Where to Stay in Beijing 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Beijing is China's political and cultural heart - a city of ancient imperial treasures and modern communist monuments. The Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven anchor the historic core, while hutong alleys offer glimpses of traditional life. Air quality varies significantly, and the Great Wall requires a day trip. The metro system is excellent but the city is vast.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Dongcheng / Near Wangfujing
Walking distance to Forbidden City and Tiananmen, good metro access, plenty of dining options. Central without being in the tourist chaos of Qianmen. Easy day trips to Temple of Heaven, hutongs, and Great Wall from this base.
Dongcheng
Houhai
Sanlitun
Qianmen
CBD
798 Area
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Tea ceremony and art student scams target tourists near Wangfujing and Tiananmen
- • Air quality can be severe - check AQI and bring masks for bad days
- • Some budget hotels don't accept foreigners - verify before booking
- • Traffic is brutal - always allow extra time or use metro
Understanding Beijing Geography
Beijing is organized in concentric ring roads around the Forbidden City at center. The historic core (Dongcheng, Xicheng) contains imperial sights. Chaoyang to the east has the CBD and Sanlitun. The Great Wall sections are 60-120km north. The metro is extensive but distances are large.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Beijing
Dongcheng (Forbidden City Area)
Best for: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, imperial Beijing, hutong alleys
"Imperial heart of China with ancient palaces and traditional hutongs"
Pros
- Major sights walkable
- Historic atmosphere
- Central location
Cons
- Very touristy
- Air quality issues
- Crowded attractions
Houhai / Shichahai
Best for: Historic lakes, hutong exploration, bar scene, traditional Beijing
"Historic lakeside neighborhood with hutong charm and evening bar scene"
Pros
- Beautiful lakeside
- Hutong atmosphere
- Good nightlife
- Central
Cons
- Touristy lakeside bars
- Can be loud at night
- Tourist prices
Sanlitun
Best for: Expat nightlife, international dining, shopping, modern Beijing
"Beijing's international playground with clubs and global cuisine"
Pros
- Best nightlife
- International food
- Modern facilities
- Expat scene
Cons
- Not authentic Beijing
- Expensive
- Far from historic sights
Qianmen / Dashilar
Best for: Pedestrian shopping streets, traditional shops, Peking duck, Temple of Heaven
"Restored traditional shopping district with old Beijing flavor"
Pros
- Historic shopping
- Near Temple of Heaven
- Good value
- Peking duck
Cons
- Very touristy
- Restored/recreated
- Crowded
CBD (Guomao)
Best for: Business district, skyscrapers, CCTV building, modern China
"Gleaming business towers showcasing modern Chinese ambition"
Pros
- Luxury hotels
- Modern amenities
- Business convenient
- Good metro
Cons
- Soulless
- Far from sights
- Expensive
- Traffic
798 Art District Area
Best for: Contemporary art, galleries, industrial architecture, creative scene
"Former factory complex transformed into China's premier art zone"
Pros
- Incredible art scene
- Photography heaven
- Unique atmosphere
Cons
- Far from center
- Limited accommodation
- Need taxi/bus
Accommodation Budget in Beijing
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Leo Hostel
Qianmen
Popular backpacker hostel in traditional hutong building with excellent location and helpful staff.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Orchid Hotel
Houhai
Boutique hotel in restored hutong courtyard with beautiful design and rooftop bar overlooking Drum Tower.
The Opposite House
Sanlitun
Kengo Kuma-designed contemporary hotel with stunning architecture, great restaurants, and prime location.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Park Hyatt Beijing
CBD
Ultra-modern luxury in skyscraper with stunning city views, excellent spa, and impeccable service.
The Peninsula Beijing
Dongcheng
Classic luxury near Forbidden City with legendary Peninsula service, excellent spa, and prime location.
Aman at Summer Palace
Summer Palace
Serene Aman resort adjacent to Summer Palace in restored imperial dwellings. Private palace access.
Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Dongcheng
Art Deco elegance on Wangfujing with restored hutong courtyard villas and excellent Forbidden City access.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
161 Lama Temple Courtyard Hotel
Dongcheng
Charming courtyard hotel near Lama Temple with traditional Chinese design and peaceful atmosphere.
Smart Booking Tips for Beijing
- 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for October Golden Week and Chinese New Year
- 2 Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) have best weather
- 3 Winter is cold but clear skies and fewer tourists; summer hot and polluted
- 4 VPN essential for accessing Western websites - set up before arrival
- 5 Many hotels require passport for check-in - carry it always
- 6 Great Wall tours best booked through hotel to avoid scam operators
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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More Beijing Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Beijing: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.