Beijing Hotels

As the capital of China, expect no less than a city filled with history, culture, and architecture when you go to Beijing. The vibrant city is made up of a mix of hutongs reminiscent of the country’s past lifestyle, monuments of historical significance, temples featuring solemn rituals, and massive architectures that offer a glimpse of the grand events that happened within the walls thousands of years ago.

There’s so much to do in Beijing that tourists, both foreign and local, keep coming back to visit the places they’ve never been to. If you want to understand Chinese culture and enrich your knowledge on oriental history, there’s no better place to go than straight to the heart of the country that is Beijing.

How to Go

The Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is located 32km northeast of the city proper. Since it’s quite far, the most convenient way to get to the city is through the Airport Express Line. The train travel will only take around 20 minutes and you won’t spend much compared to taking the taxi.

Alternatively, you can take the Airport Shuttle Bus for the same price, but the travel time can take around an hour or more, depending on the traffic.

Getting Around

The Beijing Subway System is a safe and cheap option to get to major points in the city. But the best way to roam around is through a bicycle. Almost every road in the metropolis has a bike lane since many locals also take the bike to get to work.

Buses are easy to get a hold of, but they’re often overcrowded. Taxis are also available, but you may get stuck in traffic at times. Motor rickshaws aren’t worth trying. They overcharge tourists and they don’t have a fixed rate on their services.

Top Things to Do

There’s nothing more famous among tourist spots in Beijing than the Great Wall of China. The massive 4,000-mile structure is divided into different sections, each with varying levels of difficulty to traverse.

Exploring the Forbidden City can be one of the most exciting things to do in Beijing. The vast imperial palace has a rich, centuries-old history best explained by an experienced guide.

Among the temples in the city, the Temple of Heaven is the most important tourist spot in Beijing. The holy, masterfully made architecture is frequented by locals for their morning activities like practicing tai chi, singing, and dancing.

The Ming Tombs is another tourist spot in Beijing declared as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find the crypts of the 13 Ming Dynasty emperors, as well as large sculptures of thrones, animals, and humans which all play a part in China’s culture and tradition.

Another world-famous tourist spot in Beijing is Tian'anmen Square. Similar to Times Square and Red Square, the place can accommodate up to a million people at a time. Don’t forget to visit the Lama Temple. This sacred tourist spot in Beijing is home to three artistic masterpieces recognized worldwide.

For hikers, the Fragrant Hills Park offers a massive 400-acre, multi-colored landscape featuring natural sceneries and cultural relics. Meanwhile, taking a stroll in the Summer Palace will help you relax after a tiring adventure. Its well-preserved, artificial landscapes represent traditional Chinese gardening techniques.

What to Eat

The Beijing Roast Duck is the city’s prized cuisine. The best places to have a taste of the crispy skin and moist meat of the famed Peking duck are Quanjude and Dadong restaurants. Of course, there are authentic Chinese dumplings you can get in hutongs or alleyways across the city. While exploring the streets, also give Jianbing, Beijing BBQ, Mantou, and Kao Yang Tui a try.

Local snacks and desserts are best experienced on stalls located at Wangfujing Snack Street, Nanluoguxiang, and Ghost Street. For adventurous foodies, give the Donkey Burger a try. The Wang Pang Zi Donkey Burger Restaurant is the best place that serves this exotic dish.

Nightlife

The Sanlitun is the recommended place to go to experience the Beijing nightlife. The area is lined with clubs, bars, and malls that locals and tourists both enjoy. But for a more immersive experience, visit the hutongs and you’ll find hidden gems in the form of bars, pubs, and restaurants. The best of them is the Tiki Bungalow which serves complex cocktails you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

For a more contemporary place to drink where live bands and open mic sessions are held, visit the 4corners bar. If you’re going for a more upbeat night filled with dancing and music, Elements, Modo Ultra Club, and Dada are the places to go to.

Where to Stay

First-timers should look for Beijing hotels in Qianmen. It’s near famous landmarks like Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Chinese National Museum, and the Forbidden City. Restaurants that serve traditional Chinese food also fill the Qianmen Street.

Budget travelers should stay in Xinjiekou. It’s a lively place full of arts and music, with numerous shops selling musical instruments on every corner. Beijing hotels here are affordable and near the artificial lakes of Shichahai. This is a cool place to hang out at night where you can play music and relax while sipping coffee.

For partygoers, Dongzhimen is the best place to look for hotels in Beijing. It’s near the Sanlitun Bar Street which is famous for its plethora of hip bars and fancy nightclubs.

If you’re after an immersive experience, the Gulou area provides the coolest accommodations within the hutongs. The retro vibe of the area and the myriad of cafes, shops, and restaurants lining the streets are the reasons people flock to this place.

If you’re traveling with your family, the Xidan and Xisi districts are the areas to look for hotels in Beijing. The quiet suburb is dotted with old buildings and is near shopping malls, entertainment centers, and restaurants in the city.

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