If you are planning to visit the capital of the China and you need to know what they are the best areas to sleep in Beijing, in this guide you will find all the information you need to make no mistake and spend a pleasant trip or vacation.
Beijing is not only Chinese capital, it is also one of the most fascinating cities on the Asian continent. It constitutes the political, social, economic and cultural center of the country and is, therefore, the nucleus around which the life of China is organized. This Asian giant can boast of having a rich history that the traveler can look out over by visiting the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace or the Great Wall of China.
Beijing is a city where the past, visible in its imposing palaces and temples, in the traditional houses that decorate the ancient hutongs (narrow streets that cross the old city) and in the millenary customs, coexists harmoniously with the present, very well represented by the impressive skyscrapers and shopping centers, as well as by the endless offer of entertainment, markets and restaurants.
The Chinese capital is also one of the most populated cities in the world. It is a complex city, with many contrasts and which lives in constant renewal. Your visit will give you the opportunity to get a glimpse of life in one of Asia's most dazzling and atmospheric capitals.
Where to sleep in Beijing
Beijing as well as being one of the most populous cities in the world is also a huge city where the hotel offer is very wide and includes all types of accommodation: very luxurious ones with prohibitive prices, others in the mid-range with very acceptable prices and hostels at almost symbolic prices.
As in other destinations, the closer you get to the city center or major tourist attractions, the more accommodation costs. Therefore, the most expensive areas they are Wangfujing, Qianmen and Sanlitun. While, in Houhai, Xidan and Chaoyang Park it is possible to find slightly cheaper accommodations.
Le most sought after areas to stay in Beijing are Wangfujing and Qianmen and the areas around these two areas. Sanlitun and Houhai are also great options due to their atmosphere.
Keep in mind that the distances in the city are relatively long, so you will have to make frequent use of public transport. This is an aspect to consider when choosing the area to sleep in Beijing.
The time of year when traveling will also have a major impact on the price of accommodation. During the national holiday, Chinese New Year or in the summer, prices increase and the hotel supply is reduced.
Wangfujing, the most central part of Beijing
Located in the heart of Dongcheng District, it is one of the largest, busiest and most popular streets in Beijing. The reason is that it is one of the most commercial streets in the city. In addition to numerous shops, cafes and restaurants, it has two large shopping malls at each end and one of the most unique night markets.
Additionally, you'll find a good number of local shops and other international brands here, as well as dozens of restaurants and street food stalls where they serve some local specialties.
As an added benefit, this route is very close to the Jingshan Park, known as the Coal Hill, a Piazza Tian'anmen and Forbidden City.
In the southern part of this pedestrian street is located the station: Line 1 of the subway and several bus lines pass through here. Its central location, in the heart of the city, makes it one of the best areas to sleep in Beijing.
The only negative note is represented by rather high hotel prices. It is unlikely to find a room in a 4-star hotel for less than 80 - 90 € per night. We especially recommend sleeping around Wangfujing for those who won't be spending many days in the city.
Recommended hotels
Spring Time Hostel - economic
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing - mid-range
Legendale Hotel, Grand Hyatt Beijing - high-end
Houhai and Nanluoguxiang, Beijing's past and present
These two neighborhoods are next to each other and together constitute the most traditional area of ​​the Chinese capital. They are crossed by numerous hutong (narrow streets or alleys) dotted with typical houses, originating from the Yuan dynasty. They also have a good offer of restaurants, traditional souvenir shops, cafes and bars with live music.
In the area you will find the famous Bell Tower e Drum Tower and, if you are interested in visiting some imperial houses, in the Houhai district you will find the residence of Prince Kung, the former residence of Soong Ching-Ling or that of Guo Moruo.
Also, in this area there are the Houhai and Quianhai lakes, where you can find numerous restaurants and bars with live music. At night, the atmosphere is great, perfect for a stroll and a good dinner.
The area is a lot well connected by public transport: underground line 8 can be used.
This is a highly recommended area for sleeping in Beijing, especially for those who want to get to know the more traditional face of the city, socialize with the locals or enjoy a quieter environment if you are staying in the hutong area, or very lively if you are. chooses the area adjacent to the lakes Houhai e Qianhai.
The hotel offer is interesting and includes both normal hotels and more traditional options located in the heart of the hutongs, where sleeping will be a real experience. For around € 35 - € 40 you can stay in a 3-star hotel in Houhai. While in Nanluoguxiang, a hotel with the same benefits will cost a little more: 45 - 50 €.
Find a hotel in Houhai Find a hotel in NanluoguxiangQianmen
This neighborhood, located south of the mythical Piazza Tian'anmen, is the historical heart of the Chinese city and one of the best places to sleep in Beijing thanks to its perfect location.
Qianmen is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city whose magic begins even before entering, as it is accessed through the Qianmen Gate, an architectural jewel dating back to the XNUMXth century.
It is crossed by Qianmen Street, a street with more than five hundred years of history and the main commercial artery of the city, where there are endless shops of all kinds, restaurants, cafes ...
Staying in this neighborhood means being close to some of the most visited places in Beijing such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Pearls Market (Hongqiao market) or Dashilan Street, one of the most important and animated streets of the city.
As an added benefit, Qianmen is very well connected by public transport. You can use the underground lines 2 and 7 and a good number of bus lines.
It stands out as one of the best areas to stay in Beijing, as it is located right next to the main historical area of ​​the city and also has an interesting leisure offer and restaurants.
On the other hand, the offer of the hotel is wide and offers suitable prices for all wallets. Of course, booking a mid-range accommodation with a minimum of amenities will cost you a little more than in other areas of the city. The average of 4-star hotels in the low season is around € 60 - € 70 per night.
Find a hotel in QianmenSanlitun, for nightlife lovers
Located in the heart of the Chaoyang District, east of the city center, it is one of the most modern parts and Westernized Beijing. The district is home to numerous embassies, several bars, restaurants and shops of all kinds, although those of international brands prevail.
In short, it is an area where the millennial and the traditional give way to modernity, an aspect that makes it one of the most touristic districts.
Its main points of interest are the Yashow market, one of the three main markets in the city, and Sanlitun Bar Street. This street that concentrates a multitude of bars, clubs and terraces is one of the epicenters of entertainment in the Chinese capital. Nearby there are also the Chaoyang Park and the Dongyue Temple, of the Taoist cult.
Although the area is a little further away from the main tourist attractions, it is very well connected to the center by metro line 10.
The offer of accommodation is very diverse, but the prices are not the cheapest. A room in a 3-star hotel costs on average around 55 - 60 €.
Find a Sanlitun hotelXidan
Xidan is located in the heart of Xicheng District. It is one of the most popular neighborhoods for locals and travelers, as it is considered one of the most important and complete commercial areas in the city. In it you will find a myriad of shops, boutiques, restaurants, shopping centers and hotels.
Furthermore, it is very close (about two kilometers) to Piazza Tian'anmen, Mao Zedong Mausoleum, To Torre di Qianmen and Forbidden City.
This area is connected to the rest of the city via the Xidan metro station, to which lines 1 and 4 arrive. There are also several bus lines that reach the area.
This neighborhood is an alternative to consider for those who wish to sleep in Beijing in a central district and want to feel the hustle and bustle of the city.
The hotel's offer is much more limited than elsewhere and is slightly more expensive. In fact, booking a 3-star hotel will cost you no less than € 40 and a 4-star hotel will be around 90 euros.
A downside to staying in this area is that you'll depend on public transportation or taxis to explore most of the city's tourist spots.
Find a hotel in Xidan
