Downtown Beijing Travel Guide
Beijing
Visit Downtown Beijing
Popular places to visit
Forbidden City
This formerly restricted imperial palace complex is now a public museum that shows the splendor of the old China. It is one of Beijing’s most impressive sites.
Wangfujing Street
Find the latest fashion or cheap souvenirs and sample local cuisine in this bustling pedestrian-only street, one of the city’s most popular shopping strips.
Tiananmen Square
One of the most famous squares in the world, this spot is the beating heart of Beijing and has always been the site of mass protests and national celebrations.
Sanlitun Road
During your trip to Beijing, you can do some window-shopping at Sanlitun Road. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Temple of Heaven
Behind a high wall stands an ancient building once used in sacrifices. This huge historical place of worship is a quiet oasis in busy Beijing.
The Palace Museum
You can browse the exhibits at The Palace Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Beijing. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed art galleries in this culturally rich area.
Things to do
Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)
Forbidden City Guided Group Tour with Entry Tickets|Multi‐Departs
T-Square & Forbidden City Group Tours with Optional Sights
All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall
Beijing Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants
Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Daily Tour with Ticket & Lunch
Top hotels in Downtown Beijing
Peace Hotel Beijing
"I stayed at the Peace Hotel with my three children. Pros: excellent breakfast and very convenient to metro and shopping. Cons: rooms and lobby could use updating and my teenage and adult son had to share a foldout couch which was not advertised ahead of time when we booked a room for four people. ..."
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026
LiveFortuna Hotel
"Great property, extremely comfortable for tourists. The rooftop pool is absolutely gorgeous and the breakfast options are amazing. If I had to point out a single down point, it would be that the location is not ideal metro-wise. Other than that, as a Canadian visitor used to American standards, I ..."
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
"Buffett was good. Restaurant for dinner was terrible. I would not recommend eating there."
Reviewed on 17 Jun 2026
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
"Great location, staff were kind to allow us to have late checkout until 2pm with no extra charge. Breakfast was very large and good variety, able to accommodate allergies too. The rooms were spacious enough and very clean."
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
New World Beijing Hotel
"Dinner buffet is bad , WiFi is bad all the rest is perfect in the hotel . Great location"
Reviewed on 15 Jun 2026
Grand Hyatt Beijing
"Fantastic location and wonderful breakfast."
Reviewed on 14 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Downtown Beijing
Wangfujing Shopping Area
Historical sites, art galleries and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Forbidden City while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Dongsi Station to get around town.
Dongcheng
Enjoy the popular shops in Dongcheng. Wangfujing Street is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Zhangzizhonglu Station or Dongsi Station to see more of Beijing.
Haidian
Haidian is well liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Spacious Pavilion and Tower of Buddhist Incense are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around.
Chaoyang
Museums, art galleries and cocktail bars highlight some notable features of Chaoyang. Make a stop by Alien's Street Trade Market or Dong Yue Miao while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dongdaqiao Station or Chaoyangmen Station to get around town.
Middle Chaoyang
Museums, art galleries and shopping highlight some notable features of Middle Chaoyang. Make a stop by Chaoyang Park or China Culture Center while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Beijing Chaoyang Station or Dongfeng Beiqiao Station to get around town.
