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Beijing Unbound: A Portal to Palatial Luxury and Hidden Hutongs

Beijing is the capital of China. It is a city where old and new things come together. First, you can visit the ancient Forbidden City or come for work and meetings in the business area. Aster that visit Beijing city, no matter the reason, Beijing has something for everyone. There are many places to stay. Some are cheap, and some are fancy. Once you find a hotel that fits your budget and needs, book it. Alternatively, book an affordable hotel as soon as possible to avoid complications.

In this article, you will learn about some of the best hotels in Beijing. First, we will look at what each hotel offers. Then, we will talk about the prices. After that, you can choose the right place for your trip.

Luxury Hotels – Popular hotels in Beijing, China

The Peninsula Beijing

Location: Dongcheng District
Facilities Include Suite rooms, a spa and wellness center, an indoor pool, exclusive dining restaurants such as Jing and Huang Ting, butler service on demand, and Nespresso machines in each room.
Price Range: Approximately $350 – $600 per night.
Highlights: Merges Chinese heritage with modern luxury, featuring opulent suites and great amenities.

Rosewood Beijing

Location: Chaoyang District
Facilities: This hotel combines old Hutong charm with a modern interior. It features an indoor, year-round heated pool, a spa with jade massage, and fine dining.
Price Range: Approximately $300 – $550 per night.
Highlights: Offers the perfect blend of antique luxury and modern-day elegance in the heart of Beijing.

Waldorf Astoria Beijing

Location: Dongcheng District
Facilities: This hotel combines old Hutong charm with a modern interior. It features an indoor, year-round heated pool, a spa with jade massage, and fine dining.
Price Range: Approximately $300 – $550 per night.
Highlights: Offers the perfect blend of antique luxury and modern-day elegance in the heart of Beijing.

Mid-Range Hotels

Novotel Beijing Peace

Location: Wangfujing
Facilities: Cozy and well-equipped rooms with modern amenities, a Western and Asian-style buffet breakfast, a fitness center, and a heated outdoor swimming pool.
Price Range: Approximately $100-$150 per night.
Highlights: Comfortable hotel for tourists, close to extensive shopping and cultural venues.

Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

Location: Dongcheng District
Facilities: Trendy rooms with city or garden view, gym, business center, free Wi-Fi, and multiple restaurants.
Price Range: Approximately $90–$130 per night.
Highlights: Combining convenience with comfort, this location is close to major tourist destinations.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

Beijing Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel

Location: Dongsi, Dongcheng District
Facilities: An old Qing Dynasty courtyard mansion has been renovated into a hotel, featuring authentic, antique-filled Chinese interiors and cultural pursuits such as calligraphy and tea ceremonies.
Price Range: Approximately $70–$110 per night.
Highlights: Offers a cultural immersion experience in a traditional setting.

Beijing 161 Lama Temple Courtyard Hotel

Location: Near Lama Temple
Facilities: Traditional in appearance, with warm rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a welcoming local staff.
Price Range: Approximately $40-$70 per night.
Highlights: Offers cultural immersion on a budget, near prominent temples and markets.

Hotel Kapok Beijing

Location: Donghuamen
Facilities: The least amount of chic decoration, a bamboo courtyard, a modern Chinese restaurant, a business lounge, and a gym.
Price Range: Approximately $80 – $140 per night.
Highlights: It combines modern design with traditional elements and is near major historical sites.

Tips for Booking Hotels in Beijing

The best times to visit are spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October), when the weather is good and the crowds are fewer.
Booking Platforms: Utilize well-established sites like Booking.com, Agoda, and Trip.com for a proper range and improved rates.
Location Considerations: Staying in central districts, such as Dongcheng or Chaoyang, provides easy access to major points and transportation.
Language Barrier: Although most of the hotel staff can communicate in English, there are times when a translation app can be helpful in navigating the city.

Beijing has many types of hotels. Some are fancy, while others are simple and cozy. So, whether you enjoy luxury or love culture, there is something for you. Beijing welcomes you if you’re looking for comfort, fun, or a cultural experience.

Also, Beijing is the heart of China’s rich history and culture. It is a city full of surprises for every visitor. Most popular places are easily accessible. You don’t even have to leave the city to see them. Additionally, consider visiting the Great Wall near the hotel in China. It covers some of the best places to visit in Beijing.

🏯 The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

Overview: Once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is a vast complex of ancient wooden buildings, the ultimate embodiment of traditional Chinese palace architecture.

Highlights:

Wander through the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest hall in the complex.
Tour the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the emperor’s palace.
Explore the Imperial Garden, a serene oasis featuring ancient trees and rockeries.

Visitor Tips:

Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Invest a minimum of 2-3 hours for a complete visit.

🌳 Jingshan Park

Overview: Situated just north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park’s central peak offers stunning views over Beijing.

Highlights:

Hike up to Wanchun Pavilion to have bird’s-eye views of the Forbidden City.
Smell the flowers of seasonal plants, especially during spring.

Visitor Tips:

It’s best to view early in the morning for photography.
Locals prefer to stroll in the park to practice tai chi and dancing.

🏞️ Beihai Park

Overview: Beihai Park was once an imperial garden but is now a well-preserved ancient imperial garden, one of the oldest in China.

Highlights:

Take a summer sail around the lake.
Visit the White Dagoba, a Tibetan-type stupa, on Jade Flower Island.

Visitor Tips:

Associate the visit with an outing at the nearby Shichahai district.
Evening offers a serene ambiance with the landscape illuminated.

🏰 Summer Palace

Overview: The Summer Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site with many lakes, gardens, and palaces.

Highlights:

Walk the Long Corridor, which features intricate paintings.
Climb Longevity Hill to view Kunming Lake.

Visitor Tips:

Spend half a day enjoying the overall scenery of the site.
Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to view the palace from another angle.

🏛️ National Museum of China

Overview: Situated on the east side of Tiananmen Square, the museum contains China’s history and art.

Highlights:

Exhibits range from ancient artifacts to modern history exhibits.
Special exhibits feature international collaborations.

Visitor Tips:

Admission is free, but identification is required.
Check the museum’s calendar for temporary exhibits.

🛍️ Wangfujing Street

Overview: Wangfujing is a bustling shopping street that combines modern malls with traditional shops.

Highlights:

Shop the snack street for foreign and local snacks.
Visit the Beijing Department Store, a retro-style shopping mall.

Visitor Tips:

Evening visits are lively with street performances and illuminated shops.
Bargaining is expected in small shops and stalls.

🎨 798 Art District

Overview: A compound of former factories, the 798 Art District has been converted into a contemporary art and culture center.

Highlights:

Stroll through galleries showcasing modern Chinese artwork.
Relax in cafes and shops in industrial-chic buildings.

Visitor Tips:

It is less crowded during weekdays, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
Check for ongoing exhibitions and events beforehand.

🛶 Shichahai Area

Overview: Shichahai is a historic and cultural scenic area comprising three lakes: Qianhai, Xihai, and Houhai.

Highlights:

Discover the historical Prince Gong’s Mansion

Prince Gong’s Mansion (Gong Wang Fu)

Overview:
Prince Gong’s Mansion is a well-preserved Qing Dynasty royal mansion that belonged to He Shen, a high-ranking official, and then to Prince Gong. It is one of the best examples of traditional Chinese mansion architecture and gardens.

Highlights:

Walk through stately halls, lovely courtyards, and elegantly furnished pavilions.
Wander through the serene garden with rockeries, artificial hills, and koi ponds.
Watch traditional performances at the mini theater.

Visitor Tips:

Arrive early to enjoy quiet time in the gardens.
It’s close to the Shichahai lakes and can be seen on the same tour.

🏛 Tiananmen Square

Overview:
Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world and a symbol of China’s political history. It is surrounded by significant buildings and institutions reflecting the nation’s past and present.

Highlights:

The Monument to the People’s Heroes.
The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
The National Museum of China and the Great Hall of the People.

Visitor Tips:

Security checks are required; bring your passport with you.
Arrive early to witness the flag-raising ceremony.

🛕 Confucius Temple and Imperial College (Guozijian)

Overview:
China’s second-largest Confucius temple, the Confucius Temple, is near the Lama Temple. It is adjacent to the Imperial College, the highest academy of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Highlights:

Inscribed stelae of ancient scholars.
Serenely peaceful courtyards are ideal for reflective walks.
Historical Confucian relics and scriptures.

Visitor Tips:

Less touristy than other prime attractions—a great place to experience culture in peace.
English audio guides and plaques.

🏯 Zhongshan Park (Sun Yat-sen Park)

Overview:
Located beside the south gate of the Forbidden City, this peaceful park is dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founder of modern China. It’s a great place to escape the crowds.

Highlights:

Pavilions and arches made of stone with Qing Dynasty architecture.
Seasonal flower shows and festivals.
Scenic views and concerts of traditional music on weekends.

Visitor Tips:

Ideal for families and anyone looking for a shaded resting area.
Low admission fees, with concessions for seniors and children.

🎡 Beijing Zoo and Beijing Aquarium

Overview:
The Beijing Zoo is home to a diverse array of animal species, including the famous giant pandas. It is situated next to the Beijing Aquarium, one of the world’s largest inland aquariums.

Highlights:

Panda House: a must-see for any animal enthusiast.
Dolphin and sea lion shows at the aquarium.
Educational facilities on marine life diversity.

Visitor Tips:

Early morning visit to see animals when they are active and to bypass long queues.
Combo tickets to both attractions are available.

🏰 Olympic Green and the Bird’s Nest

Overview:
The Olympic Green was the hub of the 2008 Summer Olympics. It remains an architectural marvel and a recreational area for tourists and locals.

Highlights:

The Bird’s Nest (National Stadium): symbol of new Beijing.
The Water Cube (National Aquatics Center): now a water theme park.
Green space, walking, and biking trails.

Visitor Tips:

Best viewed at night when lit.
Guided tours are available for a behind-the-scenes view.

🏞 Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan Park)

Overview:
This enormous imperial garden in the western suburbs of Beijing is lovely during autumn when the red maple leaves.

Highlights:

Beautiful costumes, facial makeup, and traditional Chinese instruments.
Brief performances specially designed for foreign visitors with subtitles.
Displays before the show discuss the history of Beijing opera.

Visitor Tips:

Purchase tickets online in advance or at the hotel concierge desk.
Front row or balcony seats offer the best views.

🎭 19. Liyuan Theater – Beijing Opera

Overview:
For a traditional evening of culture, visit the Liyuan Theater, the city’s oldest theater. It specializes in traditional Peking Opera.

Highlights:

Beautiful costumes, facial makeup, and traditional Chinese instruments.
Brief performances specially designed for foreign visitors with subtitles.
Displays before the show discuss the history of Beijing opera.

Visitor Tips:

Purchase tickets online in advance or at the hotel concierge desk.
Front row or balcony seats offer the best views.

🛍 20. Silk Street Market (Xiushui Market)

Overview:
For local shopping and souvenir hunting, Silk Street Market is a shopper’s haven, offering a wide range of crafts, clothes, and everything in between.

Highlights:

Bargain over counterfeit designer items, tea sets, leather goods, and scarves.
English-speaking merchants are abundant due to the presence of international tourists.
Chinese paintings and handicrafts are also available for purchase.

Visitor Tips:

Haggling should start at half the quoted price.
Take special care with personal items in public places.

Additionally, travelers visit the Great Wall of China, a renowned monument in the world that embodies the past, present, and future.

Conclusion

Beijing is a city of marvel and history. That’s why it’s one of the world’s most interesting places to visit. You can live in a high-end hotel next to the Forbidden City. Alternatively, you can opt for a budget hostel in the bustling Chaoyang district. Either of these options will bring you close to ancient beauty, peaceful areas, and city life. Then, go to the Forbidden City. Then, walk through ancient alleys near the Forbidden City. Finally, explore the fashionable 798 Art District. All of them tell both history and current times.

Additionally, the city has a great deal to offer. History enthusiasts may discover China’s imperial past. Culture enthusiasts might appreciate traditional opera viewing. And those who love nature might enjoy quiet parks and gardens.