Beijing has always been a dream destination in China that truly captivates the heart. The city offers a beautiful blend of contrasts between ancient imperial palaces and magnificent futuristic architecture. Its richly flavoured local cuisine is also a real treat for the palate.

Choosing where to stay in Beijing will greatly determine the comfort of a traveller’s holiday. Let’s take a look at the full review of the different areas below!

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Travellers can choose an area based on what they most want to do. If you’re keen on sightseeing, choose Wangfujing or Qianmen. If you prefer nightlife and modern shopping, Sanlitun could be the place for you.

If you’re still unsure where to stay in Beijing, Wangfujing is a safe bet to start with. Wangfujing is located in Dongcheng and is quite close to several of Beijing’s main attractions. The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are the main reasons many travellers choose this area. Wangfujing itself is also known as a shopping district with a bustling pedestrian street.

For Malaysian travellers visiting Beijing for the first time, a location like this is quite helpful. After a day of sightseeing, there are still plenty of restaurants and shops near the hotel.

This area is known for its pedestrian streets and historic buildings. It is also close to Tiananmen Square and several key tourist attractions. Qianmen is also appealing to travellers who enjoy exploring the local cuisine.

There are plenty of local restaurants and shops that bring the area to life. After a full day of sightseeing, travellers can take a leisurely stroll around the area before returning to their hotel.

Gulou is known for its hutong neighbourhood. Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys or lanes formed by rows of houses with square courtyards typical of northern China, particularly in Beijing.

Consequently, the streets are narrower and the atmosphere is quite different from modern Beijing, which is filled with high-rise buildings. This area is ideal for travellers who have already seen Beijing’s main attractions or who are specifically looking for a more local experience.

Dongcheng is not, in fact, just a single neighbourhood. This area encompasses many key parts of central Beijing. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing and the Temple of Heaven are located in or near this area. Consequently, Dongcheng is often a practical choice for travellers wishing to focus on history and culture.

For first time travellers from Malaysia, staying in the Dongcheng area makes planning a cultural itinerary much easier.

Not all travellers come to Beijing to see palaces and temples. If you want to experience the city’s modern side, Sanlitun could be a more appealing option.

Sanlitun is known for its nightlife, international restaurants, shopping centers and premium hotels. Taikoo Li Sanlitun is one of the city’s most popular fashion and lifestyle hubs. Sanlitun also appeals to travellers wishing to mingle with the international community. Many of the hotels and facilities in this area are specifically geared towards both leisure and business travellers.

Chaoyang is one of the districts that offers a glimpse into modern Beijing. Here you’ll find skyscrapers, business centers, large shopping centers and numerous international hotels. The district also features areas such as Sanlitun, as well as various shopping centers.

For Malaysian travellers who love shopping, Chaoyang offers plenty of options. However, for a holiday focused on historical attractions, this location isn’t as strategically situated as Wangfujing or Qianmen.

This area is known for its bustling shopping centers, which are popular with locals. Xidan Joy City is one of the most popular retail centers. The atmosphere in Xidan feels younger and more modern. Travellers can find fashion, restaurants and a wide range of amenities all in one area. It is also well connected by public transport.

Knowing the best time to visit will help you make the most of your itinerary. Beijing has a four-season climate with very contrasting weather conditions.

The perfect time for a holiday is in autumn, between September and November. During this period, the weather is very cool and refreshing. A clear blue sky envelops the city and the ginkgo leaves turn a golden colour.

Spring, from March to May, is also quite pleasant. The air begins to warm up and the flowers in the city’s parks bloom beautifully.

Summer, in July and August, tends to be very hot and humid. Meanwhile, winter, from December to February, feels freezing, although it offers romantic snowy views at the Forbidden City.

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Have you decided which area you’ll be staying in whilst in Beijing? Now’s the time to choose a nearby hotel. Check out Traveloka’s selection of the best hotels in Beijing below:

For those wishing to stay in the Wangfujing area, the Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing is ideally situated for sightseeing and shopping. The interior has a classic and elegant feel, with spacious, clean and comfortable rooms where you can rest after a day exploring Beijing.

The facilities are also quite comprehensive for a hotel in the city center. There is an indoor pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, a spa and a concierge service.

Located in the Central Business District, this hotel is ideal for those who appreciate a modern and sleek atmosphere. The lobby is spacious and luxurious, whilst the rooms offer a comfortable setting for both business trips and holidays.

Facilities at the Grand Millennium Beijing include a large indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a sauna, a steam room, a restaurant, a bar and a lounge. There is also a children’s pool, making this hotel a comfortable choice for family holidays.

The atmosphere at The St. Regis Beijing is more tranquil and exclusive, with elegant interiors. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, whilst the hotel exudes a sense of luxury without feeling overly crowded. Its location in the Central Business District is also close to the embassy district.

The hotel offers a swimming pool, room service, a concierge, multilingual staff, and facilities to assist with your travel needs. The breakfast selection is also quite extensive, with a variety of dishes from several different cuisines.

If you prefer a hotel with a simple, clean style, the Swissôtel Beijing Hong Kong Macau Center is worth considering. The interior has a modern feel with comfortable rooms, whilst its location is convenient for exploring the Sanlitun area and its surroundings.

The facilities are comprehensive enough for both a staycation and a longer trip. There is a swimming pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, Wi-Fi, and easy transport links, including a direct connection to the underground from the hotel’s basement.

Situated in Chaoyang, Marco Polo Parkside Beijing offers a quieter atmosphere than hotels in the city center. The interior is Art Deco in style, with spacious rooms, comfortable beds and bathrooms featuring a bathtub and separate shower.

The facilities are ideal for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. There is an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a fitness center, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a bar and 24 hour room service. It is also situated close to the Olympic Green and the Olympic Forest Park.

Plan your vacation to Beijing with Traveloka. Traveloka, which is positioned as the No. 1 All-in-One Travel App in Southeast Asia* with over 140 million downloads across the region, offers Malaysian travelers a comprehensive booking ecosystem backed by a Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Live Agent Support. 

The platform connects users with over 20 travel products, including more than 300 airline partners, 2 million+ hotels, and 90,000+ attractions, and is equipped with flexibility that prioritizes customer convenience, such as free hotel cancellations and easy flight rescheduling. What are you waiting for? Book on Traveloka now.