Where To Stay In Beijing: 5 Best Areas & Places

Beijing is huge. Really huge. The city stretches far beyond the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, and each area has its own character. One minute you can be wandering through a quiet hutong, the next you’re surrounded by skyscrapers and shopping malls.

Where you stay makes a big difference here. Some neighborhoods are great for first-time visitors and major sights. Others are better for food, nightlife, or getting a feel for everyday Beijing. There are also areas where old Beijing and the modern city collide in wonderfully strange ways.

From historic hutongs and lively Wangfujing to the artsy streets around 798, these are the best areas to stay in Beijing, depending on what kind of trip you have in mind.

 

In this travel guide:

 

Qianmen

Best area for: history, shopping, culture

Qianmen is one of those Beijing areas where the city’s past is never far away. We’re right south of Tiananmen Square, with the huge Zhengyangmen Gate marking the northern entrance.

From here, Qianmen Street runs south, lined with shops, restaurants and plenty of visitors. It’s definitely a tourist area, but there are still pockets of everyday Beijing life tucked behind the main streets.

The real fun starts when we turn into Dashilar, or Dashilan. This old commercial district has been around for roughly 500 years. Its name comes from the wooden fences that once stood at the ends of the street. T

hey were locked at night to keep thieves out. Today, the area is packed with old shops, snack stalls and traditional Chinese brands. Some have been trading for more than a century.

We also like stepping away from the crowds into the narrow hutongs around Dashilar. The atmosphere changes quickly. One minute we’re on a busy shopping street, the next we’re passing small courtyards and quiet lanes. Qianshi Hutong is famously narrow too. At its tightest point, it’s barely wide enough for one person.

Best place to stay in Qianmen

New World Beijing Hotel. Address: No.8 Qinian Street, Dongcheng, 100062 Beijing, China.

 

Xinjiekou (Xicheng)

Best area for: budget-friendly, history, culture

Xinjiekou in Xicheng carries a heavy dose of real Beijing everyday life. Back in the Yuan Dynasty, this area served as a crucial transport hub for grain coming into the city. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant blend of historical residential neighborhood and commercial strip.

We love the raw energy of this district. Traditional hutong alleyways weave behind modern storefronts, where older residents chat on street corners while younger crowds duck into music shops. In fact, Xinjiekou is famous across the city as the ultimate haven for musicians, lined with store after store selling guitars, drums, and traditional Chinese instruments.

It is definitely more of a residential and local lifestyle hub than a typical tourist trap. You will not find massive hordes of sightseers here. Instead, you get low-slung courtyard homes, tree-shaded side streets, and authentic neighborhood vibes right near the Northern Lakes.

One of the popular activities for tourists is to explore Xinjiekou’s hutongs. What is a hutong? They are the narrow alleyways that are traditional in many northern Chinese communities.

When hunger hits, we always grab a table at Huguosi Snacks nearby. It is a local legend for classic Beijing comfort food. Try the sweet fried dough rings or savory meat buns for a cheap, nostalgic bite surrounded by lifelong neighborhood locals.

Best place to stay in Xinjiekou

Pan Pacific Hotel. Address: No.2 Huayuan Street, Xicheng, 100032 Beijing, China.

 

Gulou

Best area for: hipster, history, nightlife

Gulou is one of those Beijing neighborhoods where the city’s past and present sit almost on top of each other. We noticed it straight away. One minute we were on a busy street, and a few steps later we were in a quiet hutong lined with grey brick walls and old courtyard homes.

The area takes its name from the Drum Tower, or Gulou, which dates back to the Yuan Dynasty. The nearby Bell Tower completes the pair. They once played an important role in telling people the time across Beijing. Today, climbing the steep stairs is worth it for the views.

Gulou is not just a tourist district. People still live in the hutongs, and you’ll see locals chatting outside their homes, small grocery shops and bikes squeezed into the narrow lanes.

That everyday life is part of what makes the area interesting. Nanluoguxiang is the busier, more touristy side, with cafes, shops, bars and plenty of snacks. It has been around for more than 700 years.

Best place to stay in Gulou

The Orchid Hotel. Address: 65 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100009.

 

Dongzhimen

Best area for: families, food, nightlife

Back in the Ming Dynasty, this neighborhood was the location of the “Gate of Eastern Straightness.” Carts stacked with fresh grain rolled through it into the inner city. The ancient gate is long gone today.

Now, the district stands as a massive, bustling transit hub. It cleanly blends busy commercial energy with real local residential life. You will see commute-weary office workers rushing toward the subway right alongside elderly residents walking their dogs.

We always head straight for Guijie, also known as Ghost Street. Red lanterns line the avenue for over a kilometer. The entire street glows after dark. It is famous for late-night food runs, especially spicy crayfish and hot pot. Tourists and locals alike sit on tiny stools waiting for tables well past midnight.

When we crave a proper coffee hit, we tuck into Metal Hands. They pull rich espresso shots using unique, custom lever machines. The vibe inside stays calm and sleek. It offers the perfect escape from the chaotic traffic outside.

Best place to stay in Dongzhimen

Park Plaza Wangfujing. Address: No.97, Jinbao Street, Dongcheng, 100005 Beijing, China.

 

Xidan

Best area for: shopping, luxury, business

Xidan feels like one of those Beijing neighborhoods where the old city and the modern city are constantly bumping into each other. We found it busy, bright and very urban. It is much more of a shopping and business area than a traditional tourist neighborhood, but that is exactly what makes it interesting.

The history goes back to the Ming Dynasty. Xidan grew around a route used by traders coming into Beijing from the southwest. Later, it became an important commercial area, and by the 1970s it was one of Beijing’s three major shopping districts, alongside Wangfujing and Qianmen.

Today, Xidan is packed with department stores, malls, restaurants and cinemas. Joy City is one of the big ones. It is particularly popular with younger Beijingers. The area also has a few nice reminders of older Beijing. Lingjing Hutong, for example, is unusually wide for a hutong and cuts through the modern cityscape.

We would stay here if shopping, food and easy metro connections matter more than leafy streets. For coffee, there is a Starbucks inside Joy City, while the mall itself has plenty of places to eat.

Best place to stay in Xidan

Le Joy Hotel. Address: No. 131, B, Xidan North Street, Xicheng District, Xicheng, 100000 Beijing, China.

 

Where travel critics stay in Beijing

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Beijing? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Beijing.

 

Budget

Hotel Cordis Capital Airport.

“Although just a minute away from the international airport, this 372-roomer succeeds in being more than a place to pass out during a layover. With contemporary Chinese art filling the hotel, Cordis has a cheeky, creative atmosphere.” — CNN.

Address: 1 Yijing Rd, Shunyi Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100621.

 

Mid-range

The Orchid Hotel.

“A cozy 10-room charmer hidden away in one of Beijing’s up-and-coming hutongs, The Orchid is a favorite with travelers looking for character and comfort at a bargain price.” — Frommers.

Address: 65 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100009.

 

Luxury

Aman at Summer Palace Hotel.

“The epitome of blissful indulgence, this luxury hotel is spread out across a series of carefully renovated ancient Qing Dynasty courtyards—it even has its own private entrance to the Summer Palace.” — Fodor’s.

Address: 1 Gongmenqian Street, Beijing, China, 100091.

 

FAQ: Beijing hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Beijing, or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Beijing.

 

 

Best time to visit Beijing

The best time to visit Beijing is during the spring and autumn seasons. This is when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The spring months of April and May are particularly beautiful, as the city is covered in colorful blossoms and flowers. Autumn, on the other hand, offers clear skies and cooler temperatures, which makes it perfect for exploring the city’s many attractions.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the winter months of December to February are the best time to visit Beijing. The city is less crowded during this time, and you can enjoy the winter festivals and events. However, you should be prepared for the cold weather, as temperatures can drop below freezing.

On the other hand, the summer months of June to August are the busiest and most crowded time to visit Beijing. The city can get hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 104 F (40 °C).

However, if you don’t mind the heat and crowds, this is also a great time to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, outdoor dining, and summer festivals. 

 

Best things to do in Beijing

There are plenty of things to do in Beijing and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Beijing:

 

Mini Group: Beijing Forbidden City Tour with Great Wall Hiking at Mutianyu

See three of Beijing’s most famous landmarks on a full-day tour that starts in the city and travels to the Great Wall of China. Start with a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Forbidden City, and walk by the monuments of Tiananmen Square. Price: $125. More info.

 

Beijing: Tibetan Yonghe Lama Temple Guided Walking Tour

Admire the well preserved ancient architecture and artifacts of the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple, which is also the previous palace of Emperor Yong Zheng in the Qing Dynasty. Learn the history from your guide during this 2-hour walking tour. Price: $30. More info.

 

Experience Beijing: Chinese Cooking Class and Market Tour

Uncover the ancient secrets of Chinese cuisine during a 5-hour cooking class in Beijing. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of a local market to gain insight into the region’s rich culinary culture and purchase fresh ingredients from enticing stalls. Price: $94. More info.

 

More things to do in Beijing

 

Deciding where to stay in Beijing

In conclusion, this travel guide has covered the best areas and hotels in Beijing and how to get around. Now it is up to you to decide which area suits your needs the most.

 

Top 5 areas to stay in Beijing

• Dongzhimen
• Xidan
• Gulou
• Qianmen
• Xinjiekou

 

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Beijing is important. Whether you stay in Dongzhimen, Xidan, Gulou, Qianmen or Xinjiekou, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Beijing.

 

Beijing overview

🏨 Hotel prices:	Cheap
🛏 Budget hotel:	$55
💑 Boutique hotel:	$95
⭐ 5-star hotel:	$160
🌎 Best area for first visit:	Qianmen
👪 Best area for families:	Dongzhimen
💎 Best luxury hotel:	The Peninsula
👫 Best boutique hotel:	CHAO Sanlitun
💰 Best cheap hotel:	Refactoring Space Beijing Wang Fu Jing
🎒 Best hostel:	Peking Station Hostel

 

More Beijing tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Beijing:

Hotels in Beijing

Hostels in Beijing

Boutique hotels in Beijing

Luxury hotels in Beijing

Cheap hotels in Beijing

Eco-friendly hotels in Beijing