Budget Accomodation in Beijing

Question

I'm looking to stay in Beijing for few days late April and would normally do budget accommodation like guest houses or hostels but not having much luck finding any.

I've heard hostels for foreigners might not be allowed is this true. Are there any recommendations for possible guest houses / hostels capsule hotels

Also it looks like Wangfujing is the recommended place to stay

Thanks

Answer

In Beijing, budget accommodation options like hostels, guesthouses, and capsule hotels are available, but it’s true that some smaller guesthouses or “hostels” are restricted to foreign guests only or require registration with local authorities. This is usually a simple check at check-in where you provide your passport and fill out a registration form. Chinese authorities regulate short-term rentals and guesthouses, so some listings may appear limited if they primarily cater to domestic travelers.

Wangfujing is indeed a popular area to stay for first-time visitors. It’s centrally located, close to major attractions such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and offers easy access to metro lines. Other areas like Dongcheng, Xicheng, or near Houhai/Lake areas also have good budget options.

Some recommended budget accommodation options include:

Beijing Downtown Backpackers Hostel – central location, dorms and private rooms, good for foreign travelers.
Leo Hostel Beijing – near Wangfujing, clean, friendly, good mix of dorms and private rooms.
Happy Dragon Hostel – centrally located, social atmosphere, budget-friendly.
Jingjiang Inn or 7 Days Inn – more like budget hotels than hostels, widely available and often with English-speaking staff.
Capsule hotels – available around Dongzhimen and Wangfujing, modern and compact, good for solo travelers.

Tips:

Book in advance through platforms like Booking.com, Hostelworld, or Trip.com, especially for April which is a busy travel season.
Check for English-language reviews to ensure the accommodation caters to foreigners.
Ensure your passport registration is handled at check-in; most reputable hostels will assist with this automatically.

Overall, while some restrictions exist, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for foreign travelers in Beijing, particularly in central areas like Wangfujing or Dongcheng.