Where to Stay in Beijing: Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors

Some cities are pretty forgiving when it comes to booking random hotels or places to stay…but China? Think again!! Unless you’re a native speaker but I sure as heck am not 😵‍💫 With cities like Singapore or London…you could technically book a hotel in most neighborhoods and still get around just fine. But when it comes to where to stay in Beijing? Totally different story. This city is massive (we’re talking one of the top 10 most populated in the world), and picking the wrong area can mean spending half your trip stuck on subways or in traffic. Choosing where to stay in Beijing is just as important as deciding what to do (and eat) in Beijing. So if you’re wondering where to stay in Beijing for easy access to landmarks, food, and culture — have no fear! This blog post that I put together after my most recent visit with my dad (the China expert) has you covered!

So keep reading for a quick breakdown of Beijing neighborhoods since where you stay will kinda depend on what you want from your trip to Beijing; Wangfujing is close to the main tourist sights, Sanlitun has the best nightlife and Gulou retains the traditional culture lost in many of Beijing’s rapidly developing districts.

I’ll also cover where to stay in Beijing with family and the areas you might want to skip. Let’s get into it 👇

Read more on China 🇨🇳

• A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 3-Day Beijing Itinerary
• Top 15 Things to Do in Beijing: From Hot Pot to Hidden Gems
• Empark Prime Hotel Beijing Review: Luxurious Comfort Near the Forbidden City

This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beijing at a Glance

Short on time? Here are my top picks for the best boutique hotels in Beijing:

• Empark Prime Hotel Beijing (Wangfujing) – Where my dad and I stayed! Centrally located with roomy interiors and classic Chinese accents, this hotel is great for travelers seeking comfort and walkable access to the Forbidden City.
• CHAO Sanlitun Beijing (Sanlitun) – A chic, contemporary boutique hotel with gallery-style interiors and lively creative energy—an ideal pick for where to stay in Beijing for design lovers and modern travelers on a 3-day Beijing itinerary
• Hotel Éclat Beijing (Chaoyang) – Vibrant and unconventional, this art-filled stay inside Parkview Green is ideal for guests who appreciate bold aesthetics and unique luxury.
• East Hotel The Forbidden City Drum Tower – Affordable and well-positioned, this hotel is a great choice for where to stay in Beijing, placing you close to historic sites and atmospheric hutongs for easy exploring on foot.

Breakdown of Beijing Neighborhoods

Before we jump into all the best places to stay in Beijing, let’s first talk a little about the main neighborhoods inside the literal capital of China. Beijing is where dynasties meet skyscrapers (pretty wild considering how old China is as a country). You’ve got historic landmarks like The Forbidden City and Great Wall, combined with a ton of shopping malls, nightlife, and foreign embassies from just about every country. Beijing is massive and not particularly westerner-friendly (although that’s changing).

That’s why choosing where to stay in Beijing matters just as much as what you do here. It sets the tone for your entire trip. To keep it simple, here’s a quick breakdown of the neighborhoods in Beijing:

Wangfujing: This is where I stayed with my dad, as it was my first time in the city and I wanted to have easy access to the main attractions. Located just to the east of the Forbidden City and other Beijing tourist spots, this is about as central as you can get. Pedestrian-friendly and packed with restaurants, shops and attractions, you’ll pay more here but it’s so worth it.

Check out this blog post for the full review of our stay at Empark Prime Hotel in Beijing!

Qianmen: Still super central but a bit more traditional and less touristy – think pedestrianized shopping streets and family-run restaurants. Ideal if you want to be amidst the action but slightly outside of the city center chaos.

Sanlitun: Probably the best place to stay if you’re less interested in tourist attractions and in Beijing for a good time – Sanlitun is home to the city’s best nightlife, shopping, luxury hotels, and international dining. I guess this makes sense since its where a lot of the big Western hotel chains are based. Not so authentic, but packed with your creature comforts. Also… the fact that you can splurge on a Four Seasons for less than $300 USD/night? Yep. It’s giving bougie on a budget and I’m a huge fan.

Chaoyang: Picture modern Beijing and you’re thinking of Chaoyang. Home to towering skyscrapers and some of the world’s most important companies, as well as more luxury hotel brands. Ideal for business travelers, you are a little further from the city center here, so will need to make use of public transport to get around.

Gulou: One of the oldest parts of the capital, this area is among the best for where to stay in Beijing if you want to explore ancient hutongs, traditional architecture, and narrow alleys. Perfect if you’ve already seen the main attractions and are seeking something more authentic.

Where to Stay in Beijing: Wangfujing

If it’s your first time in Beijing and you’re in full tourist mode, then Wangfujing is the place to base yourself. The name “Wangfujing” itself actually refers to a popular, mostly pedestrianized shopping street.

This has been a commercial center in the city as far back as the Ming Dynasty. It’s home to a mix of modern brands and more traditional shops, street food stalls and the iconic multi-story Wangfujing Bookstore.

However, it’s the proximity to Beijing’s main attractions that makes the area around Wangfujing so attractive to travelers. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong are just some of the top places to visit in Beijing that are located within walking distance from the Wangfujing area.

It’s this convenience of location and the good number of Western hotel brands on offer that makes this area worth paying for.

Top Hotel Recommendations near Wangfujing

• Empark Prime Hotel Beijing (Wangfujing) – Where my dad and I stayed! A centrally located hotel with spacious rooms and traditional Chinese touches, ideal for travelers who want comfort and convenience just steps from the Forbidden City.
• Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing (Wangfujing) – An affordable, no-frills option in the heart of Wangfujing with easy access to shopping, street eats, and major landmarks.
• Regent Beijing (Wangfujing) – A polished and upscale choice with spacious rooms and luxe amenities, perfect for travelers seeking a five-star experience near Tiananmen Square.
• The PuXuan Hotel and Spa (Wangfujing) – Sleek, design-driven luxury with minimalist elegance, a world-class spa, and stunning views of Jingshan Park and the Forbidden City.
• Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing (Wangfujing) – Ultra-luxurious with top-notch service and a serene vibe, this intimate boutique hotel is a peaceful escape for any 3 day Beijing itinerary near the city’s shopping hub.

Check out this blog post for the full review of our stay at Empark Prime Hotel in Beijing!

Top things to do in Wangfujing, Beijing

The UNESCO-listed Forbidden City is THE top site to visit in Beijing. This palace complex was home to China’s emperors for nearly 500 years and comprises more than 900 buildings spread out over the complex. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Imperial Garden and the priceless artifacts of the Treasure Gallery are some of the highlights.

Ps. I definitely recommend booking a guided tour of the Forbidden City so that you can learn about the history without dealing with the logistics. Tour prices are super reasonable, ranging from $5-$40 USD. You can book tours directly via Viator or GetYourGuide.

For the full scoop on what to see and do, check out my complete guide to the top 15 things to do in Beijing including all the best food and must-see attractions.

Where to Stay in Beijing: Qianmen

In many ways, Qianmen is a similar area to Wangfujing: it’s a mostly commercial part of town, super central and still with easy access to Beijing tourist spots thanks to its location south of Tiananmen Square.

Where the two differ, however, is that whilst Wangfujing is known for its modern, glitzy shopfronts and well-established brands, Qianmen is much more traditional, with smaller, local shops and original architecture.

In fact, it’s one of the best Beijing neighborhoods to explore if you’re looking for an authentic side to this megacity. 

There’s plenty of modern development too and you won’t be short of your creature comforts, but accommodation is more boutique, with fewer of the big international chains. It’s a perfect compromise if you’re looking to avoid the worst excesses of overtourism whilst still locating yourself in the city center.

Top Hotel Recommendations near Qianmen

• ibis Beijing Tiananmen Square Hotel — A budget-friendly stay just steps from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, offering simple, modern rooms and reliable comfort for travelers who want a central location without breaking the bank.
• Wanda Yi, Beijing Qianmen — A polished and contemporary hotel with sleek design, spacious rooms, and upscale amenities, perfect for visitors who want a stylish base near Qianmen’s historic alleys and shops.
• Yitingzhenshe Hotel Beijing Qianmen — A boutique-style property blending traditional Chinese touches with modern conveniences, ideal for travelers seeking charm and authenticity within walking distance of Qianmen and Temple of Heaven.
• Mandarin Oriental Qianmen — Ultra-luxurious and sophisticated, the Mandarin Oriental offers elegant suites, world-class dining, and impeccable service, all set within the historic Qianmen area for a truly indulgent Beijing experience.

Top things to do in Qianmen, Beijing

One of the best ways to indulge in the traditional culture of Qianmen is to visit one of the historic teahouses in the area: Lao She Teahouse is one of the best places to go in Beijing if you’d like to try for yourself.

Here, you can watch traditional performances and enjoy tea and snacks for a really authentic Beijing experience. The area is also home to some of Beijing’s best Peking duck restaurants, so don’t snack too much at the show!

Want the full scoop on what to see near Qianmen? Check out my list of the top 15 things to do in Beijing!

Where to Stay in Beijing: Sanlitun

If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, then I recommend Sanlitun as the place to stay. It’s a part of the larger Chaoyang district but has earned a reputation of its own as Beijing’s nightlife center, with all the best late night bars, craft breweries and clubs, as well as a great dining scene and lots of good shops too.

There’s less here in terms of obvious tourist attractions and it’s about a 30 minute metro ride (20 minute drive) from the city center, so maybe not ideal if you’re wanting to take in the main sights.

Sanlitun is also less traditional than areas of Beijing such as Qianmen. Big Western hotel brands like InterContinental and Conrad are located here.

While this might put some of you off, staying somewhere like this can also help to deal with any culture shock, as you can dip your toes into the more authentic side of Beijing when you’re ready. 

Ps. Want to skip the stress of planning? My 3-day Beijing itinerary has everything you need for an unforgettable trip to China’s capital city!

Top Hotel Recommendations near Sanlitun

• BEI Zhaolong Hotel (Sanlitun) – Trendy and tech-savvy with minimalist design, this lifestyle hotel is a great fit for digital nomads and creatives looking to stay near Sanlitun’s nightlife.
• CHAO Sanlitun Beijing (Sanlitun) – A stylish, design-forward boutique hotel with art gallery vibes and a buzzy social scene, beloved by creative travelers and modern aesthetes.
• InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun by IHG (Sanlitun) – Contemporary luxury with sweeping skyline views, an excellent executive lounge, and a location steps from Sanlitun’s shops and bars. You can never go wrong with an InterContinental for your 3-day (or 5-day) Beijing itinerary.
• Bvlgari Hotel Beijing (Sanlitun) – Opulent and exclusive, this riverside hotel blends Italian sophistication with serene gardens, perfect for a splurge-worthy and quiet stay in Beijing’s embassy district.

Top things to do in Sanlitun, Beijing

Aside from making the most of the bars and clubs of Sanlitun Bar Street, there are a couple of places to check out if you’re staying here. Chaoyang Park is just a short ride away from the area and it’s one of the largest green spaces in Beijing, which can be a welcome relief from the chaos.

And if you want to shop for souvenirs or have a go at bartering, then Yashow Market is a good place to shop for cheap bits and bobs.

Where to Stay in Beijing: Chaoyang

There’s more to Chaoyang than Sanlitun and if late nights and bar crawls aren’t your thing then you can still stay in the area. One thing that the rest of Chaoyang district does have in common with Sanlitun though is that it’s a modern, rapidly developing mass of glass skyscrapers, with little in terms of traditional architecture. It remains quite far out from the city center, so you’ll need to rely on public transport to get around. 

On the plus side though, this is Beijing’s Central Business District, making it the perfect place to base yourself if you’re in the city on business or simply enjoy the finer things. Lots of the city’s best 5-star hotels are here, as are some of the Chinese capital’s best shopping malls and art galleries.

And it’s home to some of the world’s most weird and wonderful architecture. I wouldn’t stay here as a first time visitor, but as a returner who doesn’t have as much interest in the tourist sights, Chaoyang can make a great base in the heart of the city.

Top Hotel Recommendations near Chaoyang

• The Westin Beijing Chaoyang (Chaoyang) – A reliable and modern business hotel with wellness-focused amenities and easy subway access for both work and play.
• Hotel Éclat Beijing (Chaoyang) – Bold and eclectic, this art-filled boutique hotel in Parkview Green is a standout pick for where to stay in Beijing, perfect for a 3-day itinerary filled with quirky luxury and curated experiences
• Park Hyatt Beijing (Chaoyang) – Sleek and upscale, the Park Hyatt offers panoramic views, sophisticated rooms, and a prime location in the city’s financial district.
• Rosewood Beijing (Chaoyang) – Refined and residential in feel, Rosewood is a premier choice for where to stay in Beijing, blending modern luxury with Chinese artistry, top-tier dining, a tranquil spa, and impeccable service.

Top things to do in Chaoyang, Beijing

Speaking of weird and wonderful architecture, it’s well worth taking a few minutes out of your time in Chaoyang district to go and photograph the CCTV Headquarters, known locally as the “Big Pants” building – if you’re wondering why it has this nickname then don’t overthink it, it literally is shaped like a pair of pants.

If art is more your thing than architecture, then the 798 Art District is home to a bohemian artistic community housed in a former industrial site – it’s an odd place but home to fine examples of Chinese contemporary art and well worth a visit for something a bit different.

Want to go beyond the basics? This blog post breaks down the top 15 must-do experiences while in Beijing!

Where to Stay in Beijing: Gulou

Last but not least on our list of areas in Beijing you might want to stay is Gulou, one of the oldest and certainly most well-preserved parts of the city, best known for its hutongs – traditional, narrow alleyways best explored by cycle rickshaw!

Located north of the Forbidden City and near Houhai Lake, this was one of my favorite places in Beijing and is certainly somewhere I would consider staying if I visit the city again. It’s an absolute world away from the modern skyscrapers and glass buildings of Sanlitun and Chaoyang. 

Accommodation in Gulou is also much more bougee and boutique – out with the huge Western hotels with hundreds of rooms and in with the more independent, locally-run options with just a handful of rooms; if you’re looking for a traditional homestay then Gulou is the best place to stay for these too.

The top landmark in Gulou is the Drum Tower, built originally to house musical performances and now a popular tourist attraction. Just behind the Drum Tower is the Bell Tower, an equally impressive historic structure. Together, these once dominated the Beijing skyline, in a time before globalization and development reached the city.

Top Hotel Recommendations near Gulou

• Jingshan Garden Hotel – A peaceful boutique option for where to stay in Beijing, tucked beside Jingshan Park, offering traditional courtyard charm with modern comforts and easy access to the Forbidden City.
• East Hotel The Forbidden City Drum Tower – A budget-friendly choice for where to stay in Beijing, centrally located within walking distance of the city’s top historic sites and hutongs.
• Beijing 161 hotel LeZaiNanluo Boutique Hotel – A mouthful to say but full of character, this courtyard-style hotel offers a local, cultural experience right in the heart of Beijing’s charming old alleyways.

Top things to do in Gulou, Beijing

As well as checking out the Drum and Bell towers, a rickshaw ride around the hutongs of Gulou is an absolute must. It’s easy to find rickshaw drivers in the area, though for the best experience I recommend booking your rickshaw tour in advance. A rickshaw ride is a great way to learn about the traditional side of Beijing, chat to locals and try some delicious street food.

Overwhelmed by trip planning? Just follow my 3-day Beijing itinerary instead!

Where to Stay in Beijing for Families 

As one of the biggest cities in the world, it’s really important to think about where you want to stay in the city if visiting with children. Although it might cost more, it’s better to base yourself closer to the main attractions (if you’re in the city for tourism) as journey times on public transport can be long if coming from districts further out like Sanlitun.

Plus, like in any large city, you don’t really want to be traveling back to your hotel after dark, especially with tired kids.

The super central area  of Wangfujing is probably the best place to stay with younger children in Beijing, given its proximity to the main tourist sites – just be careful of pickpockets and other petty criminals in busy areas.

One exception to this rule is to stay around Chaoyang Park, one of the best places to visit in Beijing for families. The park is home to plenty of green space, playgrounds and family-friendly attractions. And if the kids are a bit older, then Gulou is generally quieter than the center and has much more going on in terms of traditional culture and authenticity – it’s generally cheaper than Wangfujing and Qianmen too.

Where NOT to Stay in Beijing 

All of the areas in Beijing that I’ve mentioned are perfectly viable places to stay in the Chinese capital – there’s nothing wrong with any of them, it just comes down to your personal preference and budget, as well as the reason for your trip to Beijing. 

There are a few Beijing neighborhoods that you won’t want to consider staying in. Once you reach the fifth ring road, you’ve officially gone too far out of the city – places like Shunyi, Tongzhou and Daxing are simply not practical places to stay, unless you’re really, really trying to budget – but even then, by the time you’ve paid to travel across the city to reach the Forbidden City, you might as well have just stayed closer!

Just a quick heads-up about staying in the hutongs, especially around Gulou. It can be an amazing and unique experience, but definitely do your homework before booking. Hutong stays are often tight on space, noisy, and pretty basic — but some spots are way better than others.

Just want to show up and explore? My 3-day Beijing itinerary makes it simple.

Where to Stay in Beijing: Final Thoughts

If you’re a first time visitor to Beijing and only in the city for a few days before continuing your China vacation, the central Beijing neighborhoods of Wangfujing and Qianmen make the most sense, staying central certainly worked for my dad and I!

Although you might pay a bit more to be so central, the benefit is a lack of travel time and less hassle to reach sights like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

If you’re looking for an authentic side of the city then the hutongs of Gulou offer something a bit different, and if you’re not bothered about sightseeing and like your creature comforts then the luxury Western hotels of Chaoyang district are a good option.

So as you can see…choosing where to stay in Beijing isn’t just about hotels (it mostly is because you know I love my boutique hotels) BUT it’s also about choosing your base for exploring a city that’s both thousands of years old yet still changing every year.

Where did you end up staying in Beijing? Let me know in the comments below!

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