijing Metro is reliable and affordable, with stations clearly signposted in English and a breeze to navigate. For taxis, we highly recommend using the Didi app – it's super convenient and safe!

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