Where to Stay in Beijing on Your First Trip
Look at Wangfujing for central sightseeing, Qianmen for old-city streets, or Sanlitun for restaurants and evening plans. Compare the walk to your nearest subway station and the route from your airport before booking.
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Wangfujing for a central base
Wangfujing lies east of the Forbidden City and has a pedestrian shopping street. Consider this area when the Palace Museum and central sights fill most of your itinerary. Check the walk from your hotel to the specific entrance you need, especially for a timed museum visit.
Qianmen and Dashilanr for the old city
Qianmen sits south of Tian’anmen Square, with old commercial lanes and places to eat around Dashilanr. Consider it for a trip built around the Central Axis and walks through the old city. For a hotel in a pedestrian lane, ask where a car can drop off you and your luggage.
Sanlitun for evenings out
Sanlitun in Chaoyang is a shopping and dining area with restaurants and bars around Taikoo Li. Consider it if your evening plans are concentrated in eastern Beijing, and allow travel time to the historic center. If you go to bed early, ask whether your room faces a busy street.