Beijing Hotels

As the capital and largest city of China, Beijing is a fascinating destination with a rich historical and cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. From the walls of the Forbidden City, which hold the glorious memories of the imperial period, to the magnificent views of the Great Wall of China, which has protected the borders for centuries, you can encounter history and fascinating memories at every corner in Beijing. While wandering around the narrow streets of traditional hutong neighborhoods and modern skyscrapers, you can enjoy a variety of delicacies and be inspired by the intersections of contemporary art. Beijing offers an unforgettable experience to every visitor with its rich cultural texture.

Things To Know Before Going To Beijing

• You may need a tour operator because domestic tourism is currently very popular, and many main attractions require reservations for visits.
• If you travel to Beijing in spring, you may be exposed to sandstorms. Therefore, if you have allergies, it may not be the best season for you to visit the city.
• Prepare and carry your toilet paper with you at all times because Chinese public restrooms often do not provide toilet paper.
• Beijing has one of the worst traffic in the world, so renting a car may not be a good choice.
• Many times, you may need to bargain in the stores you visit because sellers often initially set prices 10-50 times higher at the beginning.

Beijing Tips From Locals

• Didi is the Chinese version of Uber. You can use Didi for your trip.
• Taxis and lower-end DiDi vehicles may not have seat belts in the back. Don't worry about it or sit in the front if you feel unsafe.
• Avoid discussing politics, Taiwan, Tibet, or events from Beijing in 1989.
• Don't tip for everyday services. If you stay in a five-star hotel, it is okay to give a buck or two to the doorman for carrying your bags.
• Chinese people use WeChat to chat. WeChat has a built-in translation feature that does a decent job when needed.

Where is Beijing?

Beijing is the capital city of China, located in Northern China at the northern tip of the North China Plain. Beijing is surrounded by Hebei Province, with Tianjin to the southeast, forming the Jingjinji megalopolis and the national capital region of China.

Where To Stay In Beijing?

Here’s a quick table for which areas in Beijing are great for tourists:

Best Hotels in Beijing  

Beijing offers a variety of accommodation options for every budget. Here is a table we recommend for visitors based on different preferences:

Places To Visit In Beijing

• The Great Wall of China: The iconic Great Wall, especially the Badaling section in Yanqing District, is a must-see.
• Tiananmen Square: This massive public square is home to landmarks like the Tiananmen Tower and Great Hall of the People.
• The Forbidden City: The grand imperial palace complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The Temple of Heaven: This expansive religious complex is known for its stunning architecture.
• The Summer Palace: The imperial garden and palace in Haidian District features beautiful lakes and pavilions.
• Lama Temple: This Tibetan Buddhist temple in Dongcheng is one of the largest in the world.
• 798 Art Zone: The contemporary art district in Chaoyang is a hub of galleries and shops.
• Hutongs: The traditional alleyways and courtyard residences offer a glimpse into historic Beijing.

Is Beijing Safe?

Beijing is generally considered a safe city. However, the traffic can be hectic, and pickpocketing is more common in public places. It is recommended to exercise common sense, avoid isolated areas at night, keep an eye on belongings, and be cautious of scams.

Is Beijing Expensive To Visit?

Beijing can be visited on a relatively affordable budget, especially if travelers are willing to stay outside the city center and take advantage of the city's inexpensive transportation and food options. The overall cost of living is much lower than other major global destinations.

Currency & Exchange in Beijing

The currency in Beijing and all of China is the Renminbi (RMB), with its basic unit being the yuan (CNY). To exchange currency in Beijing, you can visit Chinese banks, especially the Bank of China at the Beijing airport's arrival area, which is open 24/7 and does not charge extra fees for transactions.

Spoken Languages in Beijing

The predominant language spoken in Beijing, China is Mandarin Chinese. However, there are other languages spoken in Beijing. Here is a list of languages spoken in Beijing, China:

• Mandarin Chinese (Beijing dialect): Predominant language spoken by approximately 85% of the population in Beijing.
• Cantonese: Common in southern regions, spoken by a smaller percentage of the population in Beijing.
• Other Chinese dialects: Representing a minority of speakers in Beijing.
• Foreign languages: English and other languages are spoken by a small percentage of the population, mainly in tourist areas and among expatriates.

How Many Days Are Enough To Visit Beijing?

It is recommended to spend a minimum of 3 to 4 days exploring the city's key attractions. However, if you want to deeply explore while being relaxed, you can spend a week in Beijing.

What To Do in Beijing?

• Visit the Forbidden City: Explore the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, including its Three Great Halls and hidden rooms, to delve into China's imperial history.
• Hike the Great Wall: Experience the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China, particularly by opting for a "wild" hike to see its natural beauty and historical significance.
• Explore the Summer Palace: Discover the Summer Palace, also known as Yiheyuan, a vast royal garden with a grand scale and opulent architecture, offering a glimpse into China's imperial past.
• Stroll through Beijing's Hutong Alleyways: Wander through Beijing's historic residential lanes, known as hutongs, to experience traditional culture, local life, and architectural charm.
• Enjoy Local Street Food: Indulge in Beijing's culinary delights, such as jianbing, a popular street snack, and other local delicacies to savor the city's diverse food scene.
• Visit Tiananmen Square: Explore the iconic Tiananmen Square, a historic and cultural landmark in Beijing, offering insights into China's political history.
• Experience Traditional Performances: Attend cultural shows like the drum performance at the Bell and Drum Towers to immerse yourself in Beijing's rich heritage.
• Engage in Outdoor Activities: Participate in historical runs or guided hikes to combine fitness, exploration, and learning about Beijing's history in a unique way.

When Is The Best Time To Stay In Beijing?

The best times to visit Beijing are from March to May and from September to October. These temperate seasons provide the best climate, not to mention colorful scenery. In contrast, summer brings sweltering heat, while winter ushers in cold temperatures and sometimes snow.

What To Pack For Your Beijing Trip?

Spring (March to May)

• Suits, jackets, sports coats, woolen jackets, and long-sleeved shirts
• Light coat for cool evenings
• Travel shoes

Summer (June to August)

• T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, shorts, sandals
• Rainwear for the rainy season (July-August)
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

Autumn (September to November)

• Suits, jackets, sports coats, long-sleeved shirts
• Travel shoes

Winter (December to February)

• Overcoat, thick woolen sweaters, lined coats, warm underwear
• Heavy socks, warm boots
• Hat, scarf, gloves

What To Eat in Beijing?

Here are the must-try food when you travel to Beijing:

• Peking Duck: Famous Beijing dish with crispy skin and tender meat.
• Beijing Hotspot: Culinary hub offering Peking Duck and diverse street food.
• Jing Jang Rousi: Shredded pork stir-fried with peppers and onions.
• Rodling Donkey: Dish made from stir-fried donkey meat.
• Aiwowo: Traditional Chinese dessert with glutinous rice flour and red bean paste.
• Madoufu: Mung bean curd used in vegetarian dishes.
• Zhejiang Noodles: Thin noodles in flavorful broth from Zhejiang province.

Beijing Nightlife

Beijing's nightlife is legendary, offering a diverse array of experiences for every taste. Here are some of the best places to spend your night in Beijing:

• Mix Club: One of Beijing's premier dance destinations, famed for its four pulsating dance floors, each boasting its own cadre of DJs and music genres. Frequented by A-listers and Chinese celebrities, though drinks lean towards the pricey end.
• MAO Livehouse: A beacon of China's live music scene, MAO Livehouse spans across the nation, including Beijing, offering an authentic glimpse into the local nightlife. With over 2,500 concerts and collaborations with 1,000+ globally recognized artists, it's a haven for music lovers.
• LevelUp Barcade: Enter the realm of gaming euphoria at LevelUp Barcade, where patrons engage in battles of skill and wit over iconic games like Super Smash, Street Fighter, and Mario Kart. Fuel your gaming frenzy with delectable food, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Slow Boat Brewery Taproom: Nestled in Beijing, this beloved bar serves up a delectable array of meals and mouth watering burgers alongside seasonal small-batch brews. Its cozy ambiance and top-notch service make it a cherished haunt for locals and expats alike.
• Great Leap Brewing: A cornerstone of Beijing's craft beer scene, Great Leap Brewing has been a trailblazer since its inception in 2010. Immerse yourself in a world of flavorful brews and lively camaraderie at this renowned establishment.
• Sanlitun Pub Street: Embark on a nocturnal journey through Beijing's vibrant nightlife at Sanlitun Pub Street. With clubs catering to every musical inclination, from rock 'n' roll and hip-hop to jazz and Latin, it's the ultimate destination for a memorable night out.