As much as we like to day dream about our future destinations, we weren’t prepared for Beijing. Unlike Shanghai, which feels very international, Beijing seems to us more Chinese. Beijing is the only major Chinese city where low rise housing still exists, and guess where? In the very center of the city. Fortunately, Chinese authorities don’t want tall buildings overshadowing the palace.
The area surrounding the palace is full of tall trees and multicolored flowers. Lush green gardens, lakes and canals are a sharp contrast to the dry grounds of the palace itself. Several rings of trees decorate every street near the palace. There are trees and parks a plenty in Beijing. Spring is our favorite season in the city. Flowers boom all about and trees seem to greet you. This is where you should stay on your first visit to Beijing.
The Best Beijing Areas
Beijing is an enormous city, but there are only several areas worth staying at. Three are close to the historic sites: Wangfujing, Qianmen and Nanluoguxiang. All three revolve around a lively colorful pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, and other tourist infrastructure.
Two other nice areas are away from the historic center, towards the east. Guomao is the city’s main business district, with tall skyscrapers and fancy hotels. Sanlitun on the other hand pretends to be the new modern city center with large malls and nice pedestrian areas.
Wangfujing
Many consider Wangfujing Pedestrian Street as the place where locals and visitors gather. Though conveniently located near the Palace, it lacks content and activity, especially in the evenings. In fact, the street looks like one giant shopping mall.
However, the one and only Forbidden City is here. It’s one of the greatest and most beautiful structures in the world. The most amazing park in Beijing is next, Jingshan. Then you have an incredible lake with ancient structures, Beihai. We are telling you, the entire area will take your breath away, and you will want to come back.
The Best Hotels in Wangfujing
On our visit to Beijing, we chose two locations for our stay. First on Wangfujing Street, within walking distance to the Forbidden City. Our Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel offered all we needed and more: a great location, comfortable rooms, top notch service and fabulous views. The spa was superb and so was the breakfast.
The PuXuan Hotel and Spa is a contemporary masterpiece. As architects ourselves we had to check it out and loved it. They were very nice and even let us see their fantastic rooms. Indulge yourself and experience the best of Chinese luxury.
Qianmen
Qianmen Street isanother colorful pedestrian street close to the Forbidden City. The lively area resembles a village. You forget you are in such a modern metropolis. Our favorite street is Dashilan. Most of the tourists here come from other places in China and even with the language barrier we interacted and felt welcomed.
Tianamen Square didn’t disappoint. It’s so big, that you need several hours to see it all, including Mao’s Mausoleum and the tall obelisk in the center. The 1419 Zhengyangmen gate presides over the plaza. However, our absolute favorite close to Qianmen is the Temple of Heaven. The 1420 structure is inside a splendid park.
The Best Hotels in Qianmen
We loved the location of our Beijing Hyde Courtyard Hotel. It’s within an original 100 year old hutong! You can walk to Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. There’s a subway station in the corner that connects you to the entire city and lots of restaurants around.
You can’t get any closer to Tiananmen Square than at the M Hotel – Beijing Tiananmen Square Qianmen Subway Station. The hotel is at the beginning of Qianmen Pedestrian Street, right next to the Zhengyangmen gate. Book a room with the view and you won’t forget your stay!
Nanluoguxiang – Gulou
Though Nanluoguxiang Street appears to be far and too local, it is actually quite authentic and close to some outstanding historical sites. In fact, if you want to get the feel of the traditional neighborhood in Northern China (Hutong) this is your place.
Two of our favorite temples in China are here. We are talking about the 1694 Buddhist Lama Temple and the Confucius Temple, from 1302. The 1306 Guozijian Museum used to be the Imperial College. A walk along Gulou Avenue takes you to the Bell and Drum towers. If you have the energy, climb to the top to enjoy memorable views.
The Best Hotels in Nanluoguxiang – Gulou
You will love the Orchid, an ancient mansion within walking distance to the Lama Temple and the Bell and Drum Towers. The elegant rooms feature wooden floors, designer furniture and face the garden. The service is impeccable. You won’t want to leave!
The Chinese Culture Holiday Hotel is super close to the airport metro station and a 10 minute walk from the Lama Temple. It’s on a quiet street surrounded by old houses and restaurants. They have extra big family rooms.
Sanlitun
Every time we are in Beijing we make sure to spend some days in Sanlitun. It’s the fanciest area in the city. It’s got nothing to envy other world class capitals. The restaurants are top notch. Besides, the best nightlife in the capital is here.
If you are into shopping and pastries, go to Sanlitun Soho. Tall contemporary towers overlook the outdoor mall. Taikoo Li Sanlitun is nearby. The area east of Sanlitun is full of parks. Our favorite is Chaoyang. It’s a big green oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
The Best Hotels in Sanlitun
The contemporary Opposite House in the heart of the Soho is worth every penny. The exquisitely decorated rooms are huge. The hotel’s atrium is an art gallery. Even if you don’t stay here, stop for a cocktail at the uber-cool bar.
Considering its class and location, the Hilton Beijing is great value for money. The contemporary tower is close to Chaoyang Park. It has a fantastic indoor pool. The big rooms are elegant. For fantastic views over the city, book an extra big executive room.
Guomao
Our second hotel was in the modern commercial hub of Guomao. The whole area has good infrastructure but seems a bit far from important sites. However the efficient historic metro line no. 1 connects it to the Forbidden City in just 15 minutes.
We are architects, so we really enjoyed Beijing’s futuristic skyline. The famous CCTV headquarter tower is here, as well as the city’s tallest building, China Zun. Don’t forget to check The Place, a fancy mall with a giant LED canopy.
The Best Hotels in Guomao
We stayed at the superb JEN Beijing by Shangri-La. Fantastic luxurious place, and service to match. We changed rooms so we could enjoy two different views (we are crazy about the views). The hotel is next to the famous CCTV building.
For a total surreal and opulent experience, stay at the Eclat Hotel Beijing. Its giant glass pyramid with extra plush rooms. The hotel has an unbelievable art collection, with works by Andy Warhol, Zeng Fanzhi Chen Wenling, and Dali’s largest collection outside of Europe. You have to see it to believe it!
Our Tips on How to Choose Where to Stay
If you are visiting for tourism and plan on spending just a couple of days in the city stay in Wangfujing or Qianmen. Most important sites, including the Forbidden Palace, are just a step away, so you can easily walk to all of them. Stay in Nanluoguxiang if you want to be in a slightly less touristy neighborhood.
On the other hand, if you are visiting for business, or just prefer to stay in a modern area, your best options are hotels in Sanlitun and Guomao. Finally, if you plan on visiting Beijing Wall (we recommend Mutianyu) or some ancient towns like Pingyao, stay in Wangfujing. It’s the closest area to Beijing Railway Station, plus there are direct buses to Mutianyu Great Wall.
