Many first-time visitors to Beijing often find themselves perplexed when it comes to choosing accommodation. Given the vast size of Beijing, the dispersal of its tourist attractions, and the intricate transportation network, the task can indeed be daunting. To assist you in this endeavor, I have compiled a guide from a local’s perspective, hoping it will serve as a helpful companion for your journey in Beijing.
Four Principles for Accommodation Selection in Beijing:
Principle of Minimizing Time Cost: If you’re planning a three-day trip, opting for a hotel within the Third Ring Road is ideal. However, for longer stays exceeding three days, it’s advisable to choose two hotels and alternate between them, staying close to the attractions you intend to visit. For instance, you could spend the first three days residing in a hotel near Dongsi or Xisi, exploring the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Shichahai, and Beihai Park. For the remaining days, opt for a hotel nearer to the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace, allowing you to conveniently visit these gardens, Olympic Forest Park, and even the Great Wall.
Principle of Prioritizing Metro Intersections: Identify the cluster of attractions you wish to visit and locate the nearest metro intersection. Subsequently, search for hotels situated close to this intersection. Several metro stations with excellent locations and relatively affordable accommodation options include Dongxi, Xisi, Ping’anli, and Dongdan.
Principle of Prioritizing Interests: For food lovers, accommodations near Niu Street or Huguosi Street are ideal. For those who enjoy shopping, areas like Sanlitun, Heshenghui, and Xidan offer convenient lodging options.
Principle of Comparing Prices from Multiple Sources: With numerous platforms offering accommodation bookings, it’s crucial to compare prices. Different platforms often have promotional activities during various periods, enabling you to save significantly. If you’re planning a visit during the Spring Festival, consider participating in promotional activities like “Dragon Year Booking Together” on Tongcheng Travel to bundle your accommodation with train or flight tickets, potentially saving hundreds of yuan.
For those seeking ready-made recommendations, I’ve compiled a list of areas with high cost-effectiveness. You can choose a hotel that suits your preferences and budget within these regions.
If you’re planning a recent visit to Beijing, I highly recommend incorporating winter ice activities into your itinerary, a quintessential “Old Beijing” experience. Currently, areas such as Shichahai (including Shichahai Ice Rink and Beihai Ice Rink), the Old Summer Palace and Summer Palace region, and Olympic Forest Park all offer ice activities. Purchase tickets in advance on Tongcheng to avoid long queues on-site. Accommodation options nearby are also available, and earlier visits typically mean fewer crowds.
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