Travel overview of Beijing, China
Being the capital of a populous country may not be easy, but Beijing does it with style and smoothness that can cater to tourists and visitors. Beijing not only serves as the capital of China, but it is also the hub of culture and tourism with its cultural institutions and historical sites. Kicking off any visit to Beijing is a visit to Tiananmen Square, which is known as the most important landmark of the city. Tourists can hit several birds with one visit as Tiananmen Square is surrounded by landmarks including the Qianmen Gate, the Great Hall of the people, the Monument to the People's Martyrs, and most importantly the Forbidden City. Every year, the Forbidden City acquires the most number of visitors as guests visit the home of the imperial Court during the days of the Qing and Ming Dynasties. It would truly be a shame if tourists left Beijing without visiting another famous landmark of China, which is the Great Wall. Although it may be overcrowded at times, but for something that people have talked about for ages, it is truly a must see for any tourist.
'I believe the world is one big family, and we need to help each other, said Jet Li, martial artist and actor from Beijing. This capital of China is one of the largest cities in the world, with over ten million inhabitants. If you want to visit this place, you better be ready for the cultural diversity that you will experience. When considering hotels in Beijing, the location of the hotel plays a huge part, because of massive city's proportions.
Budget hotels
Cheap hotels in Beijing are perfect if you want to see a lot of different sights all around the city. Because it's such a large place, you could spend a few nights in many different hotels. Courtyard 7 is a small, traditional hotel hidden away from the main streets. If you are carrying a lot of luggage then this won't be a suitable option, as there is no road access to unload your things. However, if you are traveling alone or with your partner then this may be perfect for you. The rooms are furnished simply but comfortably and you will always be aware that you are in China, because of all of the traditional design touches. Peaceful courtyards are the true gem of this hotel, giving plenty of space to relax and connect with your inner self.
Another courtyard hotel is the Jingyuan. Again, a very peaceful place with plenty of areas to sit and relax in quiet. The rooms have been carefully furnished to preserve the Chinese authenticity. The main amenities, though, such as bathrooms, are newly installed. These cheap hotels give an extremely good value for money, with quality not far off from some higher class hotels.
Luxury Hotels
Luxury is not in short supply when it comes to Beijing hotels, with many five star establishments for you to enjoy. The hotel Eclat Beijing is probably one of the nicest places you could ever stay. A mysterious glass pyramid from the outside and a luxurious hotel on the inside, you will find every inch of this place to be tailored for comfort. Balcony views are one of the best here, with elevated views of Beijing at night that will take your breath away. Needless to say it comes complete with a pool, hot tub, gym and bar/restaurant.
The Kerry Hotel also offers all the things you could possibly need. The buffet will blow your mind away with its huge variety of dishes and perfectly prepared food. Also, the hotel offers very nice facilities for children and a babysitting service so you can go out and experience the Beijing nightlife. This hotel is perfect for that, as it is located in the heart of the business district, which is jam packed. The other Beijing hotels have a hard time competing with these amazing establishments.
Things you must do in Beijing
Once you have dropped your bags at one of your chosen hotels in Beijing, there are plenty of things every traveler must do. Of course the first thing anyone will want to do is visit the Great Wall of China. Depending on where you are staying it may be a bit of a drive, but it will be well worth. The Forbidden City is another must see, as it is the most well preserved imperial palace in China. You may even see Po practicing his kung-fu in one of the courtyards. In total it is comprised of 870 structures, all of traditional Chinese design. If you want a tailored experience then it's well worth going on one of the many tours around Beijing, which will show you many of the sites with the helping hand of a knowledgeable guide to answer your questions.
FAQs about hotels in Beijing