Beijing is a city of two worlds. One is filled with imperial palaces, ancient hutongs, and centuries of history. The other is a modern metropolis of skyscrapers, luxury malls, and vibrant nightlife.
Choosing where to stay depends on what kind of Beijing you want to experience.
Here’s a guide to Beijing’s best neighborhoods for foreign tourists:
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Qianmen / Dashilan | Historic, traditional | ¥500-1200 | First-time visitors, hutong lovers, classic Beijing |
| 2️⃣ Shichahai / Gulou | Relaxed, creative | ¥400-1000 | Young travelers, cafés, bars, cycling the hutongs |
| 3️⃣ Wangfujing / Dongdan | Central, convenient | ¥500-1500 | Families, shopping, easy sightseeing |
| 4️⃣ Sanlitun / Liangmaqiao | International, trendy | ¥700-1800 | Foodies, nightlife, expats |
| 5️⃣ Guomao / CBD | Modern, upscale | ¥800-2500 | Business travelers, luxury stays, skyline views |
| 6️⃣ Olympic Park | Spacious, family-friendly | ¥500-1200 | Families, concerts, sports events, longer stays |
Where We’d Stay: The Orchid Beijing
If you’re looking for a place that captures the spirit of this neighborhood, we highly recommend The Orchid Beijing.
Hidden among the hutongs just a short walk from Gulou and Shichahai, The Orchid combines thoughtful design, local character, and one of the most authentic stays you’ll find in Beijing. It’s the kind of place where you can step outside and immediately find yourself wandering quiet alleyways, discovering cafés, bars, and local life around every corner.
We’re big fans of their restaurants too. In fact, we often stop by during our Foodie Discoveries experiences, and their freshly baked breads and pastries regularly make their way into our backpacks before heading out on Great Wall and mountain hikes.
Guests booking through Our Beijing can also enjoy a special discount on their stay. Just contact us before booking and we’ll send you the latest discount code.
For most first-time visitors, Qianmen and Dashilan offer the best balance of history, atmosphere, and access to major attractions. You’ll be close to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and some of Beijing’s most famous hutong neighborhoods.
Stay in the hutongs if you want a more authentic Beijing experience, with traditional alleyways, courtyard hotels, local restaurants, and historic architecture.
Stay in Guomao and the CBD if you prefer luxury hotels, modern amenities, shopping malls, and skyline views. The CBD is ideal for business travelers, while the hutongs are better for sightseeing and cultural experiences.
Shichahai, Gulou, and parts of Qianmen offer some of the best value accommodations in central Beijing. You’ll find boutique guesthouses, hostels, and smaller hotels that provide easy access to major attractions without the premium prices of Sanlitun or the CBD.
From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), take the Airport Express and connect to the subway system, or use a taxi or ride-hailing app Didi. Travel time to central Beijing is typically 45-90 minutes depending on traffic.
From Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), the Airport Express reaches downtown Beijing in around 20 minutes, with connections to the subway network. Taxis and private transfers are also widely available.
Yes. In popular tourist areas such as Wangfujing, Sanlitun, Guomao, and Qianmen, most mid-range and upscale hotels have English-speaking staff and are accustomed to international guests.
The Orchid has English-speaking staff!
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We design authentic adventures for travelers who want to dive deeper
— cycling through hutongs, tasting Beijing’s favorite snacks, and hiking the wild, unrestored Great Wall.