Where to Stay in Beijing for First-Timers: 3 Best Areas around the Forbidden City

When choosing where to stay in Beijing, we recommend basing yourself near the Forbidden City. This is the very heart of the city, with most major attractions located within the 2nd Ring Road. Staying here saves time and makes sightseeing, dining, and shopping effortless. For a first-time visit, it's the most convenient and hassle-free choice.

Below we'll share three of the best areas to stay in Beijing and suggest some hotels for each.

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• 1. Wangfujing Area
• 2. Qianmen/Xidan/Chongwenmen Area
• 3. Hutongs Area
• FAQ

1. Wangfujing Area - Top Choice

Wangfujing is definitely the most convenient choice for first-time travelers to Beijing. It is the city's most famous commercial area, located in the city center, with plenty of malls and restaurants. You could easily go shopping, dine, and experience the vibrant evening atmosphere.

It's about a 15-minute walk to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen. Additionally, 5 subway lines pass through this area, providing easy access to other attractions.

Hotels in Wangfujing are generally of a high standard and tend to be more expensive. The rooms are typically spacious and comfortable, which is great for families or guests with a lot of luggage. There are many dining options, both Chinese and Western, in and around the hotels, so finding a meal is never a worry.

Regarding four-star hotels, they tend to be a bit dated here. If you prefer the most central location, be prepared for that. If you want more modern facilities, we recommend the areas around Qianmen, Xidan, and Chongwenmen subway stations.

Wangfujing

4-Day Beijing Private Tour Forbidden City - Temple of Heaven - Great Wall - Summer Palace - Hutongs

2. Qianmen/Xidan/Chongwenmen Subway Stations Area - Stay Central & Great Value

If you find Wangfujing too touristy or expensive, consider the areas around Qianmen, Xidan, or Chongwenmen subway stations. They are also centrally located, providing easy access to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven, either by walking or a short subway ride. Transportation is very convenient.

Compared to Wangfujing, these three areas offer more local life and a wider selection of hotels. Although prices are generally not low due to their central location, they are usually more affordable than Wangfujing, with a slightly different atmosphere. Additionally, all three areas are great for shopping, with large malls or pedestrian streets nearby.

Qianmen and Dashilanr: These areas have a more traditional Beijing feel, with many old shops and local snacks. The downside is that hotels are generally older and rooms are smaller. Streets are narrower, so taxis may not be able to stop directly at the hotel entrance. You'll need a short walk to reach the hotel after getting out.

We recommend staying near Zhushikou subway station, where roads are wider, allowing vehicles to reach the hotel entrance directly, making travel more convenient.

Qianmen

Xidan: This area has a younger vibe, with shopping centers and fast fashion brands popular among locals. Hotels are relatively newer, and the area is lively at night, ideal for those who enjoy an urban atmosphere.

xidan

Near Chongwenmen Subway Station: Located east of Qianmen, this area is quieter, suitable for those seeking a comfortable and peaceful environment.

3. Hutongs Area - Courtyard Style

If you're looking for a unique stay and want to experience "living in old Beijing," courtyard hotels in the hutong areas are the most atmospheric choice. We recommend the hutongs in Dongcheng District and the Jingshan area, near the Forbidden City.

Staying in a courtyard offers tranquility and character, unlike standardized large hotels. You could enjoy tea in the courtyard or take a leisurely walk in hutongs. It's a truly unique experience.

Courtyard

However, the roads in the hutongs are generally narrow, so cars might not be able to reach the entrance, requiring a bit of a walk. Some courtyard hotels are renovated old buildings, often with stairs, and room sizes and facilities might not match those of modern hotels.

If you're traveling with a lot of luggage or with family, make sure to confirm the hotel's conditions in advance.

FAQ：

1. How many nights should I stay in Beijing?

Generally, a 4-day itinerary is enough to explore Beijing's main attractions, so a 3-night stay is sufficient.

Read the detailed itinerary plan in How to Plan a Trip to Beijing.

2. Is it necessary to stay at the Great Wall?

Usually, it's not necessary. Sections like Mutianyu and Jinshanling are about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from downtown Beijing, and you could make a round trip in one day.

However, if you're going to Simatai, we recommend staying one night in Gubei Water Town to enjoy the Great Wall at night and the tranquility of the town. See our 2-Day Great Wall Mutianyu-Simatai Day-Night Tour.

If you have other needs, such as watching the sunrise or doing a 2-day or longer hike, then staying near the Great Wall might be necessary. We also have hotel recommendations; just let us know your needs.

2-Day Jiankou Wild Great Wall Camping Tour

3. How to arrange accommodation when visiting Universal Studios Beijing?

It takes about an hour by car from downtown Beijing to Universal Studios.

For a one-day visit, you could stay in downtown Beijing.

If you prefer using the subway, consider staying near Line 1 or Line 7 stations within the Second Ring Road (since you'll be walking a lot inside the park, it's best to rest as soon as you get off the subway). For a higher budget, Wangfujing on Line 1 is recommended; for a limited budget, consider staying near Zhushikou Station on Line 7.

For a two-day visit, we recommend staying one night near Universal Studios. We recommend the Universal Studios Grand Hotel (5-star) inside the park, which offers the benefit of entering the park an hour early, saving queue time, and allowing you to rest at the hotel during the day.

4. Are there hotel recommendations with accessible rooms for wheelchair users?

We recommend the Pan Pacific Beijing (5-star) and Novotel Beijing Peace (4-star).

However, accessible rooms might not be available on hotel websites, so you need to inquire directly with the hotel; there are usually only one or two such rooms, so you need to book 2-3 months in advance. It's a bit of a hassle, but you could also contact us to book for you.

Enjoy a Comfortable Stay in Beijing with China Highlights

Beijing's tourist attractions are quite large, so a high-quality rest after a day's itinerary is important to ensure a smooth trip the next day.

By booking our private tour, you could enjoy hassle-free private transfers and professional guides. Our expert advisors will recommend the most suitable hotels based on your needs, including extra beds, cribs, separate wet and dry areas, non-smoking floors, swimming pools, and more.