Where to Stay in Beijing for First-Timers: Best Areas & Hotels

The main attractions in Beijing are within the Second Ring Road. If it's your first time visiting, considering the proximity to various attractions, transportation, dining, and shopping, we recommend staying within the Second Ring Road, near the Forbidden City.

We will recommend five of the best areas to stay in Beijing and suggest hotels.

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• 1. Wangfujing Area
• 2. Qianmen & Dashilan Area
• 3. Hutong Area
• 4. Chongwenmen Subway Station Area
• 5. Sanlitun 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.

Wangfujing

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

2. Qianmen & Dashilan Area - Central Location and a Bit of Walking

If you want to stay in the center of Beijing but find Wangfujing too expensive, Qianmen and Dashilar are great alternatives. These areas are close to Tiananmen Square, within a 30-minute walk of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen, and a 15-minute walk to the Temple of Heaven.

These areas are ideal for exploring on foot, with plenty of authentic snacks, restaurants, and traditional shops. The area also comes alive in the evening and has more of the "Old Beijing" charm compared to Wangfujing. There are more hotel options here, generally at lower prices, offering good value for money.

Qianmen

However, keep in mind that this is an old district, so many hotel rooms are small and the facilities may be a bit dated. Some hotels have limited room types and cannot accommodate extra beds, which might not be convenient for families.

Additionally, the streets are narrow, so taxis might not be able to stop right at the hotel entrance. You'll need to walk a short distance to reach the hotel after getting out.

We recommend staying near Zhushikou Subway Station. This area is served by 4 subway lines, and the roads are wider, allowing cars to reach hotel entrances directly, providing overall convenience in transportation.

3. Hutong 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 areas around Houhai, Drum Tower, and Nanluoguxiang. Although there are courtyard hotels in other parts of Beijing, these areas have dense hutongs, are close to residential neighborhoods, and are not far from major attractions like the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park.

Staying in a courtyard offers tranquility and character, unlike standardized large hotels. You could enjoy tea in the courtyard or take a leisurely walk around Houhai. 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.

4. Chongwenmen Subway Station Area - Convenient Transportation and Quietness

If you're looking for a quiet and modern hotel, we recommend staying near Chongwenmen Station, close to Qianmen. It's not a touristy spot, so it's less noisy, and you could enjoy peaceful nights. There are plenty of malls and restaurants nearby, so everything you need is right there.

Transportation is super convenient. Chongwenmen is a metro hub, with 5 subway lines in the area, so getting around is really easy. You could reach landmarks like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven in just a couple of stops without too much hassle. Plus, it's easy to catch a ride, and you're never too far from anywhere in the city.

5. Sanlitun Area - A Young People's Favorite

If you enjoy vibrant nightlife, Sanlitun is perfect. It's Beijing's trendiest shopping area and the liveliest spot for bars and clubs. During the day, you could explore the shopping centers, and at night, relax on the bar street. Especially on weekends, the area is bustling with young people.

Read more about Beijing's Nightlife.

Sanlitun at night

However, it can be noisy here, and it might be a bit loud at night. It's also not very close to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, about a 1.5-hour drive, so you'll need to allow extra travel time.

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.