Planning a trip to Beijing? Looking for hotels in Beijing? Trip.com is a great place to start. Beijing is a city with tons of tourist attractions. You'll never want to leave! You can stay 3-5 days at hotels in Beijing without running out of things to do. Cities near Beijing include Sanhe, Dachangxian, Xianghe, and so on. Nanyuan Airport is the primary airport in Beijing. If you don't want to take a flight, coming to Beijing by train is a good choice as well.
Where to stay in Beijing for first timers?
You don't have to worry about accommodations when traveling to Beijing. Here, there are more than 1,184 hotels for you to choose from. The local average price is 65 USD per night. There are a variety of hotels to meet the needs of different types of travelers:
- Five-star hotels: 152 hotels, 143 USD per night
- Four-star hotels: 290 hotels, 78 USD per night
- Three-star hotels: 328 hotels, 67 USD per night
- Two-star hotels: 386 hotels, 44 USD per night
Hotels Near Wangfujing
Wangfujing is a famous shopping street in Beijing, known for its mix of traditional shops, modern malls, and street food. It's close to attractions like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Hotels Near Universal Studios Beijing
Universal Studios Beijing is an exciting theme park offering various attractions, rides, and entertainment options. Staying nearby is ideal for families and thrill-seekers.
Hotels Near Beijing Capital Airport
Staying near Beijing Capital Airport is convenient for travelers with early flights or layovers. These hotels offer easy access to the airport and necessary amenities.
Top Things to Do in Beijing
There are quite a few famous attractions in downtown Beijing, such as Wangfujing, Tian'anmen Square. For short trips in Beijing, Yunfengshan Scenic Area are all good options. The most famous attractions locally are Lama Temple, The Place, Nanluogu Alley. The natural environment here is praised for its scenic beauty. Attractions related to nature include Temple of Heaven Park, Daoxianghu Park, Huajiadi Park.
Universal Beijing Resorts has seven themed areas, each with unique oriental elements, including a Kung Fu Panda land. It's noted for its extensive range of rides, shows, dining, and shopping options.
Spend a thrilling day at Universal Studios. From exhilarating rides and attractions to shows and character meet-and-greets, it’s a perfect spot for some fun and excitement. Don’t miss the Harry Potter World and Jurassic Park sections!
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- 📍Location: 7 Shuangjing Road, Tongzhou District, Beijing
- 💵 Ticket Price: ¥638 ($90) $82.88 on Trip.com
The Forbidden City, known as Gugong in Mandarin, once served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a symbol of ancient China. Although it is no longer China's political center, you can still feel its former glory once you are surrounded by the high walls in the courtyard.
Walking through the gates of the Forbidden City feels like stepping back in time. The grandeur of the imperial architecture and the vast collections of artifacts are mesmerizing. Plan to spend a good amount of time here to fully appreciate the history and beauty.
- Operating Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (April to October); 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (November to March); Closed on Mondays
- 📍Location: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- 💵 Ticket Price: ¥60 (April to October), ¥40 (November to March)
The Badaling Great Wall in Yanqing, Beijing, is a pass for the Ming Great Wall. As the saying goes, "You are not a hero until you reach the Great Wall." Most locals consider this spot the start of the ascent of the Great Wall. The Badaling Great Wall is the most complete section among the various great walls in Beijing.
The total length of this section is 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) with 43 watchtowers; however, only 2.3 miles (3.74 kilometers) and 19 watchtowers have been restored and opened to visitors. Compared with other sections, most stairs are not very steep and equipped with handrails, so it is relatively easier to climb.
Climbing the Great Wall at Badaling is an unforgettable experience. The views are stunning, and the history is palpable. It’s a bit of a climb, but the sense of achievement and the breathtaking scenery are well worth it.
- Operating Hours: 🕒 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Summer); 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Winter)
- 📍Location: Yanqing District, Beijing
- 💵 Ticket Price: ¥40 (April to October), ¥35 (November to March) $5.5 on Trip.com
Situated in the Haidian District northwest of Beijing, the Summer Palace is a Unesco World Heritage site that used to be the palace and garden of the emperors of the Qing Dynasty.
It is the largest and most well preserved royal park in China. Construction of the palace began in 1750 and it served as a residential and entertainment area for the royal members. The palace underwent two major reconstructions after suffering damages during invasions by the Anglo-French Allied Forces and the Eight-Power Allied Forces during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Summer Palace is a vast and stunning area of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It's a perfect place to spend a relaxing day. The scenery is beautiful, and the history is fascinating. Don’t miss the boat ride on Kunming Lake! If you go to the east of the Summer Palace towards Gyeongbokgak and Iksudang, there are no people and it is quiet. I liked it the best there.😏
- Operating Hours: 🕒 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM (April to October); 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (November to March)
- 📍Location: 19 Xinjiangongmen Rd, Haidian District, Beijing
- 💵 Ticket Price: ¥30 (April to October), ¥20 (November to March). $4.13 on Trip.com
Better to know before visiting Beijing
Category | Details |
Language | Mandarin Chinese; English predominantly spoken by younger people |
Currency Conversion | 1 CNY = $0.14 USD, £0.11 GBP, $0.19 SGD |
Time Difference | -12 hours from New York, -7 hours from London, same as Singapore, +2 hours from Sydney |
Visa-Free Transit (144-hour) | Eligible for travelers from 54 countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and most EU nations, when transiting to a third country |
Visa-Free Entry (15-day) | Available for Australia, New Zealand, Poland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg (valid until December 31, 2025) |
Top Attractions | Forbidden City, Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Ming Tombs, Lama Temple, National Museum of China, Olympic Park, Houhai Lake |
Must-Try Foods | Beijing Roast Duck (北京烤鸭), Instant-boiled Mutton (涮羊肉), Rolling Donkey (驴打滚), Pea Flour Cakes (豌豆黄), Copper Hot Pot Mixed Meat (铜锅牛杂), Sheep Spine Hotpot (羊蝎子), Candied Hawthorn (冰糖葫芦), Miancha (面茶), Old Beijing Noodles with Bean Sauce (老北京炸酱面), Various traditional snacks |
Best Time to Visit | Spring (25°C/9°C), Autumn (20°C/8°C) - Ideal for sightseeing with mild weather and fewer crowds. Winter (5°C/-5°C) offers serene landscapes but requires warm clothing. |
Electricity | 220V, 50Hz, plug types A and C |
Beijing Transportation
Mode of Transport | Opening Hours | Ticket Price | Frequency | Pros | Cons |
Subway | 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM (varies by line) | ¥3 - ¥10 (based on distance) | Every 2-5 minutes | Fast, reliable, air-conditioned, extensive coverage | Can be crowded during peak hours |
Bus | 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM (varies by route) | ¥2 (flat fare), ¥1 with Yikatong | Every 5-15 minutes | Extensive coverage, affordable | Slower due to traffic, can be confusing for tourists |
Taxi | 24 hours | ¥13 for first 3 km, then ¥2.3 per km | On-demand | Convenient, door-to-door service | Expensive compared to public transport, traffic delays |
Rickshaw | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | ¥20 - ¥100 (negotiable) | On-demand | Unique cultural experience, scenic | Can be expensive, language barrier |
Airport Express | 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM | ¥25 | Every 10-12 minutes | Fast, convenient for airport access | Limited coverage, higher fare |
High-Speed Rail | 24 hours | ¥50 - ¥500 (varies by distance and class) | Every 5-30 minutes | Fast, efficient for intercity travel | Expensive, station locations can be far from city center |
Beijing Weather Guide
Beijing experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. The city has hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters, with short spring and autumn periods.
The best time to visit Beijing is from September to November when the weather is cool, the skies are clear, and the autumn foliage is at its most beautiful. This period offers the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Winter (December to February)
Cold and dry, with occasional snowfall.
- What to Wear: Heavy coats, thermal layers, woolen sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, and warm boots.
- Activities: Great Wall visits (less crowded), indoor attractions like museums and theaters.
Spring (March to May)
Mild with occasional rain, flowers blooming.
- What to Wear: Light jackets, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, jeans or long pants, and comfortable shoes.
- Activities: Exploring parks, gardens, and the Great Wall, enjoying spring blossoms.
Summer (June to August)
Hot, humid, with frequent rain showers.
- What to Wear: Light, breathable clothing, sun hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a raincoat or umbrella.
- Activities: Visiting indoor attractions, exploring the Summer Palace, and enjoying air-conditioned museums.
Autumn (September to November)
Cool and dry with clear skies, beautiful fall foliage.
- What to Wear: Light jackets, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, jeans, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Activities: Hiking the Great Wall, visiting parks and historical sites, enjoying outdoor activities.
Tips for Visiting Beijing
- Prepare for Pollution: Air quality can vary, especially in winter. Consider bringing a mask if you're sensitive to air pollution.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, particularly in the hot summer months. Beijing is very dry.
- Layering: Beijing weather can be unpredictable, so layering your clothing is a good strategy to adjust to changing temperatures.
- Sun Protection: During the summer, protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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