Beijing, the capital of China, is among the largest cities in the world, covering an impressive 16,808 square kilometres! The attractions and things to do in the city are really numerous and, above all, also very far apart. This is why one of the first things to decide when planning a trip to the Chinese capital is where to stay. Here are all our tips on where to stay in Beijing!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
The neighbourhoods are numerous and very different from each other, the important thing is to always opt for areas that are well served by the metro: this will make getting around a lot easier!
If you have little time to spend in the city or it's your first time in Beijing, the best districts are DongDan, QianMen and XiDan. These are located around the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square, the latter being the centre of the Chinese capital.
If you're looking for an authentic experience, we recommend ShiChaHai, a neighbourhood where you can savour the real Chinese atmosphere. It is located just north of the Forbidden City and is also recommended for young people, as it is not far from Nanluoguxiang, one of the nightlife streets! SanLiTun and WuDaoKou are also recommended for nightlife: the former is the embassy district, the latter the university area of Beijing.
If you want to save money, we recommend DongSi, WuDaoKou and FengTai. Here there are various offers and very competitive prices. However, keep in mind that you can find cheap accommodation in any district of the city!
Recommended areas tosave money: WuDaoKou, FengTai, DongSi
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: DongDan, XiDan, QianMen, ShiChaHai
Recommended areas foryoung people: ShiChaHai (Nanluoguxiang), SanLiTun, WuDaoKou
Bestaccommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Beijing. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Beijing on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Beijing area guide
Beijing is one of the largest cities in the world and settling in is not always so easy! Unfortunately, you won't be able to rely much on Google Maps either, the service is in fact unreliable, as it does not show the precise location.
Covering an area of 16,808 square kilometres and with a population of around 24,500,000, Beijing municipality currently has as many as 16 subdivisions at the county level. Of these 16, 14 are urban and suburban districts and 2 are rural counties.
The city centre is Tian'anmen Square. From here, the different districts develop. The best districts to stay in are Dongcheng and Xicheng, the most central, where most of the recommended districts to stay are located (such as DongDan, QianMen and XiDan) and which are home to the city's main attractions.
Areas to avoid: Beijing is a safe city. All districts that are too peripheral should be avoided, due to their distance from the main attractions and lack of tourist interest.
DongDan
Photo by Hal 0005. DongDan is definitely the best area to stay in in Beijing. This is because it is a stone's throw from the heart of the city, close to the famous Forbidden City, the Chinese capital's main attraction, and Tiananmen Square. Furthermore, the entire district is crossed by Wangfujing, Beijing's most important boulevard, a favourite destination for shoppers and full of attractions, shops and clubs!
It is an area suitable for everyone, especially those staying in Beijing for a few days, given its central location. Especially suitable for families, who will find plenty of amenities here. It is also one of the most expensive areas in Beijing, but at the same time it is not difficult to find great deals, thanks to the presence of hotels and small hotels with very competitive prices.
Finally, the area is served by two metro lines, Line 1 and Line 5. This will allow you to move quickly throughout the city, easily reaching even the most distant attractions.
Average prices in the district range from around €30.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel with flats and suites, communal meeting rooms, bar and restaurant, gym. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel with business centre, tour desk and 24h reception with safe and luggage storage. Private rooms or dormitory beds. Ideal for young people | |
Flat residence with units featuring modern interiors, separate living areas, kitchenette and en suite bathroom with bathtub and toiletries. Ideal for small groups and families | |
Luxury hotel of the well-known hotel company. Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square within walking distance. Swimming pool, 6 restaurants, gym. Ideal for couples and families |
QianMen
Photos by Rewindat(Pan Xuan). Thesecond best neighbourhood to stay in is QianMen, an area that corresponds to the historical centre of Beijing. This is where the large Tiananmen Square is located, as well as attractions such as the National Museum of China and the famous Zhengyangmen Gate. The district is enclosed by Qianmen E St to the north, Qinian St to the east, Zhushikou St to the south and Qian Men Da Jie to the west, the street leading directly to the great Zhengyangmen Gate.
This is an ideal area if you are staying in Beijing for a few days. Here you will be able to walk between the Forbidden City and Tianmen Square, but above all you will be in a very central location, full of services and accommodation! And it is also ideal for families: despite being one of the most touristy, it is not hectic, on the contrary, and in the evenings it is very quiet.
Finally, as already mentioned, the neighbourhood is very well located. Nearby there is the metro line 2, which will allow you to easily reach different parts of the city.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 10 min walk from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Oriental-style interior, 24-hour reception, luggage storage, free WiFi. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel with 24-hour reception and free WiFi. Rooms with desk and bathroom with shower. Ideal for young people | |
Hotel 5 min walk from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. 24h reception, parking, luggage storage. Ideal for couples and families | |
Luxury hotel 15 min walk from the Temple of Heaven. Business centre, gym, swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, restaurant. Ideal for couples and families |
XiDan
Photos by N509FZ. XiDan is Beijing's third central district, located this time west of the Forbidden City, while DongDan and QianMen are to the east and south respectively. This area is the commercial heart of Beijing: you will find large shopping malls, international brand boutiques and shops.
It is an ideal neighbourhood for families, who are looking for a quieter area in the evenings and who want all amenities within easy reach. It is also ideal for those with little time to spend in Beijing, given its proximity to the other two districts.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around both on foot and by metro. You can walk to the Forbidden City, for instance, while the area is served by Line 1, which also takes you quickly to the northern part of the city, where the Summer Palace is located.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €450.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel with modern furnishings, 24-hour reception, free WiFi and fully equipped rooms. Ideal for couples | |
Small, well-kept hostel in the heart of Xidan. 24-hour reception, free WiFi, bicycle hire. Ideal for young people | |
Hotel a 10-minute walk from Chang'an Street. Gym, swimming pool, room service and restaurant. Tour desk. Ideal for couples | |
Luxury hotel with gym, swimming pool, room service and restaurant. 24-hour reception, free WiFi throughout the hotel. Ideal for couples and families |
ShiChaHai
Photo by Ben Bender. ShiChaHai is the district where you can breathe in the most authentic China. Once a port area, it is now a popular tourist destination, where you can admire the graceful cultural landscapes of Imperial China. Located just north of the Forbidden City, it covers an area of 147 hectares and is home to three lakes: Houbai, Qianhai and Xihai. In summer you can take relaxing boat, canoe and paddle boat rides here, in winter you can go ice skating!
It is an ideal district for families and for those who want an authentic area. It is also certainly one of the most beautiful areas of the capital and here you can lose yourself among the Hutongs, the typical narrow streets in Beijing's oldest districts, intersections of avenues and alleys, full of traditional courtyard houses. The easternmost part of the district is recommended for younger people, as it is only a short walk to Nanluoguxiang, one of the centres of nightlife!
Finally, the whole area is well served by the metro and you will not be far from the main attractions.
Average prices in the district range from around €25.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel offering painting classes, calligraphy courses and free shadow art performances. Rooms with Chinese design and beautiful carved windows. Ideal for couples. Breakfast included | |
Hostel along the Nanluoguxiang nightlife boulevard. Tour desk, restaurant, WiFi, bar. Private rooms or dormitory beds. Ideal for young people | |
Hotel with 24-hour reception, room service and free WiFi. Rooms with every comfort. Ideal for families | |
Authentic and well-connected hotel. Private or shared accommodation with all comforts. Ideal for young people |
DongSi
Photos by Park1996. DongSi is a quiet district located northeast of the Forbidden City and north of the central DongDan district. Nearby are the National Art Museum of China and the Songzhusi Ji Zhizhusi Buddhist temple.
This is an ideal neighbourhood to save money, especially if you are staying in Beijing for more than 3 days! In fact, its slightly more decentralised location allows you to enjoy the traditional Chinese atmosphere at its best, save on the cost of accommodation and at the same time have plenty of services at your fingertips.
In fact, despite its location, the district is very well connected by metro to the rest of the city: the 2, 5 and 6 lines pass through here and the terminus of the train line that goes directly to the airport is also a short distance away.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel with restaurant, WiFi in public areas, 24-hour reception. Air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel 5 min walk from Dongsi metro station. Free WiFi, 24-hour reception and bike rental. Private rooms with en suite bathroom. Ideal for young people | |
Oriental-style luxury hotel with interior garden. Restaurant, room service, bar and WiFi connection. Ideal for couples and families | |
Luxury hotel with spa and wellness centre, 24-hour gym and two restaurants. Rooms with traditional furniture and private bathroom. Ideal for couples and families |
WuDaoKou
Photo by そらみみ. The WuDaoKou district is located northwest of the city centre and can be considered Beijing's university district. In fact, some of the city's most important universities are located here! Also not far away is the beautiful Summer Palace.
Being mainly inhabited by students, it is an ideal district for young people, very lively both during the day and in the evening, thanks to the many clubs. At the same time, it is also an ideal district for those who want to save money, as it is full of hostels and accommodation at competitive prices! Beware, however: most of the accommodations you will not find on the Internet, but you will have to go directly to the place and negotiate the price for the night.
Finally, given its location, this area is recommended if you have more than a few days to spend in the city. The district is however served by the metro, with the main Qinghuayuan Railway Station.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 10 min from the University. Gym, room service, free WiFi. Ideal for families and small groups | |
Family-run accommodation. Rooms with bathroom, restaurant, bicycles, bar, garden and WiFi. Ideal for couples and young people | |
Luxury hotel with swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, gym and restaurant. Laundry service. Ideal for couples | |
Hotel 5 mins from the metro. Fitness centre, sauna, beauty salon, travel agency and gift shop. Ideal for couples and families |
SanLiTun
Photos by Leeluv. Sanlintun is a neighbourhood located within the larger Chaoyang area, the embassy district and expat location. It is a modern district with numerous buildings housing shopping centres and clubs, such as Sanlitun Village, the shopping centre with international and luxury brands!
This district is especially recommended for young people, as it is one of the hot spots for nightlife. Especially along Sanlitun Road, the main avenue, you will find many clubs open until late and restaurants!
The area is a little far from the city centre, but if you stay several days in the city and want to enjoy the nightlife, it is the right place for you. Moreover, it is well connected to the city's metro network and is also easily accessible from the airport.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €400.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 15 min walk from Sanlitun Road. ATM, laundry service, tour desk, bar and restaurant. Ideal for couples | |
Flats with seating area, balcony with view, fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom with toiletries. Free parking, WiFi and maid service | |
Hotel located on Sanlitun Road. Swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hotel in the heart of the district, close to many embassies. Rooms with minibar and city view, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples |
FengTai
Photo by 罗布泊. Finally, if you are staying at least a week in Beijing, we recommend the FengTai district. It doesn't have any particular tourist attractions and is located in the southern part of the city, but it is a residential district with plenty to offer! If, on the other hand, you are only in the city for 3 to 5 days, it is better to opt for the districts seen so far.
This area is especially recommended for low-cost travellers, given the very competitive prices of the hotels, even the most elegant ones with the most amenities. Be careful though: the district is very large, so be sure to find accommodation near metro stations or near Beijing West Station.
Finally, the district, although far from the centre, is well connected by metro: here you will find Beijing West Station, where the metro lines 7 and 9 run and which has several connections to Beijing-DaXing International Airport.
Average prices in the district range from around €35.00 for low-cost accommodation to €160.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel with air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Free WiFi connection. Ideal for couples | |
Hotel 20 min walk from Temple of Heaven. Swimming pool, gym, restaurant, room service. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hotel with wellness centre, fitness centre and indoor pool. Large rooms with living area and work space. Room service and 24-hour reception. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hotel of the famous hotel chain. Swimming pool, gym, paid parking, WiFi. Ideal for couples and families |
Countries near Beijing where to stay
Beijing is very large indeed, one of the largest cities in the world! As we have seen, there are many completely different neighbourhoods that offer everything: traditional atmosphere, wild nightlife and affordable prices! Staying in the city is the best, or rather we could say the only viable option.
Another factor that should not be overlooked is the distance between the various attractions: to visit the city you will also be forced to take an hour on public transport! Staying outside Beijing would mean adding more time to spend on the transport, thus wasting precious time!
