Traveling in China is a dream come true, and among all its many, many cities, none is quite as incredible and as magical as the capital. So let’s talk about where to stay in Beijing.
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If you’re traveling to China to experience their culture, one of the best areas to start is actually the capital. Beijing was not always the center of the Chinese empire, but it has been for long enough now, long enough to accumulate quite a history. You have the incredible Forbidden City, one of the most well-preserved ancient palaces in the whole world, there are also very well-known sections of the Great Wall of China to explore, and the Summer Palace to visit. And yet, Beijing is not a city that’s stagnated in a time far from our days, but a very modern and political hub, creating a unique equilibrium between past and present.
Choosing where to stay is not an easy task. Beijing is a big city after all, and you probably had problems deciding to stay in Beijing instead of literally any other city in China. While you can travel the whole city with ease, the district you stay in can change quite drastically your experience. It’s not the same staying in the very center of the city, in Dongcheng District, which is the heart of Beijing’s cultural and historical district, than in one of the most peaceful and quiet districts like Xicheng, with its beautiful imperial gardens.
Where to Stay in Beijing
Dongcheng District
If you’re traveling to Beijing in search of historic landmarks and incredible museums, the Dongcheng District is the best place to stay. It’s one of the most recommended districts for newcomers, so if you’re a first timer, you’ll meet lots of tourists as amazed as you.
While staying in Dongcheng, you have to safe some time aside to visit the Forbidden City, one of the top must-see places and attractions in China. From there, you can also go to Tiananmen Square and the National Museum of China, where you’ll find thousands of artifacts spanning millennia.
Where to Stay in Dongcheng District
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The Peninsula Beijing: A luxury hotel right at the center of Beijing, with incredible service and amenities.
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Park Plaza Beijing: More affordable, yet comfortable. From there, you can easily walk to the major attractions in Dongcheng.
Chaoyang District
On the other hand, if you’re travel preferences side more with the modern amenities, the technological advances, and the nightlife, Chaoyang is the right district for you. Almost everything you’ll find there is new, with incredible skyscrapers, art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. It’s Beijing Central Business District after all!
In Chaoyang District, you’ll also find Sanlitun, a small area with plenty of international restaurants, shops, and bars. For the art lovers, there’s 798 Art Zone, a contemporary art district where you can go from one gallery to another, admiring the blend of art and industrial architecture.
Where to Stay in Chaoyang District
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The Opposite House: A nice, stylish, modern hotel in the Sanlitun area, really close to the 798 Art Zone.
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Beijing Hotel Nuo: If you plan to go shopping in the Chaoyang District, this is the place to stay. It offers great amenities, and it’s close to the shops and cultural sites.
Xicheng District
This district attracts mainly families and cultural travelers. It’s ideal for people who want to experience the old traditions of China while having a relaxing vacation. While it’s still close to the modern side of Beijing, if you stay in Xicheng, you’ll notice how the passage of time hasn’t changed this side of the city.
To get to know the district better, you can start with the Beihai Park, one of the oldest and most well-preserved imperial gardens in China. There’s also the Prince Gong’s Mansion, another historic building with impressive architecture, and the Dashilan Street, a traditional shopping street where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time for a moment.
Where to Stay in Xicheng District
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Hotel Nikko New Century Beijing: Not the most affordable, but the services and amenities are excellent, and it’s really close to the major attractions.
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Beijing Redwall Hotel: Better suited for the budget-conscious travelers. As a plus, it has more of a traditional Chinese style.
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Haidian District
Another technological hub in Beijing, and also, the university district! In Haidian, travelers find the Tsinghua and Peking Universities, two of China’s top educational institutions. It’s a nice change of pace, with plenty of attractions, and many outdoor places to take some and enjoy the weather.
Probably the most famous place you’ll find in this district is the Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an incredibly large and well-preserved royal garden, with ancient temples, pavilions, historic bridges, and stunning views of the Kunming Lake. As for the technology, there are several attractions focused on the Chinese advancements in the area, like the Zhongguancun, a tech center known as “China’s Silicon Valley”.
Where to Stay in the Haidian District
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The Aman at Summer Palace Beijing: Really exclusive, and close to the Summer Palace. It is a place that invites relaxation, with traditional elegance and exquisite service.
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Peking University Hotel: It’s located in the University Campus, pretty affordable for most travelers, and it’s close to nearby attractions.
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Fengtai District
Maybe this is not your first trip to Beijing, and you’re looking for an alternative to the tourist-heavy areas. It could also be that you’re traveling on a more restricted budget and prefer to spend your hard-earned money on attractions and not accommodation. Fengtai District is a great option in both regards, being more residential and affordable. But don’t worry, the area does offer good access to public transportation.
Being residential does not mean that there’s a lack of interesting places to visit. In the Beijing Garden Expo Park, you’ll find several themed gardens and walking trails. For the curious and technology-focused, there’s the Fengtai Science Park, with expositions that showcase China’s growing tech industry. There’s also the Ming Tombs, a historic site where the Ming dynasty emperors rest.
Where to Stay in Fengtai District
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Grand Metropark Hotel Beijing: A luxury option next to Fengtai’s commercial areas, very visited with business travelers.
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Holiday Inn Beijing Deshengmen: Very well located, if you want to walk around or rent a bike. It has good facilities and nice, clean rooms.
Shijingshan District
If you’re looking for an area in Beijing that is more open and closer to nature, the Shijingshan district can be exactly what you’ve been searching for. The feeling of the district is more residential and suburban than districts closer to the center. It’s also great to get budget-friendly accommodations, and many families with children choose it when visiting Beijing.
If you’re staying in Beijing with children, you can’t skip Shijingshan Amusement Park, where you can ride rides, play games, and have a very entertaining day. There’s also Badachu Park, more quiet and scenic, with Buddhist temples, hiking paths, and great views over the city.
Where to Stay in Shijingshan District
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Hilton Beijing Shijingshan Hotel: A nice, mid-range hotel close to the main attractions. Ideal for families with children who want to be close to the major attractions in the area.
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Lijingwan Hotel: A modern hotel with really comfortable rooms near the parks and scenic spots in Shijingshan.
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Best Time to Visit Beijing
As much as the District you’re staying in Beijing can change the experience, the time of year you choose will also have a big impact. The peak tourist season is during the summer, which can be really hot and humid, but there are a lot of cultural events that attract many tourists. If you’re looking for a quieter time, definitely go during spring or autumn, where the temperatures are milder and is easier to walk everywhere. If you don’t mind the freezing temperatures in favor of fewer crowds and heavy discounts, winter might be the best option for you.
Getting Around Beijing
Getting around Beijing is actually not quite as difficult as you might have thought, with a city as big as it is. Depending on your budget and preference, you have various options.
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Subway: One of the most affordable and most efficient ways of getting around. And don’t worry, the signals are both in Chinese and English, so you won’t get lost.
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Buses: It’s cheap and gives a nice view of the city, but it can be really confusing if you don’t speak Mandarin.
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Taxis: They’re widely available, although finding English-speaking ones can be a challenge. You can use Chinese apps like DiDi to book them.
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Biking: Great for short distances, and there are plenty of bike-sharing services like Mobike and Ofo.