Where to Stay in Beijing and Recommended Hotels
Welcome to Beijing, the capital of one of the most charming countries in the world. You may be confused by Beijing’s map when you go to book a hotel for the first time. We discovered that many foreign travelers can’t recognize the differences between the ring roads in Beijing and the neighborhoods. However, the location of your hotel is important when you travel in Beijing. A good area helps you save time and offers more abundant choices, ranging from restaurants to entertainment. This helpful article will enable you to make an informed decision before you book your trip. It is based on the majority of travelers’ choices and professional insider information.
Beijing’s Most Popular Neighborhoods to Stay In
There are 16 neighborhoods in Beijing: Dongcheng, Xicheng, Pinggu, Shijingshan, Fengtai, Haidian, Chaoyang, Tongzhou, Shunyi, Daxing, Changping, Mentougou, Fangshan, Yanqing, Huairou, and Miyun. Where is the best area to stay in Beijing in 2019? According to their locations in Beijing, Dongcheng, Xicheng, and Chaoyang are the most convenient areas. These three neighborhoods offer different features.
Dongcheng District (东城区) — the Heart of Beijing
No other neighborhood represents Beijing as vividly as Dongcheng District. Dongcheng District is usually the first stop for most first-timers to Beijing. Numerous historic sites and residences of former celebrities are distributed densely in Dongcheng District, so you can experience the classic and solemn atmosphere of Beijing when you stay there.
Recommended Hotels in Dongcheng District:
Top Popular Restaurants in Dongcheng District:
Top Popular Attractions to Visit in Dongcheng District:
- Experience the magnificent Tian’anmen Square, which was witness to Beijingers’ revolutionary spirit and China’s modern revolutionary history. Tian’anmen Square was built in 1651. With a history of hundreds of years, it seems to want to share Beijing’s history with you.
- Explore Chinese emperors’ residences and Beijing’s landmark — the Forbidden City.
- Visit the most famous and luxurious residence of a former emperor — the Lama Temple. The Lama Temple is the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet. It has a perfect blend of Han, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan cultural features. You can also discover the original religious beliefs of ancient Chinese people there.
- See the largest existing ancient sacrificial building — the Temple of Heaven.
Entertainment Activities in Dongcheng District:
- Go shopping in the most famous business street — Wangfujing Street. No matter whether you’re looking for general merchandise, clothes, hats, or jewelry, this is a shopper’s paradise.
- Visit one of the oldest blocks in Beijing — Nanluogu Lane. Have a stroll around this area to see the large 740-year-old chessboard-shaped residences.
Chaoyang District — a Food and Entertainment Paradise
With colorful nightlife, dazzling restaurants, and plenty of shopping malls, Chaoyang District is an ideal place for relaxing. Not far from the city center, you can visit the famous attractions conveniently. What can you expect to do in Chaoyang District?
Recommended Hotels in Chaoyang District:
Top Activities You Can’t Miss in Chaoyang District:
- Xicheng District — a Prosperous Area in BeijingSee the glorious night views of the venues used for the 2008 Beijing Olympics: Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.
- Visit the 798 Art Zone, which was built in an abandoned factory and has now become a center of modern art in Beijing.
- Drink a glass of wine in a bar at Sanlitun. Sanlitun is renowned for its nightlife and is popular with young people and tourists.
- Shopping paradise: SKP and Xiushui Street are the most popular shopping areas for local people.
- Hanging out at Panjiayuan Flea Market is very interesting. There are over 3,000 stalls selling handicrafts, collections, ornaments, and secondhand goods. It’s fun to find varied and unusual goods.
Xicheng District — a Prosperous Area in Beijing
To the west of Dongcheng District is Xicheng District, which is also a prosperous area in Beijing. Where can you stay and what can you do in Xicheng District?
Recommended Hotels in Xicheng District:
Top Things to Do in Xicheng District:
- Visit the cute giant pandas at Beijing Zoo.
- See the splendid panoramic view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park.
- Have a nighttime stroll alongside Houhai and relax in a local bar.
- Go shopping at Xidan Joy City, which is one of the most popular shopping malls in Beijing.
- Pick out some antiques at Liulichang. It’s a famous area where you can find various delicate ancient jade items. Don’t waste too much money though if you are not good at recognizing genuine from fake antiques.
- Experience old Beijing’s culture by having a stroll along the ancient Qianmen Street.
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