Beijing thrills with ancient imperial grandeur, vibrant hutongs, and modern architectural marvels. Dive into bustling traditional alleyways, feast on crispy Peking duck and savory jianbing, and glide through the city aboard the efficient Beijing Subway—begin your adventure with this guide!
Best Districts to Stay in Beijing
Wangfujing
Best for shopping, cultural sites & first-time visitors. Heart of the city with malls, traditional snack streets, and easy access to the Forbidden City.
- The Peninsula Beijing: Price from AU$ 473. Steps from Wangfujing Shopping Street. Features indoor pool, spa, and Michelin-starred dining. Close to Forbidden City.
- Hilton Beijing Wangfujing: Price from AU$ 199. Rooftop bar with views of the Forbidden City. Direct access to metro Line 5.
Sanlitun
Best for nightlife, trendy dining & fashion. Vibrant area with embassies, designer boutiques, and 24/7 energy.
- East Beijing: Price from AU$ 159. Industrial-chic rooms and rooftop terrace. Connected to TaiKoo Li shopping complex.
- CHAO Sanlitun: Price from AU$ 215. Creative loft-style rooms and arts center. Near workers' stadium and nightlife.
Guomao/CBD
Best for business, luxury & modern skyline views. Central business district with skyscrapers, high-end malls, and embassies.
- Shangri-La Hotel Beijing: Price from AU$ 211. Overlooks China World Summit Wing. Indoor pool, lush gardens, and multiple award-winning restaurants.
- The Ritz-Carlton Beijing: Price from AU$ 286. Connected to China World Mall. Rooftop bar and executive lounge access.
Getting to and Around Beijing
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Here are two main airports serving Beijing. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is located about 25 kilometers northeast of the city center and handles the majority of both international and domestic flights. On the other hand, Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is situated about 46 kilometers south of the city center and primarily serves as a major hub for international long-haul routes and select domestic flights.
Consider staying at one of these hotels near the PEK airport.
Click to find more hotels near the PEK Airport
Find More to Match Your Travel Style
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Forbidden City Grandeur & Family Fun
Palace views + kid-friendly cultural immersion
- Imperial Garden Access + Hutong Activities → NUO Resort Beijing (Universal Studios Area) (Price from AU$ 329).
- Rooftop Views + Children's Cultural Kit → The Emperor Beijing (Qianmen) (Price from AU$ 236)
CBD Skyline Luxury
Where modern design meets capital panoramas
- Infinity Pool Overlooking CCTV "Giant Pants" → Park Hyatt Beijing (Guomao) (Price from AU$ 353)
- Silk Road Spa + Cloud Lounge Dining → Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing (Price from AU$ 1,163)
Heritage Chic & Hutong Soul
Courtyard living and imperial whispers
- 600-Year-Old Temple Conversion → The Orchid Hotel (Price from AU$ 346)
- Hidden Siheyuan + Scholar's Study → The Orchid Hotel (Drum Tower) (Price from AU$ 346)
Final Beijing Hotels Booking Tips
- Book Beijing Hotels Like a Local – secure your room 4–6 months ahead for the busiest travel windows: National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7) and Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) sell out first. For the Olympic Winter Games anniversary (February) or major political events, plan 8+ months early. Then, check the hotel’s own website for exclusive offers or upgrades.
- Navigate Beijing’s Quirks Smartly. Note that the subway closes around 11:30 PM; if enjoying Sanlitun’s nightlife, budget CNY 50+ (AU$11+) for a DiDi ride back. Book Early, Especially for Peak/Events. Hotels fill fast during holidays, summer break (Jul–Aug), and major conventions (CIFTIS, Auto China).
- Prioritize Transit-Friendly, Value-Focused Neighborhoods. Skip overpriced Wangfujing and chaotic Guomao. Stay near Dongzhimen (subway Lines 2, 13, and Airport Express) or Chaoyangmen (Line 6 and easy access to embassy area). First-timers: Choose Wangfujing (Forbidden City access, shopping), Sanlitun (trendy, international, nightlife), or Qianmen (traditional, hutongs, budget-friendly). Avoid hotels outside the 5th Ring Road unless attending specific events.
- You can book flights and hotels through Trip.com, and don't forget use Trip.com promo code to unlock 8% off.