Beijing is a city of two halves: one side modernised and rebuilt, the other still threaded with hutong alleys and traditional courtyard housing. Mountains ring it on three sides, and the historic core is wrapped by ring roads, so where you base yourself shapes how much of your day goes to travelling between sights.
For a visitor, the practical split is between the central districts inside or just beyond the 2nd Ring Road, where the old walled city and most of the sights sit, and the inner suburbs close to the centre that hold the universities, business and embassy areas, entertainment districts and art districts. This guide covers those areas and what each is like to stay in, then sets out what your budget buys at each level.
Best areas to stay in Beijing
1. Dongcheng District
Dongcheng covers part of the old walled city within or just beyond the 2nd Ring Road, which is where you find most of the sights along with a good deal of the city's sleeping, eating, drinking and entertainment options. It is the most convenient base for a first visit, since the classic sights and the historic core are on your doorstep rather than a commute away.
This is also where most of the expensive hotels are found, so it suits travellers who want to walk out of their accommodation into the historic centre and are prepared to pay for the location.
2. Xicheng District
Xicheng is the other central district inside or just beyond the 2nd Ring Road, sharing the old walled city with Dongcheng and the same concentration of sights, food and nightlife. It also holds Baitasi, the 13th-century stupa, which is the reference point for the city's better-known backpacker accommodation.
It suits visitors who want central access with a slightly different feel from Dongcheng, and budget travellers in particular, since the hostel scene here is where you are most likely to find other foreign travellers and backpackers.
3. Chaoyang District
Chaoyang is one of the inner suburbs, close to the centre and highly urbanised, and it holds business and embassy areas, entertainment and bars, and art districts. It is also where you find the expensive hotels that line the eastern 3rd Ring Road.
This area suits travellers who prioritise nightlife, dining and the contemporary city over proximity to the historic sights, and anyone whose trip is built around business or the embassy quarter.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: options under 300 yuan, including hostels. Note that since the pandemic there are a limited number of hostels with foreign travellers and backpackers at any given time. Airbnb does not operate in China, though you can look for hosts on Couchsurfing.
- Mid-range: four-star hotels, with rates typically starting at around 500 yuan.
- Splurge: five-star hotels, generally ranging from 1,200 to 2,100 yuan, with some luxury properties exceeding the typical rates of standard five-star options.
Best area for a first visit
Stay in Dongcheng District. It sits within or just beyond the 2nd Ring Road, in the old walled city, where most of the sights and much of the eating, drinking and entertainment are concentrated. Basing yourself there keeps the historic centre within easy reach instead of at the end of a commute.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the expensive hotels concentrated?
Most of the expensive hotels are found in the Dongcheng District and along the eastern 3rd Ring Road in Chaoyang District.
Can I stay somewhere unusual near the Great Wall?
Yes. One option is to pitch a tent on the Great Wall and sleep under the shelter of a guard tower. The easiest way to arrange this is through the village of Chenjiapu in Yanqing District.
Is Airbnb an option in Beijing?
No. Airbnb does not operate in China, though you can explore alternative options by searching for hosts on Couchsurfing.
What should I expect to pay for longer-term accommodation?
Be prepared to splurge, as Beijing's real estate prices are among the highest in the world. A short-term lease on a studio apartment in the city centre runs around 7,000–8,000 yuan per month.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.