subject: Beijing Economy Hotels, Activities And Attractions For Backpackers [print this page] China is a very, very big country ..China is a very, very big country ... even those on luxury tourist budgets often don't end up seeing all that they want to. Many tourists choose to limit themselves to a single city, and if you choose Beijing it is certainly possible to get the time and preserve your funds well enough to see most of this enchanting city, even on a backpacker budget. We show you the Beijing budget hotels, and low-cost sights and activities that will help you make the most of a trip to Beijing, even if you are on a backpacker budget.
What to See
Just looking, walking around and imagining the exotic events and people of Beijing's historical sights can be immensely satisfying. If you're on a limited budget, check out:
- The Great Wall sections at Mutianyu and Simatai. These are among the most ancient, and going without a guide is actually preferable because you have time to soak in the atmosphere.
- Summer Palace. Pack your own lunch and enjoy the quiet in the midst of busy Beijing, without being stuck within the four walls of your Beijing budget hotel or Beijing cheap accommodation.
- Forbidden City. 9000 rooms, 250 acres, more than 500 years of history ... it's a must see for those staying in Beijing budget hotels!
- Jingshan Park. Not quite as historic, but just as full of culture, you can experience community singing, musical performers, boats to hire and kite flyers.
- Hou Hai bar area - great company, cheap drinks, and charming hutong surrounds.
Where to Stay
Beijing is a big city, and along with a selection of quite high priced hotels, there are plenty of cheap, clean, friendly and basic Beijing budget hotels that will actually help you extend your stay in the city. Here are some of the best Beijing bargain hotels that you'll find, all close to sights and amenities.
Jinjiang Inn Beijing Olympic Village Datun Road
Rooms at this Beijing budget hotel are excellent value for money. Staff are helpful and friendly and speak minimal levels of English, and rooms are clean, safe and comfortable, although basic.
However, if you're planning to be making the most of your time in Beijing, soaking in the sights and generally ensuring you get value for time in the city, this will not matter a lick! There are LCD TVs in many rooms, free internet available and you also get the satisfaction of knowing that you;'re staying in a 4-green leaf awarded Beijing hotel chain.
Homekey Hotel
This Beijing economy hotel is very well located, with easy access to the ocean, the Clock Tower and other attractions. It is quite a bustling hotel (bring your earplugs!) ... or you could simply party on into the night in Beijing's cute, quaint and happening bars and clubs.
Shangdi Cinderella Apartments
A very unusual name for a Beijing budget hotel with unusually good service for unusually low prices! The decor is actually quite unique for a budget hotel, with features such as glass wall showers, kitchenettes and cute artworks. Buses to the subway are frequent and cheap, but bring a book - it takes around 20 minutes to get to the train station.
Beijing Peaceful Service Apartments
A very authentic Chinese feel - even when you're doing nothing more than eating dinner or heading out in the morning, staying at this Beijing hotel feels like you're immersed in the 'real' China. This Beijing budget hotel is close to both the subway and bus stops - you can easily avoid paying exorbitant taxi fares to attractions if you're on a backpacking budget.
