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The capital of China is a city known for having one of the oldest cultural heritages in the world, such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. If you’re looking for accommodation in Beijing for a long stay, we’ll help you choose your residence. If you’re visiting the city for work, studies, or tourism, we’ll explain the best neighbourhoods to search for accommodation in Beijing for long-term stays and what options are available: Apartments, colivings, hotels, or the Airbnb platform.

We’ll also inform you about the current rates for long-term rentals, so get your suitcase ready for Beijing and prepare for the trip of your dreams!

Female traveller admiring the ancient Chinese temple in Beijing.

Accommodation Options in Beijing for Long-Term Stays

Many travellers choose to make a long stay in this city, either for work, as digital nomads, or studying thanks to a Chinese government scholarship, or simply because you want to enjoy a slow travel experience and explore every corner of the capital without rush.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Beijing based on your profile, we’ll help you choose the place that suits you best.

Co-living spaces

Colivings are a new style of accommodation, gaining popularity with digital nomads, who are looking for a place to live and work remotely, while being part of a community.

These accommodations consist of private rooms or studios with shared common areas, such as kitchens, terraces, and coworking spaces. The advantage is that basic costs like cleaning, wifi, electricity, and water are included in the price. These environments are perfect for those who look for an accommodation for long-term stays in Beijing.

  • Baishu Hutong Coliving Residences: Located in Wangfujing, Beijing’s most commercial street. You can stay in a modern room with your own kitchen and share a relaxing lounge, gym, kitchen, and coworking space from $1,315 (€1,200) per month.

Hotels for long stays

For slow travellers who prefer a more traditional way of staying in Beijing with all available amenities, a hotel is the best choice. Many of them now offer special rates for stays over a month.

The advantage of this type of accommodation is the central location of most hotels, along with 24/7 reception, restaurant, and laundry service. Here’s an example:

  • 7Days Premium Beijing Station Branch: This hotel is located in the city centre, close to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. You can stay in a double room for two people from $1,949 (€1,779) per month.

Hostels with Shared Rooms

If you need to find affordable accommodation in Beijing and don’t mind sharing a room with other travellers, a hostel would be a good choice. It suits digital nomads or students and you can find great options near the city centre:

  • Beijing Xingshe Youth Hostel: Located in Xicheng district, close to the main tourist attractions. You can book a bunk in a shared room with four people for only $566 (€517) per month.

Furnished apartments

A furnished apartment is the answer to where to stay in Beijing for more privacy. You can rent them through local real estate agencies or platforms like Ziroom or Danke. The downside is that they often require a one-month deposit. It’s perfect for those who look for an accommodation for long-term stays in Beijing.

  • Apartment in Dongcheng: A one-bedroom apartment with kitchen and living room, fully furnished, for $1,000 (€912) per month.
Beijing City, Temples, and the Forbidden City
Beijing, a destination for long stays. Source: Shutterstock.

Airbnb for seasonal stays

The platform, known for accommodation bookings, also operates in Beijing, offering slightly lower prices than traditional real estate agencies. When booking, you can contact the owner to agree on the length of stay and price, with an additional commission for Airbnb’s service.

  • Loft in Sanlitun: A modern studio loft can cost you $850 (€780) per month.

Stay Connected in Beijing

Whatever the reason for your trip, having excellent connectivity in the Chinese capital is essential for all types of travellers. For short stays, the eSIM for Beijing from Holafly is the best option, as you can purchase unlimited data only for the days you need.

For longer trips, the best solution is the new Holafly plans, with which you can browse in Beijing and anywhere you choose to travel without changing your SIM cardGet 5G stable, fast, and secure coverage, and choose the unlimited plan to use multiple devices simultaneously from $50.50 per month with no contract.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

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Best Neighbourhoods for Accommodation in Beijing for Long-Term Stays

Do you need to know where the best place to stay in Beijing is? The city is large and diverse, so choosing the right neighbourhood or district is key depending on the atmosphere you’re looking for.

We’ll focus on the top three areas of the capital, such as Sanlitun, Wudaokou, and Dongcheng. We’ll also explain what makes each of them special and which type of traveller they suit best.

1. Sanlitun – International Life, Entertainment, and Coworkings

If you’re looking for where to stay in Beijing to enjoy the city’s nightlife, Sanlitun is one of the most cosmopolitan areas full of entertainment.

On its streets, you’ll find well-known brand stores, international restaurants, bars, and nightclubs playing the best electronic music. Due to these features, we think it’s a great area for students and nomads looking for a more dynamic lifestyle who need to combine work or studies with fun.

  • Featured Hotels: The Jingli Hongyizhan Hotel Beijing Sanlitun is just a few meters from the embassy district. You can book a single room from $2,299 (€2,098) per month. Another option is Stey Beijing Sanlitun Boutique Hotel, with private studios for two people starting at $2,502 (€2,283) per month.
  • Coliving: Base-Sanlitun Serviced Apartment is five minutes from Wangfujing street. You can stay in a studio with a private kitchen and share a coworking space for $1,446 (€1,320) per month.
  • Furnished Apartments: You can find one-bedroom apartments in this neighbourhood starting at $950 (€870) through a real estate agency or directly with owners.
  • Coworking Spaces: At We Work Sanlitun, you can get a shared desk for $300 (€280) per month with 24/7 access.
  • Cafés for Remote Work: For a cost of $6–10 (€5–9) for coffee and a snack, you can work remotely from the Moka Bros café with good wifi.Best neighbourhoods for staying in Beijing.
Neighbourhoods in Beijing such as Dongcheng, Sanlitun, and Wudaokou, with buildings, a café, and a street food stall.
Best areas to stay in Beijing. Source: Shutterstock.

2. Wudaokou – University and Multicultural Vibes

If you’re a student wondering where to look for an accommodation in Beijing for long-term stays in a university environment, the Haidian district is home to Wudaokou, which houses universities like Tsinghua and Peking University. It’s an area ideal for international students or young professionals, and here are some accommodation options:

  • Featured Hotels: At IU Hotel Beijing Zhongguancun Zhichunli, you’ll find a double room from $1,701 (€1,552). Another option is Time Traveller Boutique Hotel, with rooms for two from $2,089 (€1,906).
  • Student Residences: One of the most famous is Zijing International Student Dormitory at Tsinghua University, with shared rooms from $350 (€320) per month.
  • Furnished Apartments: A 60m2 apartment in this area costs $926 (€845) per month, with water included.
  • CoworkingYiGongYi Coworking is a workspace located near the universities with affordable rates starting at $100 (€90) per month.
  • Cafés for Remote Work: A popular student hangout is Café de 7 Gram, with free wifi and prices ranging from $4–6 (€3–5).

3. Dongcheng – Tradition, Cafés, and a Great Location

Are you looking for where to stay in Beijing in the historic centre? Dongcheng is the perfect neighbourhood, where you can admire its traditional essence through its temples, hutongs, and local markets. It’s ideal for all types of travellers who want to be close to the main tourist sites.

  • Featured Hotels: Happy Dragon City Center Alley Hotel is just 2 km from Yongue Temple, with double rooms for two people from $1,828 (€1,608). At King Parkview Hotel, prices start at $2,185 (€1,922).
  • Hostel: At Peking Youth Hostel, located in a typical Chinese building near Nanluogu Xiang Hutong, you can book a bunk in a shared room for $1,676 (€1,474) per month.
  • Furnished Apartments: Some traditional siheyuan houses have been renovated into apartments for rent starting at $850 (€750).
  • Coworking Spaces: Near the subway station, you can work remotely at Ucommune Dongzhimen from $250 (€220) per month.
  • Cafés for Remote Work: Soloist Coffee is a café in a traditional Chinese house, with a peaceful atmosphere, wifi, and prices ranging from $7–$9 (€6–€8).

Frequently Asked Questions About Staying in Beijing for a Long Stay

Is it safe to live in Beijing as a foreigner?

Yes, this city is one of the safest in Asia, with very low crime rates and a strong police presence on the streets.

What are the best areas for remote working from cafés or coworking spaces?

The best areas for remote work are Sanlitun and Dongcheng, with quiet cafés offering fast Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets to charge your devices.

Do I need a visa to stay long in Beijing?

Yes, for long stays you will need to apply for a student visa (X1) or a work visa (Z). Digital nomads usually apply for a business visa (M), as China currently does not have a specific visa for this sector.

Is it easy to find furnished flats for monthly rent?

You can easily find furnished apartments through Airbnb, local real estate agents, or platforms like Ziroom and Danke. Most landlords require a minimum of three months.

Can I register my address if I rent for a short stay?

If you rent through a real estate agency, you can register at the local police station. However, it may be more complicated when renting through platforms like Airbnb.

Do I need to sign a contract for a short-term rental in Beijing?

It’s recommended to sign a contract to protect yourself legally in case of any incidents or theft. Additionally, it’s necessary for completing official procedures, such as opening a bank account.