Beijing, the capital of China, is a sprawling megacity rich in the arts and with over 3 millennia of history. As well as architectural marvels like the Forbidden City and one of the world’s largest public outdoor spaces, there is world-class designer shopping and plenty of restaurants to enjoy.
In such a huge city, it can be tricky to know the best places to stay. Beijing can be pricey too, so it’s a good idea to have a look at hostels. If you’re worried a hostel will be dirty and grubby, you needn’t do.
To help you along the way, we’ve taken a look at the best hostels in Beijing, helping you pick the best one related to price, itinerary, and travel style.
Luckily, there’s a lot you can choose from, including some traditional and quaint guest houses, big hostels with plenty going on, and some boutique hostels that blur the line between hostel and hotel. So, let’s take a look at the best Beijing has to offer!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Beijing
#1 Best overall hostel in Beijing: Courtyard View Hostel
#2 Best hostel for solo travellers in Beijing: Red Lantern House
#3 Best hostel near the Forbidden City: Kelly’s Courtyard
#4 Best hostel near Tiananmen Square: Leo Hostel
#5 Best hostel near the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan): Templeside Lianlian Hutong Guest House
#6 Best hostel near Mutianyu Great Wall of China: The Great Wall Box House
#7 Best hostel near Beijing Capital International Airport: Beijing Olympic and International Airport Hotel
#8 Best hostel near Beijing Nanyuan Airport: Shanshui Trends Hotel (Tiantan Branch)
#9 Best hostel near Beijing Railway Station: Beijing Fly by Knight Hostel
#10 Best hostel near Beijing Yongdingmen Long Distance Bus Station: Together Hostel
#11 Best high-end hostel in Beijing: Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel
#12 Best budget hostel in Beijing: Beijing Yue Xuan Courtyard Hostel
#13 Best hostel with private rooms in Beijing: Qian Men Hostel
#1 – Courtyard View Hostel
Best overall hostel in Beijing
Courtyard View Hostel is the best overall hostel in Beijing
Courtyard View Hostel is the best overall hostel in Beijing
Courtyard View Hostel is the best overall hostel in Beijing- Cost – $$
- Location – No.1, Xigongjie Hutong, Gulou Dongdajie Street, Dong Cheng Disctric
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Courtyard View Hostel…
This elegant and authentic courtyard hostel gives you a chance to step back in time and enjoy the charms of old-world Beijing while being ideally situated for the city’s top attractions and onward travel. We love that there’s a rockery and a pond, perfect for sitting and relaxing by!
Courtyard View Hostel is perfect for…
If you want a taste of traditional Beijing during your stay, then this is definitely the place for you. You wouldn’t believe that you’re right in the centre of such a busy city when you’re admiring the ancient Chinese art and wooden décor. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to another world!
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#2 – Red Lantern House
Best hostel for solo travellers in Beijing
Red Lantern House is the best hostel for solo travellers in Beijing
Red Lantern House is the best hostel for solo travellers in Beijing
Red Lantern House is the best hostel for solo travellers in Beijing- Cost – $$
- Location – No.5 Zhengjue Hutong, Xinjie Kou, Xicheng District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Red Lantern House…
This award-winning hostel is right in the middle of one of Beijing’s best districts for tourists – Hutong. It’s a great base to explore the city from and there’s a common room and a covered courtyard where you can meet other travellers too. We love that the friendly staff are able to help with pretty much any request!
Red Lantern House is perfect for…
If you’re travelling in Beijing and worried about being on your own, you won’t be feeling that way for long at Red Lantern House! The communal areas perfectly lend themselves to mingling and starting conversations. There’s a great mix of private rooms and dorms too, so you can make the most of the communal areas while still having your own space!
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#3 – Kelly’s Courtyard
Best hostel near the Forbidden City
Kelly’s Courtyard is the best hostel near the Forbidden City
Kelly’s Courtyard is the best hostel near the Forbidden City
- Cost – $$
- Location – No. 25, Xiaoyuan Hutong of Bingmasi Hutong, Xidan North Street, Xicheng District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Kelly’s Courtyard…
This unique and homely hostel is just a short walk from the Forbidden City, meaning it’s the best place to stay if the Palace Museum is on your itinerary, there’s nowhere better to stay! The friendly and hospitable staff here will make your stay comfortable and memorable, while they’ll also help you discover some off the beaten track attractions.
Kelly’s Courtyard is perfect for…
Those who want to be close to not only the Forbidden City but several other historical city centre attractions will be delighted with Kelly’s Hostel, as it’s brilliantly located in the Hutong District. After a long day of sightseeing, there are several restaurants nearby serving traditional and international food too!
#4 – Leo Hostel
Best hostel near Tiananmen Square
- Cost – $
- Location – A Lai Ke Zhan, 52 Da Zha Lan Xi Jie, Qianmen, Xicheng District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Leo Hostel…
Travellers who want to be near one of the largest public gathering spaces in the world, Tiananmen Square, should check out this clean and traditional hostel, as it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away. We love the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the food served in the café/bar on-site is delicious!
Leo Hostel is perfect for…
This is a great choice for visitors who have Tiananmen Square on their itinerary as the two are so close together. A travel desk with English speaking staff means that it’s easy to plan your days in Beijing, and trips to further afield too. The dorms are very reasonably priced meaning it’s a good option for budget travellers too!
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#5 – Templeside Lianlian Hutong Guest House
Best hostel near the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
Why we like Templeside Lianlian Hutong Guest House…
This characterful hostel is hidden away in the old Hutong District of Beijing, in the west of the city. It’s an hour away from the Summer Palace on the subway and a great spot if that’s on your to-do list. We love the free hot tea and the dumpling parties!
Templeside Lianlian Hutong Guest House is perfect for…
If you want to easily reach the Summer Palace, then this is a great option. It’s also a great option if you want to get a local experience of Beijing – as it’s a little away from the crowds of the main tourist attractions and shops. There are still great places to eat and explore nearby though!
#6 – The Great Wall Box House
Best hostel near Mutianyu Great Wall of China
- Cost – $$
- Location – No. Jia 18, XiDui Main Street, Gubeikou Village
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Great Wall Box House…
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is around 120km from Beijing. This traditional hostel is in the village of Gubeikou, so it’s not central Beijing, but definitely the best place to stay if you want to visit the wall! We love the Great Wall hikes and the daily tea party!
The Great Wall Box House is perfect for…
If the Great Wall is on your to-do list but you don’t want to be rushed on a day tour from the city, then this place is a great option! It offers you the chance to stay in the countryside and visit the Great Wall at your own pace. Also, you’ll have an experience of a traditional, non-touristy Chinese village – something sure to live long in the memory!
MUST READ – Heading to Shanghai next? Check out our post about 11 coolest hostels in Shanghai!
#7 – Beijing Olympic and International Airport Hotel
Best hostel near Beijing Capital International Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – No.36 Xiao Tian Zhu Road, Shunyi District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Beijing Olympic and International Airport Hotel…
This large and clean hotel is just a 10-minute drive from the 3 terminals of Beijing International Airport, meaning there’s nowhere better to stay if you want to be close by. We love the free breakfast – perfect fuel before a long flight or a trip into the city for sightseeing!
Beijing Olympic and International Airport Hotel is perfect for…
If you have an early or late-night flight and don’t want all the stress of getting to or from the city, then this property will help take away all that stress! In addition to being so close, the hotel offers airport drop off and pick up services, so all you need to do is turn up!
#8 – Shanshui Trends Hotel (Tiantan Branch)
Best hostel near Beijing Nanyuan Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – No.11 Puhuangyu Erli, Fengtai District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Shanshui Trends Hotel (Tiantan Branch)…
This stylish and modern hostel is just half an hour’s drive from Beijing’s secondary passenger airport and a great place to stay if you are flying in and out of Nanyuan! We love that it’s still within easy reach of the city’s main attractions, as well as some great entertainment centres.
Shanshui Trends Hotel (Tiantan Branch) is perfect for…
Tourists who want an easy journey to or from Nanyuan Airport will be very happy with this offering from one of China’s most reliable chain hotels. It offers big and comfortable beds, so it’s the perfect place to get some decent rest if you’ve just arrived on a long-haul flight!
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#9 – Beijing Fly by Knight Hostel
Best hostel near Beijing Railway Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – No.6 DengCao Hutong, DongCheng District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Beijing Fly by Knight Hostel…
This stylish and traditional hostel is less than a 10-minute taxi ride from Beijing Central Station and a great option if your onward travel is by rail and you don’t want to stray too far! One of the loveable quirks about this hotel is that there is martial arts practice on site and even free kung-fu lessons!
Beijing Fly by Knight Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re arriving to or from Beijing Central Station and don’t want the stress of lugging your heavy bags across the city, then this place should be right near the top of your list. It’s part of a chain so if you’re travelling onward to Pingyao or Datong, you’ll be able to get 10% off your stay there, so it’s kind to the pocket too!
#10 – Together Hostel
Best hostel near Beijing Yongdingmen Long Distance Bus Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – Floor 2-3, No.8 YouAnMenWai Street, Fengtai District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Together Hostel…
This clean and cool hostel is just a 7-minute drive from Yongdingmen Long Distance Bus Station, so there’s nowhere better to stay if your adventure in China is heavy on coach travel. We love the capsules, which are actually more like sheds with frosted glass windows. Perfect for a bit of privacy!
Together Hostel is perfect for…
If you need to be close to Yongdingmen Long Distance Bus Station, one of Beijing’s biggest bus stations with links across the country, then this is a fantastic option. Not only that, but it’s also very close to the beautiful Taoranting Park, complete with lakes, scenic walks, and a traditional pagoda.
#11 – Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel
Best high-end hostel in Beijing
- Cost – $$
- Location – NO.52 Xi Si Bei 2 Tiao Hutong, Xicheng District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel…
In 2011, this stylish and well-preserved historic house won the best hostel in China award, and once you’re here it’s not hard to see why. The tasteful design makes you think that you’re in a hotel rather than a hostel! We love the free daily events which range from tea ceremonies to martial arts practice, and even calligraphy classes!
Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel is perfect for…
If you want a taste of traditional China in a comfortable and clean boutique hostel, then Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel is the perfect place to stay and relax during your trip to Beijing. It’s not as expensive as you’d expect for such nice surroundings, and free breakfast only makes it more attractive!
#12 – Beijing Yue Xuan Courtyard Hostel
Best budget hostel in Beijing
- Cost – $$
- Location – 1st Dongsiertiao, Dongcheng Diistrict
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Beijing Yue Xuan Courtyard Hostel…
This old-world hostel is conveniently located close to some of Beijing’s most notable tourist attractions, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Houhai pub street all being less than 15 minutes bike ride away. The fact that it also offers some of the best-priced dorms in the city is a bonus for budget travellers!
Beijing Yue Xuan Courtyard Hostel is perfect for…
With reasonably priced dorm rooms, the Yue Xuan Courtyard Hostel is the perfect spot for travellers who want to save money but still want the warm atmosphere and comfort of a decent hostel. There’s even a garden and terrace where you can enjoy a cup of tea!
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#13 – Qian Men Hostel
Best hostel with private rooms in Beijing
- Cost – $$
- Location – Meishijie 33, Xuanwu District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Qian Men Hostel…
This conveniently located hostel is just 2 minutes from Tiananmen Square, and offers a range of twin, double, and triple private rooms, so it’s the perfect place to stay if you’re not feeling sharing your personal space with a group of random strangers! We love the traditional wooden balconies – perfect for a spot of people watching.
Qian Men Hostel is perfect for…
If you’ve been travelling for a long time and you’re tired of the snoring and early risers in hostel dorms, then why not treat yourself to a private room and get some proper rest at this comfortable hostel?! It’s also a great option for couples who like the sociability of a hostel, but don’t want to forego privacy and alone time.
#14 – Peking International Youth Hostel
Other best hostels in Beijing
- Cost – $$
- Location – No. 113-2 Nan Luo Gu Xiang, Dong Cheng District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Peking International Youth Hostel…
This quaint, boutique style hostel is a guest favourite in Beijing, and it’s no wonder! It’s hard to say the best thing about it, but there’s plenty to choose from including a rooftop restaurant, upscale common areas both inside and out, and vases of fresh flowers dotted throughout!
Peking International Youth Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to stay somewhere with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a price that’s kind on your wallet, then look no further than Peking International Youth Hostel! Whether sharing a dorm or taking a private room, you’ll find prices are reasonable and the common areas in the hostel are some of the nicest in the city.
#15 – Lucky Family Hostel
- Cost – $$
- Location – No. 12 Xinsi Hutong, Dongsi Shier Tiao, Dongcheng District
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Lucky Family Hostel…
This traditional and homely hostel is a great spot in Beijing, as guests are made to feel like family. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with other guests and travellers too, as there are two large common rooms with board games, books, and a large TV. We love the movie nights held here!
Lucky Family Hostel is perfect for…
Travellers on a budget will be delighted with Lucky Family Hostel. Along with our best budget hostel in Beijing, Yue Xuan Courtyard, you’ll find some of the best-priced dorms in the city at Lucky Family. Coupled with the friendly, familial atmosphere and the ease of meeting other travellers, and you’re onto a winner!
#16 – Lab Hostel
Why we like Lab Hostel…
This modern and minimalist hostel is in the Sanlitun residential area, known for its fashionable dining and nightlife scene while still retaining Beijing’s old-world charm. We love the sociable atmosphere and the on-site bar – which serves buy one get one free cocktails every day from 6 – 8pm!
Lab Hostel is perfect for…
Travellers who would prefer to be in an upscale and fashionable neighbourhood and head to the tourist sites during the day will love Lab Hostel. The design of the hostel is unfussy, meaning that there’ll be nothing to distract you from a great night’s sleep in the comfortable beds!
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Beijing?
Most dorm rooms fall between $15 and $25 per night, but can be more expensive or cheaper depending on the facilities. For private rooms, plan on $40 on the low end and up to $90 for a night.
What are Hostels in Beijing Like?
Depends on where the hostel is! In the enormous metropolis of Beijing, you have many different neighborhoods and an awesome variety of hostels. Some have more traditional themes while other are ultra modern; read up on the reviews and check the location to find the right place!
How Safe are Hostels in Beijing?
In general, the worst thing that happens in Beijing to tourists is petty crime. Take precautions, and you should be fine! Hostels typically have great security and will give you advice about getting around the city without encountering problems.
How to Find Hostels in Beijing?
Using online search platforms like HostelWorld is a great way to look ahead at what your options are! If you're traveling around China, you can always ask other travelers about their suggestions or see if your current accommodation has a recommendation.
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Best overall hostel in Beijing
Courtyard View Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel for solo travellers in Beijing
Red Lantern House
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near the Forbidden City
Kelly’s Courtyard
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Tiananmen Square
Leo Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
Templeside Lianlian Hutong Guest House
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Mutianyu Great Wall of China
The Great Wall Box House
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Check Best Price |
 |
Best hostel near Beijing Capital International
Airport Beijing Olympic and International Airport Hotel
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Beijing Nanyuan Airport
Shanshui Trends Hotel (Tiantan Branch)
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Check Best Price |
 |
Best hostel near Beijing Railway Station
Beijing Fly by Knight Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Beijing Yongdingmen Long
Distance Bus Station Together Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best high-end hostel in Beijing
Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best budget hostel in Beijing
Beijing Yue Xuan Courtyard Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel with private rooms in Beijing
Qian Men Hostel
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Check Best Price |
Conclusion
So, there we have it. We’ve taken a detailed look into the best that Beijing has to offer and we’re pretty sure that you’ll find something in this extensive list that will suit your travel style but most important of all – your bank account.
We wouldn’t want you to miss out on one of Asia’s most interesting cultural and historical hot spots, after all!
Hostels are a great way to travel, especially in a city like Beijing as it can get costly. It’s also a great way to meet people. Hopefully, with what you save, you’ll still have some money to venture further on to cities like Shanghai.
Don’t forget our overall favourite hostel in Beijing – Courtyard View Hostel. We hope that wherever you decide to stay, you have an incredible trip!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
