Where To Stay: Beijing, China

Welcome to Beijing

Few cities on earth carry the weight of history quite like Beijing. From the vast sweep of Tiananmen Square to the labyrinthine alleyways of ancient hutong neighbourhoods, China's capital is a place that genuinely earns the word "epic" — and where you choose to stay can make or break the whole experience.

Overview

Beijing is a city of staggering contrasts. Ancient imperial architecture sits beside gleaming skyscrapers, and street vendors selling jianbing crepes operate just steps from Michelin-starred restaurants. With a population of over 21 million people, it is one of the world's great metropolises and serves as the political, cultural, and historical heart of China.

Visitors come for the obvious icons — the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven — but the city rewards those who dig deeper. The 798 Art District pulses with contemporary creativity, while the hutongs of Nanluoguxiang offer a glimpse into a slower, older way of Beijing life. There is simply no other city quite like it.

Essential Information

• Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY). Roughly 7.2 CNY to 1 USD at the time of writing. Cash is still useful, though Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate.
• Language: Mandarin Chinese. English is spoken in major hotels and tourist areas but can be limited elsewhere. Download a translation app before you go.
• Visa: Most Western visitors require a visa in advance. China does offer a 144-hour transit visa-free policy for eligible nationalities — check the latest requirements before travelling.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather. Summers are hot and humid; winters are dry and bitterly cold.
• Time Zone: China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8.

Practical Tips

• Internet access: Google, Instagram, and many Western apps are blocked in China. Download a reliable VPN before you arrive — it is much harder to set one up once you're in the country.
• Transport: Beijing's subway system is excellent, clean, and very affordable — most journeys cost between $0.30 and $0.60 USD. Get a Yikatong transit card for easy travel.
• Air quality: Pollution can be an issue, particularly in winter. Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) daily and carry an N95 mask if levels are high.
• Tipping: Not customary in China. You may even cause mild offence in traditional establishments, so skip the tip unless you're at an internationally oriented hotel or restaurant.
• Food and water: Never drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap and widely available. Street food is generally safe and delicious — look for stalls with a high turnover of local customers.

Getting There

Beijing is served by two major airports. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the main hub, handling the majority of long-haul international flights and located around 20 miles northeast of the city centre. The newer Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) handles a growing number of domestic and some international routes.

Direct flights to PEK operate from major hubs including London Heathrow, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Sydney, and Dubai, with carriers such as Air China, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific. Flight times run approximately 10 hours from London and 13–14 hours from the US East Coast. Return fares from the UK typically start around $600–$800 USD in economy; from the US expect $700–$1,100 USD depending on season and how far in advance you book.

From Capital Airport, the Airport Express train connects to the city centre in around 20 minutes for just $3.50 USD — far preferable to a taxi during peak hours.

Accommodation Options

Where you stay in Beijing matters enormously. The city is large, and being poorly located can cost you an hour of travel time in each direction. Aim to stay within easy reach of a subway line.

• Budget ($30–$70/night): The hutong districts around Nanluoguxiang and Gulou (Drum Tower) are packed with characterful guesthouses and boutique hostels. Leo Hostel and Beijing Saga International Youth Hostel both offer clean, well-located beds and a sociable atmosphere. Staying here puts you right in the heart of old Beijing.
• Mid-Range ($100–$200/night): The Dongcheng district is ideal for mid-range travellers — central, well-connected, and close to the major sights. Hotels like the Courtyards by Marriott or the Opposite House (Sanlitun area) offer genuine comfort without the full luxury price tag. Many boutique courtyard hotels in this bracket are genuinely special.
• Luxury ($250+/night): For a splurge, the Aman at Summer Palace is one of the most extraordinary hotel experiences in Asia, set within the grounds of the Summer Palace itself. The Rosewood Beijing and the Peninsula Beijing are also exceptional, combining impeccable service with landmark city locations.

Beijing is a city that will challenge you, surprise you, and almost certainly leave you wanting more. Whether you're here for three days or three weeks, the key is to plant yourself in the right neighbourhood and explore outward from there. Ready to start planning? Search flights to PEK, lock in your accommodation early — especially if you're travelling in peak season — and get ready for one of the great travel experiences on the planet.