Beijing neighbourhoods at a glance
Distances are measured from the city centre. Typical prices are the median nightly rate of hotels nearby.
| Area | Best for | From centre | Typical hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dongcheng | First-time visitors, History buffs, Walkers | 2.1 km | €85 |
| Shichahai | Evenings out, Couples, Photographers | 4.1 km | €89 |
| Sanlitun | Nightlife, Shoppers, Foodies | 5 km | €64 |
| Qianmen and Dashilar | Culture seekers, Shoppers, Street food | – | – |
Dongcheng
The historic eastern core, home to the Forbidden City, many hutongs, the Lama Temple and Wangfujing shopping street.
Around Dongcheng
- Nanluoguxiang hutong
- Wangfujing
- Jingshan Park
- Confucius Temple
Hotels in or near Dongcheng
Económico
Gama media
SuperiorShichahai
An area of lakes surrounded by hutongs, bars and cafés, with the Drum and Bell Towers nearby.
Around Shichahai
- Houhai Lake
- Drum and Bell Towers
- Prince Gong's Mansion
- Lakeside bars
Hotels in or near Shichahai
Lujo
Gama mediaSanlitun
Beijing's trendy entertainment district, with international restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Around Sanlitun
- Taikoo Li Sanlitun
- Bars and clubs
- International dining
- Embassy district
Hotels in or near Sanlitun
Gama media
Económico
SuperiorQianmen and Dashilar
Historic streets south of Tiananmen with old shops, restored architecture and food stalls.
Around Qianmen and Dashilar
- Qianmen Street
- Dashilar hutongs
- Traditional shops
- Qianmen Gate
Hotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Plan the rest of your Beijing trip
Where to stay in Beijing: FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Beijing?+
For a first visit, Dongcheng is the most central of the areas we cover (2.1 km from the centre). The historic eastern core, home to the Forbidden City, many hutongs, the Lama Temple and Wangfujing shopping street.
Where to stay in Beijing on a budget?+
Sanlitun has the lowest typical hotel price of the areas we compared, around €64 a night. Beijing's trendy entertainment district, with international restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
How much does a hotel in Beijing cost per night?+
Typical nightly prices near the areas in this guide range from €64 to €89, based on hotel prices checked on February 4, 2026. Prices change with your dates.
Which Beijing neighbourhood suits which traveller?+
Dongcheng: First-time visitors, History buffs, Walkers. Shichahai: Evenings out, Couples, Photographers. Sanlitun: Nightlife, Shoppers, Foodies. Qianmen and Dashilar: Culture seekers, Shoppers, Street food.