Budget Beijing

Description:

This is a charming place with dorm rooms as well as private rooms. There is also a common room. This hostel offers various tours as well.

Our Local Expert Says:

Tiananmen Square is quietest early in the morning before the crowds gather, although it is easily accessible throughout the day. Getting there by subway is the most convenient option, as the wide roads and official buildings in the area make it hard for taxis to stop. Tiananmen Square is the best place to experience the look and feel of Communist China.

Description:

The centre of both glory and controversy in China's modern history, Tiananmen Square is a vast space located next to Forbidden City. Although the square was originally constructed in 1651, it was not until 1958 that it was significantly enlarged and concrete laid down that it became the square seen today. The site of a number of political battles over the last fifty years, Tiananmen Square is also home to the tomb of Chairman Mao. A sprawling and spacious area, Tiananmen Square perfectly highlights the divide between Imperial and Communist China.

Our Local Expert Says:

Although some people find the street quite commercial, it is an accurate and pleasing representation of traditional Beijing, but with modern twists.

Description:

Qianmen was the busiest and most famous street in Beijing during the 19th century, and has now been restored to its former glory. The classic wooden buildings, short tram service along the street and traditional Beijing restaurants give this development the feel of old Beijing. Combining modern elements of business into the old design, there are fashion boutiques and even an Apple shop on Qianmen. This area is an exciting and interesting look at the mix between old and new within Beijing.

Description:

Beijing expatriates love the setting of this Peking Duck restaurant — an old courtyard house hidden away down a maze of hutongs (alleys dating back to dynastic times). Locals are less impressed, interpreting as grubby and disheveled what many Westerners see as rustic and quaint. They shouldn't complain though, if you can read Chinese the price of a roast duck is only half of that on the English menu. The staff however are far more egalitarian, their spirit of surly uncooperativeness extends to all, regardless of nationality. Follow the English signs from Zheng Yi Road.

Description:

Sporting the best cheap drinks in town, Nanjie is also a good place to meet international folks as it has a tendency to attract exchange students. Although it has two floors, its good prices draw people by the dozens so don't expect a spacious atmosphere.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Summer Palace is extremely large and to see all of its beauty will take at least one day. It is stunning at all times of the year as the seasons change the natural landscape. Highlights of the palace include the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, the Cloud Dispelling Hall and the Temple of Buddhist Virtue.

Description:

Dominated by the 60-metre high Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, this palace is located in the North of Beijing and was originally constructed in 1750. The palace has been ransacked and destroyed on a number of occasions throughout history, with its current incarnation being finished in 1902 after the Boxer Rebellion. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, the Summer Palace is a perfect example of Chinese palatial garden design. With its lakes, maze-like collection of buildings and beautiful pagodas, this landmark is the most beautiful and peaceful attraction to visit in Beijing.

Description:

Come to Yuxin to gorge on sumptuous Sichuan fare. This elegant diner is synonymous to tasty and scrumptious meals. Feast on well-prepared Chinese dishes at this diner decorated with gazebo tables. The freshly cooked dishes are served in style and they will surely whet your appetite. Choose from the extensive menu and have a memorable meal. The dishes made of dried bean curd with garlic along with eggplant and chili sauce is surely one thing not to be missed.

Description:

For eclectic music sets and a young crowd this is the place to go. Here you can listen to indie rock, house, old school, break beats, and more. For a more relaxed feel check out the lounge upstairs, but if you're feeling the need to dance dance dance, then hit the floor.

Description:

This is a charming place with dorm rooms as well as private rooms. There is also a common room. This hostel offers various tours as well.

Description:

This surprisingly well-curated museum of Beijing history and culture includes plenty of English subtitles that are often too scarce at other Beijing museums. Exhibitions on Chinese courtyard architecture and Buddhist sculpture are some of the highlights. Especially fun for the kids is the fifth floor's folk exhibition, which includes displays on Chinese traditional dress and live demonstrations of Peking Opera on Saturdays.

Our Local Expert Says:

The 798 Space within the 798 Art District is the biggest and most famous collection of art spaces within the area, and is the best place to start any visit. However, it is easy to find new and exciting areas to explore after talking to local and international artists who are friendly and enthusiastic to share their works.

Description:

The 798 Art District at Dashanzi is a testament to the creativity of modern China. Originally a fairly desolate area of state-owned factories, since 2002 the area has been transformed into a lively art and culture community. The factories have been converted into large and exciting arts and performance spaces, allowing for a wide variety of artistic endeavours to take place. There is a 'Soho-esque' vibe to the area, yet it is still uniquely Chinese in nature. 798 Art District is an important hub for urban creativity and there are many galleries, workshops, performance areas and cafes to be explored in the area.

Description:

Rickshaw is a 24 hour pub that serves a little of everything. Items on the menu range from burritos, to chicken pot pie, to kuai pancakes and fried Snicker's bars. None of it is great, but who cares at 2a in the morning? The decor is low-key with diner-style booths and not much else, and the staff is very friendly. With reasonable prices, Rickshaw is the perfect stop for tired and hungry revelers to wind-up the night.

Description:

This is a charming place with dorm rooms as well as private rooms. There is also a common room. This hostel offers various tours as well.