Forbidden City

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum, 紫禁城) was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1420–1912). It was the political and ritual center of China for nearly 500 years. It is called "Forbidden" because commoners were barred from entry, and even imperial officials needed special permission.

Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day Address: No. 4, Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Forbidden City Ticket Prices & Promotions

Best Hotels near Forbidden City, Beijing

Forbidden City (The Palace Museum) Reviews

4.9/5
47745 reviews
5/5
Very beautiful
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5/5
An incredible tour! I really appreciated how attentive and pleasant the staff were—it was clear they were genuinely happy. They always made sure to wait for you, and if you weren’t with the group, they would wait until the very end. Highly recommended.
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5/5
We had a great tour with Grace, she was knowledgeable and shared interesting stories. The tour is pretty long so make sure you have enough time in your itinerary. I would certainly recommend visiting the Forbidden city with a guide, we learned a lot.
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5/5
Great tour, Susie was fantastic and very informative. Definitely worth doing a tour over just walking through. Didn’t feel rushed at all, she took her time at each spot and even gave us chance to sit half way through to relax.
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5/5
Even though I can book online, I can't. Every time I check, it's always fully booked. I want an early morning room so I can have plenty of time and not be in a hurry. I'm just using money to solve the problem; it's less stressful.
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Forbidden City Tickets
Plan your visit to the Palace Museum, Beijing. Learn how to book Forbidden City tickets, opening hours, the best walking routes, and entry tips

What is the Forbidden City (The Palace Museum, Beijing)?

The Forbidden City (紫禁城, Zǐjìnchéng), now officially known as the Palace Museum, served as the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty (1420 to 1912). For nearly 500 years, it was the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government and the reclusive home of 24 emperors.

It is called "Forbidden" because no one could enter or leave the palace without the emperor's express permission. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses the world's largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures.

Category

Details

Total Area

72 hectares (178 acres)

Construction Period

1406 – 1420 (14 years)

Total Buildings

980 surviving buildings

Legendary Room Count

9,999.5 (Symbolizing heaven has 10,000)

Key Layout

Divided into the Outer Court (State Affairs) and Inner Court (Living Quarters)

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The Palace Museum
The Palace Museum
4.9/5
47745 Reviews
# Historic landmark# Exhibitions
Trip.com userVery beautiful
€13
Details

Forbidden City (The Palace Museum) - Map & Layout

Forbidden City Map & Route

Source from china highlights

How to Buy Forbidden City Tickets & Reservation Tips

Forbidden City Recommended Route & Must-See Attractions

Advance reservation is mandatory. Tickets are no longer sold at the gate for most visitors and often sell out 7 days in advance.

  • Booking Window: Tickets open 7 days in advance at 8:00 PM (Beijing Time).
  • Where to Buy: * Official WeChat Mini-Program: Search for "故宫博物院" (Palace Museum). This is the most reliable method.
    • Official Website:The Palace Museum Booking Portal.
    • Travel Platforms: Sites like Trip.com offer tickets (often bundled with tours) if you find the official site difficult to navigate.
  • ID Requirement: You must bring your physical passport. Your passport number is your ticket.

Forbidden City Opening Hours

The museum is closed every Monday (except for national holidays).

Season

Dates

Hours

Last Entry

Peak Season

April 1 – Oct 31

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

4:00 PM

Off-Season

Nov 1 – March 31

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

3:30 PM

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How to Get to Forbidden City & Entering Guide

The Forbidden City is a one-way south-to-north route. You must enter from the South and exit from the North.

How to Get There

  • Subway: Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West.
  • Note: You must pass through security for Tiananmen Square first. Allow an extra 30–45 minutes for this security check before you even reach the palace gates.

Where to Enter

  • Entrance: Meridian Gate (Wumen). This is the massive U-shaped gate at the southern end.
  • Exit: Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen) or East Prosperity Gate (Donghuamen).
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Forbidden City Recommended Route & Must-See Attractions

Forbidden City Recommended Route & Must-See Attractions

Must-See Attractions in the Central Axis

To see the best of the palace in 3–4 hours, follow the Central Axis:

  1. Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian): The heart of the palace where grand ceremonies and coronations took place.
  2. Hall of Central Harmony & Preserving Harmony: Where emperors rested and held imperial banquets.
  3. Palace of Heavenly Purity: The Emperor’s primary residence in the Inner Court.
  4. Hall of Mental Cultivation: The "office" where later Qing emperors actually lived and worked.
  5. The Treasure Gallery (Extra Ticket Required): Located in the northeast; it houses the famous Nine Dragon Screen.
  6. Imperial Garden: A classical garden at the northern end, perfect for a break before exiting.
Forbidden City Recommended Route & Must-See Attractions

Hidden Gems You May Like

  • The Nine Dragon Screen: A 30-meter-long glazed tile wall (located in the Treasure Gallery, requires a separate 10 RMB ticket).
  • The Clock Gallery: A collection of 18th-century mechanical clocks from Europe and China (extra ticket required).
  • The Corner Towers: Viewed from the outside moat at sunset, these are the most photographed parts of the palace.
  • The Icehouse (Bingku): Ancient stone cellars once used to store ice for the summer, now converted into a unique restaurant and café.
Forbidden City Recommended Route & Must-See Attractions

Interesting Historical Insights

  • The "No Tree" Court: You will notice there are no trees in the three main courtyards of the Outer Court. This was done to maintain the Emperor's dignity (no shadows) and to prevent assassins from hiding.
  • Roof Creatures: Look at the corners of the roofs. The more small animal figures there are, the more important the building is. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the only building in China allowed to have 10 of these creatures.
  • The Legend of the "Cold Palace": There was no specific "Cold Palace" (Leng Gong). It was simply a term for any secluded, run-down courtyard where a concubine was banished for falling out of the Emperor's favor.

Pro Tip: After exiting the North Gate, cross the street to Jingshan Park. Climb the hill for the iconic "postcard view" looking back over the golden roofs of the entire Forbidden City.

Best Time to Visit Forbidden City

  • Best Month: Late October to early November. The weather is crisp, the sky is often "Beijing Blue," and the autumn leaves provide a stunning backdrop.
  • Best Time of Day: 8:30 AM (First entry) to beat the large tour groups, or 2:00 PM for the "golden hour" light as the crowds begin to thin toward closing.
  • Avoid: Chinese National Holidays (Golden Week in October) and Labor Day (May), as daily visitor caps make tickets nearly impossible to get.
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Discounted Beijing Tour Packages

Get 5% off when you book Beijing tours—including day trips to the Great Wall, Forbidden City visits!
[Small group] Universal Beijing Resort 1-day tour/butler service · professional guided quick play
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4.1/5
1 reviews
Our Universal Studios Beijing tour guide was outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and very well organized. They managed time efficiently, explained attractions clearly, and helped us skip unnecessary waits. The experience was smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. Highly recommended for first-time visitors and families wanting the best park experience.
Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Tickets | Exclusive Visitor Center + Free Shuttle + Fast Entry | EN/ES/RU Guides | 5-Hour Visit, Skip the ticket Line
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4.9/5
3152 reviews
Before the trip, they contacted us individually via WhatsApp and sent us photos of the meeting and the location. We booked for 12:00 PM, but the trip took quite a while due to problems near the wall; we needed to leave earlier. The Great Wall of China was very beautiful and picturesque, but there were a lot of people. We didn't have time to reach the highest point (the tower) because we had to return to our bus by 6:00 PM.
Beijing The Palace Museum 1-day tour [including ticket | Treasure Gallery admission | 3-hr guided tour by popular guide team]
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4.9/5
234 reviews
We were very lucky to visit the Forbidden City. The weather was great and sunny. Although we were a little delayed by transportation and security checks, our tour guide, Mr. Zhou, was fantastic. He not only waited patiently but also explained the history of each attraction. He has a very deep literary knowledge and it is well worth a visit in the autumn.
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Gubei Water Town Day Trip --- [Optional Day Tour / Night Tour of Simatai Great Wall & Lunch]
4.8/5
214 reviews
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and ensured we understood what we needed to do and best ways to explore the Great Wall and water town. If you want to get the cable cart you will need to pay the driver to organise. It is not part of the package.
Beijing Prince Kung's Palace Museum half-day tour - includes admission ticket/10 people/20 people/individual travelers/private tour/multiple group types
Beijing Prince Kung's Palace Museum half-day tour - includes admission ticket/10 people/20 people/individual travelers/private tour/multiple group types
4.9/5
223 reviews
Enjoyed the tour with our guide 小满老师, who was knowledgeable and shared many stories and details with us

[10% Off] Beijing Hotel Recommendations

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5 star

Sofitel Beijing Central （Accor Hotels）

9.2/10Very Good13036 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.52km from city centre
We stayed for 4 days. Since we were traveling with elderly family members and children, our journey was long and we arrived quite early. We communicated this to the hotel, and they kindly cleaned a room for us in advance and even upgraded our room type, allowing us a smooth early check-in. The check-in process was very fast. The housekeeping staff kept the room impeccably clean every day. The hostess at the Western restaurant—who appeared to be a manager or assistant manager—was also very warm and welcoming. Overall, the service was fantastic.
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Air China Boyue Beijing Hotel

9.4/10Outstanding4151 Reviews
Yansha Commercial Area Beijing|7.59km from city centre
This was my first time visiting Beijing, and I stayed at the Park Plaza Beijing Science Park (Note: 译为AVIC Hotel Beijing更准确：AVIC Hotel Beijing). The front desk staff were so warm and welcoming. The weather was quite cold when I checked in, and as soon as I entered the hotel, the staff offered me a cup of hot tea and even upgraded my room. I had a wonderful stay. Although the facilities aren't brand new, they are well-maintained. The housekeeping staff cleaned the room very thoroughly, and I was quite satisfied. Transportation is convenient, and I highly recommend it!
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Grand Millennium Beijing

8.8/105869 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.64km from city centre
Everything about the hotel exceeded expectations 🥰. The room was impeccably clean, the bedding was soft, and the overall ambiance was super cozy. The front desk staff were very patient in answering all our questions and weren't perfunctory at all. The surrounding facilities are complete, transportation is convenient, and the value for money is unbeatable. I will definitely recommend it to my friends! There was no strange smell in the room; it was well-ventilated, and the facilities were well-maintained with no signs of wear and tear. Security measures were also top-notch, the service staff were responsive to every request, the price was affordable, and every single aspect was on point. The overall experience was a super pleasant surprise! The bedding was so soft and fluffy, making for a wonderful night's sleep ✨. The front desk service was warm and polite, with very quick response times. The location is also very convenient, making getting around and finding places to eat a breeze. Incredible value for money—I'll definitely choose this place again next time I'm back~ It would be even better if the shower water could be adjusted to be a bit hotter. The view outside the window in the morning was delightful...
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Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong (Near Chang'an Street and Wangfujing)

9.6/10Excellent6603 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.63km from city centre
If it's your first time in Beijing, this is a no-brainer choice. The hotel caters to many international guests as well. The only downside is the lack of windows, but otherwise it's flawless. The breakfast is extensive, the location is very convenient, and the room size is just right. It's also very clean with great attention to detail.
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Grand Metropark Hotel Beijing

9.5/10Outstanding7603 Reviews
China International Exhibition Center Area Beijing|7.13km from city centre
The hotel is located in Sanyuanqiao, with the lobby on the 3rd floor. The front desk staff were warm and welcoming, thoughtful in every detail, and the room keycard has a very unique design. The room is spacious, with a functional layout and a wide view overlooking the East 3rd Ring Road, though the window soundproofing could be better. Breakfast at the Blue Restaurant was fair, and there are two other restaurants on the 2nd floor. The fitness center and swimming pool are on the B1 level. Overall, the hotel has great facilities and it was a pleasant stay.
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Business travel

Beijing Xinqiao Hotel

9.1/10Good10685 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city centre
I booked a superior twin room and was upgraded to a deluxe twin room. However, the deluxe twin room has a bathtub, which means you have to shower standing in the tub—very inconvenient for elderly guests. Also, the bathroom is a bit small; the distance between the toilet and the vanity is so close that if one person is using the toilet, the other can't use the sink. The hotel does not offer microwave heating services. When we bought takeout in the cold weather, there was nowhere to heat it up... (At many other hotels I've stayed at, they have a microwave for guests to use). The delivery robot was slow; our takeout took half an hour to be brought up to the room... We would have been better off going down to get it ourselves 😂 We stayed on the 15th floor, but there's a tennis court downstairs, and you could hear the loud noise of people practicing (you can check the video for the sound). Fortunately, it closed around 10 PM? Opposite the hotel is a hospital, which was under construction, and we could hear noise one night 😓 Overall, it's just so-so, with virtually no service to speak of. The only perks are that it's close to the subway station and other tourist attractions.
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Sunworld Beijing Wangfujing Hotel (The Forbidden City)

9.2/10Very Good3568 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.62km from city centre
Prime location, centrally located to Wangfujing pedestrian street offering plenty of dining and shopping. The hotel offers great amenities, one in particular is the gym located on the basement floor which has all the necessary equipment to get a good workout in, right across you have the laundry facilities if you are in need of some fresh clothes. Overall a great hotel, well maintained and comfortable.
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Crystal Orange Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

/1011393 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km from city centre
I came to Beijing with my family and stayed at the Orange Crystal Hotel Tian'anmen Wangfujing. The location of the hotel is very good. It is convenient to go to Wangfujing and Tian'anmen Square. Hotel design is very strong, the room atmosphere is comfortable, take photos are also good-looking, several girlfriends are very satisfied. The room is clean and bright, the bedding is soft and comfortable, the toiletries are complete, live very at ease. Front desk service warm and patient, efficient check-in, travel advice is also very detailed, there is a demand for quick response. The room is soundproof, have a good rest at night, the hot water is stable, the network is smooth, the overall details are in place. A wide variety of breakfast, eat very satisfied, go out in the morning to play more spirit. It is convenient to eat and shop around, and it is safe to walk back in the evening. The overall stay experience is very good, live comfortable and worry, bestie has said the next time to Beijing will stay here, also recommended to ready to visit Beijing friends.
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Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel

9.1/10Good6364 Reviews
Qianmen, The Temple Of Heaven and Chongwenmen Beijing|1.02km from city centre
Traveling to Beijing during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, I booked two rooms two weeks in advance. The value for money was excellent. The hotel is right outside Exit H of Chongwenmen subway station, making transportation very convenient. With good weather, you can even walk to Tiananmen Square. There's a shopping mall right next door, which is very handy for dining and shopping. The hotel service was also good.
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Peace Hotel Beijing(Forbidden city)

8.7/101808 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km from city centre
The rooms in the West Building have just been renovated, and the cleanliness and overall environment are both quite good. However, while the booking page stated the room had windows, I naturally assumed they could be opened; upon check-in, I was told none of the windows open. It would be much better if this was clearly noted. The location is very convenient—my main purpose was to visit Peking Union Medical College Hospital, though Wangfujing is even closer. There are two subway stations nearby, just a short walk away. The breakfast had very limited variety, didn't taste great, and they couldn't keep up with restocking the food—definitely not worth the price.
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Family friendly

Manxin Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

/106893 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.28km from city centre
Everything was quite satisfactory, except that the shower water pressure was a bit low. Otherwise, everything else was great, and the breakfast was also very substantial! The location is extremely convenient, and I would definitely consider staying here again next year. It's close to the Wangfujing shopping district, and there's a Siji Minfu restaurant right downstairs, which is a big thumbs up 👍🏻
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Livefortuna Hotel

9.6/10Excellent6012 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|2.95km from city centre
Location: directly in the city center with great access to subway Room: very clean and super practical. A lot of useful stuff inside the room (microwave, fridge, washing machine,…) Gym: amazing gym with everything you need Bar: the hotel bar is pretty nice Food: many restaurants and shops around the hotel Service: great service, decent English, very attentive and supportive. Amanda is super friendly and extremely welcoming!
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Kerry Hotel, Beijing by Shangri-La

9.2/10Very Good2558 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.46km from city centre
The gym service was terrible. The last picture shows the very bad gym staff member who was playing on his phone in the changing room, a place where people are naked and where there are signs prohibiting phone use. When I tried to get his attention, he ignored me. This person also ignored guests at the front desk when checking in and out, not even greeting them. When I returned my wristband, he just kept his head down doing his own thing. It was a lady next to him who, seeing his lack of response, rather awkwardly took the wristband from me. Regular training should resolve this issue. Otherwise, it's a hotel with great value for money. The front desk staff was fantastic, patiently explaining various issues and even upgraded my room. I think the lady's name was Zhang Dandan? I've forgotten. The executive lounge offered a wide variety of food, and the quality was excellent.
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Grand Kingtown Hotel BeijingBeijing West Railway (Station Lize Business District)

9.6/10Excellent7963 Reviews
Beijing West Railway Station Area Beijing|7.17km from city centre
Good stay, spacious room, but some improvements needed The hotel has a beautiful exterior and an impressive entrance. Our room was quite spacious, which was very convenient for organizing our luggage during our stay. However, the interior felt a bit outdated, with a more traditional style compared to modern hotels. Some features have been updated, such as the toilet and the beautiful LED bathroom mirror. Unfortunately, the bathtub drain mechanism wasn’t working properly, making it difficult to fill and empty the tub. We also noticed a faint cigarette smell in the room. Overall, it was a decent and comfortable stay for four nights, but some maintenance and modernization would definitely improve the experience.
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Bai Fu Yi Hotel

9.3/10Very Good2922 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|5.33km from city centre
This stay was in an apartment building, in a room with two queen-sized beds. Each bed was 1.5 meters wide. Since it's an apartment, the room facilities were very comprehensive. For cooking, there was an induction hob, a range hood, and a microwave. A thoughtful addition was the roller washing machine. The room space was also very ample, without feeling cramped. The mattress was just right – neither too soft nor too hard – allowing for excellent sleep and rest. The overall environment was clean and tidy. The coffee bar in the lobby offered a wide variety of fragrant and flavorful coffees. The staff were efficient and provided excellent service. This was a very satisfying stay.
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Hot spring

COMMUNE BY THE GREAT WALL , IN THE UNBOUND COLLECTION BY HYATT

/101256 Reviews
Badaling Great Wall/Badaling Wildlife Park Beijing|56.95km from city centre
I originally booked a king room, but upon arrival, I was upgraded to a dormitory-style villa. The bed was a full 2 meters wide, and the space was much larger than expected, making for a very comfortable stay. The view outside the window was stunning, with unobstructed mountain views; opening the curtains in the morning instantly lifted my mood. The villa itself has a great design, and it was quite fun to just walk around and explore. The facilities are a bit dated, but they are clean and quiet, offering a reassuring stay. Alvin at the front desk provided attentive service, making both check-in and check-out smooth, and even kindly extended my check-out time until 2 PM. For this view and space alone, it was totally worth it.
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Beijing Wtown Resort

9.5/10Outstanding4257 Reviews
Beijing Wtown/The Simatai Great Wall Beijing|111.12km from city centre
Gubei Light Hotel & Gubei Water Town – A Magical Experience in Beijing Gubei Light Hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Gubei Water Town. It’s just a 1-minute walk to the main food street, 3 minutes to the hot springs and massage area, and about 7 minutes to the entrance of the Simatai Great Wall. The hotel offers several excellent perks that make the stay even better: * Unlimited Hot Spring Access: You can enter and leave the hot springs as many times as you like, making it easy to enjoy a meal and come back for another relaxing soak. * Personal WeChat assistant: Every guest gets a personal assistant through WeChat who can help with directions, recommendations, and any questions throughout the resort. * Convenient Shuttle Service: Simply contact your personal assistant or the front desk, and a shuttle can arrive at the hotel entrance within about 5 minutes. As for Gubei Water Town, it’s easily one of the most beautiful places we’ve visited in Beijing. We went in late October, when the trees were covered in stunning shades of red and gold. During the day, the autumn scenery is breathtaking. At night, the entire town lights up and feels like something straight out of a fairytale. Every street and corner is picture-perfect, making it a dream destination for photography lovers. You can also visit the famous Simatai Great Wall, known for offering a unique nighttime hiking experience. My recommendation: Wake up early to enjoy the beautiful morning mist, treat yourself to a professional massage, explore the town in the afternoon sunlight, and finish the day with the magical night views or a nighttime hike along the Great Wall. Overall, this was our favorite experience in Beijing! Between the excellent hotel service, relaxing hot springs, beautiful scenery, and incredible historical architecture, everything made this trip truly unforgettable. Highly recommended! A Special Shout-Out to Our Personal assistant, @YangLiJun! She was absolutely amazing! Always kind, polite, and incredibly responsive. She knows Gubei Water Town inside and out, and her English is excellent. Communication with her was effortless, and she made our entire stay so much easier and more enjoyable. We truly appreciate all her help and outstanding service. Thank you, YangLiJun!
From€138

Grand Bay Hotel Beijing

9.7/10Excellent5067 Reviews
Miyun reservoir Beijing|70.35km from city centre
Pros: 1. The hotel is nestled halfway up the mountain, offering fresh air and truly beautiful surroundings. It's a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, and the hotel's decor and maintenance are quite good. Our butler, Bella, was incredibly meticulous and thoughtful, taking care of every little detail. She met all our needs, making our stay exceptionally comfortable. 2. There's a wide array of facilities and activities, including a mountainside hot spring, indoor pool, Hatha yoga, singing bowl therapy, a gym, and a kids' club. It's perfect for families, and the kids' club is large and newly renovated – it just reopened in May. It's definitely more fun than the kids' clubs at other hotels I've visited. Plus, children aged 4 and up can be supervised for free, which made my little one super happy! 3. The room key card came with a park map, showing hiking trails. There's an easy 5-kilometer mountain boardwalk, perfect for families, where you can visit the Eight Planets viewing platforms. 4. The breakfast was impressive! They had steaks, lamb chops, and a rich variety of both Chinese and Western dishes. However, the cured meats were generally a bit too salty. Cons: 1. For a 5-star hotel, there was no safe in the room. 2. While there's an abundance of kids' activities, most of them come with a fee. 3. Since the kids' club was newly renovated, the smell was quite strong, making my eyes and throat uncomfortable. Overall, we were still very satisfied. I imagine it would be even more atmospheric to visit in winter for the hot springs, though I expect it would be extremely crowded.
From€190

Beijing Westem Hils Hot Spring Resort

9.4/10Outstanding4073 Reviews
Shangdi Industrial Park/Xisanqi Beijing|22.54km from city centre
Had a very pleasant stay. The room had all the necessary facilities and everything worked well. Cleanliness was top-notch; the sheets and quilt covers looked freshly changed, and there were no weird smells in the bathroom. The surroundings were quiet, and soaking in the hot springs at night was a great way to unwind. If you have kids, the play area is big enough to keep them busy for hours, giving parents a chance to catch a breath. The front desk staff were friendly, and the self-service laundry room was very convenient—I washed and dried all our worn clothes before checking out, which saved a lot of hassle once we got home. I couldn't really fault anything. I'd definitely stay here again next time.
From€71

Howard Johnson Junhe Hotel Beijing

/101320 Reviews
Shunyi Hot Spring Leisure Area Beijing|38.67km from city centre
Formerly the Xinhualua, this property has now been acquired by Howard Johnson under the Wyndham umbrella, and the service quality has seen a dramatic improvement. As someone who loves visiting hot springs around Beijing, I’ve discovered another hidden gem. The European-style architecture comes with high maintenance costs, but it is so much better kept compared to the Tianjin Evergrande Hotel Hot Spring that I used to frequent (which has since fallen into disrepair). The hotel offers great value for money, the buffet is worth the price, and the staff training is top-notch. I have to say, international hotel groups are just in a different league when it comes to personnel training! The only minor drawback is that the lighting in the hotel corridors is a bit too dim, making the already massive hallways feel somewhat unwelcoming.
From€81

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Gym

Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

9.4/10Outstanding3158 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.72km from city centre
This five-star hotel truly delivers on luxury, providing an exceptional experience. The location is a definite highlight – incredibly convenient for getting around. It's just a short walk to Metro Line 1 and Line 5, making transportation effortless. Step out of the hotel and turn left, and you'll find a shopping mall within 50 meters, offering a vast array of shopping and dining options that almost lead to decision paralysis, but certainly satisfy all your retail and food cravings. The room itself was a wonderful surprise. It was incredibly spacious, bright, and filled with natural light. The floor-to-ceiling window offered an amazing view, making lounging and enjoying the scenery an absolute delight. The amenities were comprehensive, and the pillows and mattress were incredibly comfortable – I slept like a baby and woke up feeling completely refreshed. Breakfast also deserves a mention. With a wide variety of both Chinese and Western options, there was so much to choose from, ensuring a satisfying start to each day. The staff were consistently warm, polite, and genuinely attentive to guests' needs. Their thoughtful service truly deserves a huge commendation! I had such a pleasant stay these past few days. I'll definitely choose this hotel again for my next visit!
From€56

Beijing Marriott Hotel Changping

9.2/10Very Good3361 Reviews
Changping Town/Shisanling Resort Beijing|40.96km from city centre
I stayed here for the first time several years ago, and this time I had the opportunity to bring my kids back. It still delivers a quintessential 5-star experience. The rooms are spacious and bright, cleanliness is a given, and the service was exceptionally satisfying. I was especially impressed by the breakfast: being seated by staff made for a completely calm and organized morning, unlike the chaos at many other hotels. Although the pool and hot springs were closed for renovation, the overall stay was still wonderful. A well-deserved 5-star review!
From€62

Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center

9.3/10Very Good6135 Reviews
Yansha Commercial Area Beijing|7.02km from city centre
Spent the weekend here with a friend. It happened to be Halloween and there seemed to be a conference or event going on, so it was extremely crowded. Because of this, the room wasn't ready yet at the 3 PM check-in time. The front desk staff were very apologetic, gave me a drink voucher, and invited me to wait at the lobby bar with some coffee. They even brought the room card directly to me at the bar. In the end, it was only about 10 minutes late, but the way they handled it was very professional and thoughtful. Breakfast was also packed, and it took a little while to find an open table. The food selection was quite limited and didn't really live up to a 5-star standard. There were a few other issues: the shower water kept fluctuating between hot and cold in the morning, and the water pressure was unstable. Also, while the key card worked in the elevator, it wouldn't open the room door—this happened twice, requiring me to go all the way back to the front desk to get the cards re-encoded.
From€152

Nuo Hotel Beijing

9.2/10Very Good2704 Reviews
Wangjing Area Beijing|10.16km from city centre
Over the rare heavy rain weekend in Beijing this October, I chose to return to NUO Hotel for a staycation. It feels just like coming home. First of all, thank you to Mr. Frank for thoughtfully preparing the room in advance and arranging an upgrade. Also, thanks to the team for the warm handwritten card and welcome fruits. Additionally, I’d like to thank Ms. Lina from housekeeping for her warm greetings and smiling face—it was so heartwarming. She remembered that I love the little cakes from the turndown service, so she slipped three of them into my room all at once! I was over the moon. (I highly recommend everyone to try those little cakes!) Although it poured in Beijing on the 17th, the skies cleared up on the 18th. Autumn in Beijing and around Jiangtai Road is simply stunning. Thank you once again to the hotel for the wonderful arrangements and care. Ten years of meeting, and I’ve attached a letter of gratitude. Wishing the hotel continued success and prosperity.
From€120

Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza

/1010029 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city centre
The location of Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza is truly fantastic, making it super convenient to go anywhere! Amy at the front desk was exceptionally welcoming. The room was clean, hygienic, and spacious enough. With dining and shopping options all around, it was effortless to get around with kids. Our whole family had a wonderful and comfortable stay this time. A special thanks to Serena for her attentive and thoughtful service. We will definitely stay at Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza again next time we bring the family. Highly recommended!
From€181

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Swimming pool

Jen Beijing by Shangri-La

9.3/10Very Good5296 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.7km from city centre
Great views, but it's quite a bit away from the subway station. You can order food delivery, and the little delivery robots bring it right to your door, which is neat. It's fairly clean with decent hardware, making it very comfortable to stay in. There's also a gym, so you can work out and relax after a tiring day of exploring. The location is prime, right in Beijing's New China World Trade Center area, which makes getting around very convenient. It's also quite close to both the airport and the railway station. The hotel views are fantastic, offering sights of the China World Trade Center Tower and the China Media Group headquarters. There are many business travelers around, making it a great choice for business stays.
From€163

Rosewood Beijing

9.1/10Good4313 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|4.88km from city centre
We chose the Rosewood Hotel to celebrate our second wedding anniversary before heading abroad, and booked an Executive Suite. I must give credit to the stunning design of both the public areas and the room, and the in-room dining was also delicious. However, I was extremely disappointed with the poor soundproofing and the mediocre attitude of the concierge team. During the pre-arrival call, I explicitly stated that we would be moving abroad, which meant we needed to ship several large suitcases ahead of time as it wasn't convenient to carry them with us, and I also provided the expected arrival time of the luggage. Yet, when the luggage arrived at the concierge desk, a staff member called me in an accusatory tone to ”inform” and remind me that the room could not be used for commercial photography. It was clear there was zero communication between them and the staff member from the pre-arrival call. Even after I explained the situation, the staff member remained very cold, stating, ”We have a policy against commercial photography.” This left me feeling utterly bewildered and disappointed.
From€338

InterContinental Hotels BEIJING SANLITUN by IHG

/105100 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|5.18km from city centre
Top-notch service with a full score of 💯! During this business trip, knowing how dry Beijing can be, the staff thoughtfully sent me some rock sugar and pear juice. The hotel also offers a complimentary Executive Lounge afternoon tea service, which made meeting with my client so much more convenient. The room was exceptionally clean—not a single water stain on the faucets. It was very, very clean. Every day when the housekeeping staff came to clean, they even helped tidy up my clothes and shoes. It made me feel truly well-cared for, comfortable, and pampered! Also, the service at the Chinese restaurant was highly professional, and their Peking duck tasted better than anywhere else 😋. I also tried the Western restaurant, and the quality of their food was simply top-tier—that's true professional quality. Thank you, InterContinental, thumbs up for your amazing service 👍.
From€272

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

9.2/10Very Good2022 Reviews
Yansha Commercial Area Beijing|7.18km from city centre
I stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Dalian in June and was very satisfied with both the service and the environment. For my trip to Beijing during the National Day holiday, I chose the Four Seasons again, and this time the experience was even better. First of all, the Beijing Four Seasons is located by the Liangma River. Sitting by the river for a drink at one of the pubs is very relaxing. It's very convenient to walk to SOLANA for dinner, and taking a taxi or the subway to Sanlitun or China World Trade Center is quick and easy. The room service, in particular, was fantastic. Coming back after a long day out to a clean, comfortable, and neatly arranged room was a delight. When the housekeeping staff saw that we had brought a few books of our own, they thoughtfully provided bookmarks. There were also various thoughtful touches in how things were tidied up, showing that the staff truly put care into their work. Even the doorman service was proactive—helping to open and close car doors and handling luggage. Although the hotel has been open for 13 years, the hardware facilities are exceptionally well-maintained, and the interior design is elegant and grand. I will definitely choose the Four Seasons Hotel again next time I visit Beijing.
From€226

Sunrise Hotel Beijing

9.3/10Very Good1894 Reviews
Yanqi Lake/Hongluo Temple area Beijing|58.34km from city centre
Overall, we had a wonderful stay at the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing (Sunrise Oriental Hotel). The hotel boasts a beautiful environment right next to Yanqi Lake, offering stunning scenery. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-cleaned. The breakfast is especially worth recommending—it features a rich variety of both Chinese and Western options with plenty of choices and great taste. The hotel staff were warm, attentive, and friendly, promptly responding to all our requests. With great overall surroundings, dining, and service, this is definitely a hotel worth choosing for a vacation or getaway in Huairou.
From€125

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Scitech Hotel

9.5/10Outstanding5259 Reviews
International Trade CBD/Chaoyang Joy City Beijing|2.93km from city centre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently stayed at the Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong (Jianguo Hotel / The State Guest Hotel context usually applies, but for CSW/Jianguomen area: The Xiyuan/Jianguo/etc. Let's stick to The St. Regis or the historic Jianguo Hotel - wait, '赛特饭店' is the Grand Hotel Jianguo / Scitech Hotel. Let's translate as Scitech Hotel Beijing). My stay at Scitech Hotel in Beijing this time far exceeded expectations. True to its reputation as a long-established foreign-affairs hotel in the Jianguomenwai area, it is rich in heritage. The location is simply impeccable. Situated right on Chang'an Avenue in Jianguomenwai, adjacent to the embassy district, it's just a few minutes' walk to Jianguomen Subway Station (Lines 1 and 2 interchange). Getting to China World Trade Center (Guomao), Silk Street, or Beijing Railway Station is extremely convenient. The surrounding area is packed with shopping malls and diverse dining options, making it ideal for both business trips and sightseeing. Hailing a taxi is also a breeze. The hotel lobby is grand yet understated with elegant decor. The classic revolving staircase is very textured, and the moment you walk in, you can feel the poised, dignified atmosphere of a classic hotel. Check-in was very efficient; the front desk staff were polite, professional, and happy to answer all questions with smooth communication. The guest room was spacious, well-lit, and meticulously cleaned, with even the corners spotless. The bedding was soft, the mattress provided great support, and the soundproofing at night was good—allowing for a peaceful rest despite being in a bustling downtown area. The bathroom features a dry-wet separation layout, stable hot water, and a full set of amenities. The room's Wi-Fi was fast and stable, handling work tasks and video streaming without any lagging, and the mini-fridge was a thoughtful touch. The breakfast offered a rich variety of options, covering both Chinese and Western cuisines, including hot dishes, pastries, fruits, and beverages. The freshly cooked noodles were particularly good. With plenty of choices to suit different tastes, it easily catered to various needs. The hotel facilities are comprehensive, featuring a fitness center and a business center, making it convenient for meetings or a quick workout. The overall atmosphere is quiet and secure; the service is unpretentious yet attentive in every detail. This historic hotel is exceptionally well-maintained and offers great value for money—a top choice for business travelers. Next time I visit Beijing, Scitech Hotel will still be my first choice. Highly recommended!
From€43

Yingxiangcheng Hotel (Beijing Canal CBD Luhe Hospital Branch)

9.4/10Outstanding1891 Reviews
The Grand Canal CBD Beijing|21.34km from city centre
I had a wonderful stay here. The reception staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help with any questions I had. They made me feel comfortable from the moment I arrived. What impressed me the most was when I checked out—they even prepared a small farewell gift for me, which was such a thoughtful and heartwarming gesture. It made my stay even more memorable. Thank you for your excellent hospitality. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Beijing.
From€24

Sunflower Hotel (Beijing Sanlitun Industrial Park)

8.4/1080 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|4.23km from city centre
Booked the smallest room for 50€. Location was fine and the AC worked. Toilet flushed well, which is rare. I think the price was high because of the national holiday but still doesn’t explain why the room was full of dust. Also the room smelled like cigarette but turning the AC on it goes away. If the price was below 40€ it would be worth it.
From€32

Crystal Orange Beijing JiuXianQiao

/106784 Reviews
Wangjing Area Beijing|10.59km from city centre
The front desk staff noticed our booking was for a tatami room and kindly upgraded us to a much larger room—completely free of charge! Many thanks!!! While some facilities are a bit dated, the overall stay was very comfortable. When I accidentally left my phone behind at check-out, I called right away and received an immediate response—the staff even placed it in a small bag for safekeeping. Excellent service!
From€61

Waldorf Astoria Hutong Courtyard

9.7/10Excellent350 Reviews
Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km from city centre
My stay at the Waldorf Astoria Beijing was absolutely perfect, earning a full five-star review! I experienced both the main building and the traditional courtyard rooms. The location is superb, right next to Wangfujing and within walking distance to the Forbidden City, making getting around incredibly convenient. The hotel's design is truly unique and thoughtful. The rooms are spacious and elegant, the bedding is soft and comfortable, and the amenities are high-quality and smell wonderful – every detail shows great care. Our butler, Willow, provided attentive and thoughtful service; she was warm, polite, and perfectly balanced, never being intrusive. The breakfast spread was extensive, featuring both authentic Beijing specialties and delicious Western options. The afternoon tea was beautiful and tasted just as good as it looked. This is definitely the top luxury hotel to stay at when visiting Beijing. Highly recommended!
From€908

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Huang Lan, Bethy

Huang Lan, Bethy

Trip.com Content Creator

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Hey — I am Huang Lan (黄澜), and I create travel content for Trip.com as Bethy. A digital nomad mostly based in China, I have published travel guides on China trains, mobile payments, visas and city itineraries, and I also publish academic work on language + AI. Off the road I am a cat person who cooks a lot, plays guitar and video games.

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