Beijing
Beijing, China’s massive capital city, has a history stretching back three thousand years! That being said, Beijing is currently known as much for its modern architecture as its ancient sites. I lived in Bejing for over two years, and it was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. There is so much history in this city, and due to the rapid development of China, you’ll occasionally forget you surrounded by so many buildings with historical significance. You will be walking, surrounded by huge skyscrapers, make a left turn into a hutong, a type of narrow street or alley commonly associated with northern Chinese cities, and feel as if you have been transported back into the China of yesteryear.
With so much to see and do, it is hard to decide what are the most important things to do while visiting Beijing. I know plenty of blogs and websites have written about the top destinations to visit in the capital, Tianmensquare, The Great Wall, Summer Palace, etc. but, I would like to outline the best places to stay if you visit this city of 20 million people.
1. Tuanjiehu
Tuanjiehu is expat central in Beijing. Most of the embassies for countries around the world are located in this area so many foreigners live, eat and spend most of their free time here. I would say this area has the most to offer in regard to foreign food options and shopping for non-locals. There is a subway station that leads you right to this area, Tuanjiehu Station, which is on the blue line. Tuanjiehu subway station is a ten-minute walk from the famous Sanlitun Village.
When I lived in Beijing, this was the premier spot for foreigners to meet up and enjoy a night out. Sanlitun also has many upscale Chinese dining options, unique artistic sculptures, as well as Taikoo Li mall, which is home to international chain stores such as H&M and Uniqlo.
Another advantage of staying in Tuanjiehu is its proximity to the Forbidden City, Tianmen Square, and Wang Fu Jing shopping street. These landmarks are around a 30-minute cab ride from Tuanjiehu, depending on traffic conditions, so not as far as other popular areas to stay in Beijing. If visiting the spots just mentioned are on the top of your list, then this next area may be more suitable for your trip.
2. Guomao
Guomao is an excellent place to stay if you visit Beijing. This is the area I lived in when I was in Beijing, and there was never a dull moment. Guomao is located in the Chaoyang district of the capital and is in the heart of the central business district. There are numerous fantastic restaurants, humongous shopping centres, and unique fashion boutiques visit during your time in BJ. Guomao is one of the more expensive places to stay in Beijing, but you are paying a premium for the foreign comforts of home and the fantastic location! Because the area is in the CBD, there are a plethora of transportation options to get you around the city. Beijing is massive, and the traffic is terrible, so being close to the subway and famous sites can save you a lot of headaches during your trip.
In regards to famous landmarks, there aren’t any in Guomao, but because of its location, Tianmen Square and The Forbidden City are quite easy to get to. By car from Guomao station, it’s about 20 minutes and by the metro is 15. Tuanjiehu is also less than a 30-minute car ride, so if you want to get a taste of Beijing nightlife as well, Worker’s Stadium and Sanlitun are a short cab ride away.
3. Wudaokou
Wukaokou is definitely an area geared to the younger crowd. Most of the best universities in China are located in this area, so a lot of the restaurants, bars, and nightclubs cater to local and international students. The prices here are more affordable because it is a bit far from the city centre. I would say a night out here costs about 30 percent less than it would in Sanlitun or Guomao.
I visited here often because I had friends in the area, and it took around 1 hour to get from Guomao to Wudaokou by subway. So, if your plan on going to Sanlitun or want to see the Forbidden City, make sure you give yourself enough time to get to each destination. One great landmark that is near Wukaokou is the Summer Place, so if seeing that is on your Beijing bucket list, that is another advantage of staying in this area.
Public transportation in Wudaokou is exceptional, and you can get anywhere in the city from here by metro. Another thing that differentiates itself from other areas of the city is the number of Koreans. I would guess that Koreans are the second most prevalent race in this area, and because of that factor, some of the best Korean restaurants are found here.
Those are my recommendations for the best areas to stay in Beijing. Do you agree? Leave a comment below.
Night Life
In comparison to Shanghai, Beijing’s nightlife is not as lively. However, due to the large population many places rock till the early hours. The Sanlitun area is a pretty busy nightlife center, despite Beijing’s determination to tear everything down. Small bars are spread around the district and nearby Workers’ Stadium has numerous bars and clubs.
TOP 3 Hip-Hop Clubs in Beijing
1. Room 79
ADDRESS: Inside Elements, 58 Workers’ Stadium West Road
CHINESE ADDRESS:朝阳区工体西路58号(工人体育馆西门北侧, 灯笼俱乐部南侧)
HOURS:Wed-Sat 10pm-late (RSVP only)
WEB:https://www.facebook.com/Room79Beijing/
METRO:15 mins walk from Tuanjiehu subway station
PHONE:+86 10 6552 6223
2. Vics 威克斯
ADDRESS:Inside the north gate of the Workers’ Stadium, Chaoyang District
CHINESE ADDRESS:朝阳区工体北门内
HOURS: Daily 8.30pm-late
WEB:https://www.facebook.com/vicsclubbeijing/
METRO:15 mins walk from Tuanjiehu subway station
PHONE:+86 10 5293 0333
3. Mix 密克斯
ADDRESS: Inside the north gate of the Workers’ Stadium, Chaoyang District
CHINESE ADDRESS:朝阳区工体北门内
HOURS: Daily 8:30pm-late
WEB:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Club-Mix-Beijing/147803515430463
METRO:15 mins walk from Tuanjiehu subway station
PHONE:+86 10 6530 2889