🏨 Where to Stay in Beijing by District: A Foreigner-Friendly Guide
Choosing the right district in Beijing can completely change your experience. Some areas are perfect for first-time visitors. Others suit families, expats, or travelers who want quieter local life.
Here’s how to choose where to stay in Beijing, district by district.
⇓ A Thorough Breakdown: Where to Stay in Beijing by District
📍 Dongcheng District 东城区
Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers
Why stay here
Walk to the Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
Classic hutongs and cultural sights
Easy subway access
Good areas
Near Wangfujing (central, tourist-friendly)
Around Temple of Heaven (quieter)
Avoid if
You want nightlife or modern malls
👉 Best for 2–4 nights on your first trip
🌿 Xicheng District 西城区
Best for: Calm stays, parks, traditional neighborhoods
Why stay here
Beihai Park & Shichahai Lakes
Fewer crowds than Dongcheng
Slower, local pace
Good areas
Shichahai
Near Financial Street (surprisingly quiet after hours)
Avoid if
You want bars and late nights
🌆 Chaoyang District 朝阳区
Best for: Expats, families, food & nightlife
Why stay here
Most foreign embassies
International restaurants & bars
English-friendly services
Good areas
Sanlitun
CBD
Olympic Park (great for families)
Avoid if
You want historic hutong life outside your door
👉 Safest choice for comfort-focused travelers
🎓 Haidian District 海淀区
Best for: Culture, nature, longer stays
Why stay here
Summer Palace
Universities & museums
Access to mountains and hiking routes
Good areas
Near Summer Palace
Zhongguancun (tech hub)
Avoid if
You want nightlife or central landmarks
👉 Just a heads-up: Chaoyang and Haidian are actually quite spread out. It might help to glance at a map before you decide: https://web.beijingmap.cn
