In which quarter house in Beijing?

In which district is located in Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China? Here is our selection of the best places!

Capital of China since the year 1153, Beijing (Beijing) has a monumental area of 16,800 km2 and is populated by 21,15 million inhabitants (2013). The megalopolis is undergoing a thriving economic growth and is therefore changing very quickly. Located northeast of China, Beijing (Beijing) attracts by its proximity to the Great Wall of China and the presence on its soil of many famous historic buildings such as the Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square or the Temple of Heaven – listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage.

Beijing is so huge that it’s better to study the map before landing, and especially to know where to sleep so that you don’t get caught short and lose money and time when you arrive. Here is our presentation of the neighbourhoods where to stay in Beijing.

Shichahai

Known as the three lakes neighbourhood – Qian Hai, Hou Hai, Xi Hai -, Shichahai is a very popular area in Beijing’s city centre: one encounters a groubling life where each one indulges in his daily occupations. The three lakes mark the direct proximity to many interesting historical and cultural sites and the remains of traditional Chinese houses: the Hutongs. The neighbourhood has a trendy atmosphere while preserving its traditional soul. The area offers many small shops, bars and restaurants in the heart of the city. Staying in Shichahai is truly enjoying the authentic essence of Beijing.

Dongcheng

This area is located on the eastern side of the three lakes, and represents the historic site of the Royal Palace of Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. You can visit the Imperial Palace and the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Confucius or the Tian’anmen Square. Dongcheng is a cultural centre with many museums: National Museum, China Art Museum, Beijing People’s Art Theatre, Central Institute of Modern Theatre... In the Dongcheng district, take a tour of Wangfujing Street, one of the most famous shopping streets in the Chinese capital.

Forbidden by access to cars, it is often black world. Large shops, hotels, shops and large international brands grow on both sides of the street, as well as Chinese brands. To uncover your memories of travel, tea, brushes and ink from China or handmade clothing, eat at the night market – in the sncak street - Dongcheng is a place to stay in Beijing.

Haidian

If you work in the web and new technologies, or you'd be interested in working in a start-up, you'll have to stay in Haidian. Located northwest of Beijing, the Haidian district is intended to be the Chinese competitor of California’s Silicon Valley. You will be in contact with many Chinese students because the neighborhood houses most universities in the city. 2,24 million inhabitants live there on 431 km2, so it is a city in the city, the ideal to book a accommodation where to sleep in Beijing by being away from the tumult of the city center.

Chaoyang

It is one of the most privileged districts of expatriates. The infrastructure is easy to access, there are shopping areas, international schools and restaurants of all kinds, a peaceful peri-urban lifestyle without being too far from the area of the three lakes. You can visit the Temple of Yonghe (built in 1694), the ancient Beijing Observatory, Space 798 – a modern art museum -, stroll through the many parks or take your children to the amusement park Happy Valley . A good compromise to find out where to stay in Beijing.

Main photo credit : Flickr – Ade Russell