Beijing Hotels & Tourism

Where the mojo of MTV and mobile phones has eclipsed the magic of Mao.

Capital of the country everyone's talking about, Beijing is a dynamic clash of the ancient and the modern. Steeped in history it might be, but Beijing redefi nes and reinvents itself while other cities are content to rest on their laurels.

The pace of Beijing is at times bewildering, and you'll be left gasping at its contrasts. Stunning historical sights rub shoulders with cutting-edge architecture, while serene temples coexist with buzzing nightspots, hip galleries and over 60,000 restaurants.

With a total area of 16,800 sq km, Beijing municipality is roughly the size of Belgium. The city itself may appear unforgivingly huge, but Beijing is a city of very orderly design. Think of the city as one giant grid, with the Forbidden City at its centre. The historical central areas east and west of the Forbidden City are Dongcheng and Xicheng, respectively. South of Tiananmen Sq are the districts of Xuanwu and Chongwen, while the huge district of Chaoyang occupies much of Beijing's east and north. The large district of Haidian ranges to the northwest.

Street names can be confusing. Jianguomenwai Dajie means 'the avenue (dajie) outside ( wai) Jianguo Gate (Jianguomen)' - that is, outside the old wall - whereas Jianguomennei Dajie means 'the avenue inside Jianguo Gate'. The gate in question no longer exists, so it survives in name alone.

A major boulevard can change names six or even seven times along its length. Streets and avenues can also be split along compass points: Dong Dajie (East Ave), Xi Dajie (West Ave), Bei Dajie (North Ave) and Nan Dajie (South Ave). All these streets head off from an intersection, usually where a gate once stood.

Six ring roads circle the city centre in concentric rings, while a seventh is rumoured to be forming. Bus, taxi and train are the main methods of transport to the city centre from Běijīng's Capital Airport, 27km away.

Travellers to Beijing, China can expect to find accommodation of all types, from upmarket Beijing hotels and resorts to more budget-focussed and unique options. For your next holiday accommodation in Beijing, make sure you check the regular and special offers on hotels.com.au first. China is host to a wide range of travel experience, suitable for all budgets. And Beijing is a great place to visit, blending experiences such as walking through the Hutongs and learning to m with famous attractions such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. And don’t forget shopping shopping for souvenirs at the Hong Qiao Market, and sample the famous Beijing duck for an unforgettable Beijing experience. Wherever you’re staying, hotels.com.au offers a huge range of Beijing hotels and Beijing accommodation options.