How to Find Luxury Hotels in Beijing, China

Many visit Beijing just for the chance to see the Great Wall of China. Beijing also boasts many historical treasures and ancient temples that appeal to visitors from around the world. A trip to Beijing needn't be all about historical sightseeing, however, as opportunities abound for relaxation, shopping and entertainment. Here's how to find luxury accommodations in Beijing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Choose Luxury Accommodations

1. Book your stay at the legendary St. Regis Beijing hotel by visiting the hotel Web site (see Resources below). Book by phone from the U.S by calling 011 ([phone]. Call 010 6460 6688 from within China.

2. Choose luxury accommodations near Ladies' Street. This street has the distinction of being the first Beijing boutique street geared toward women only.

3. Select a five-star hotel close to the Lama Temple (or Yonghegong). You'll be near the site of an altar once used to make sacrifices to an earth god.

4. Stay in a luxury hotel near the Temple of Heaven, Beijing's grandest temple. Emperors of both the Ming and Oing Dynasties have prayed there.

5. Reserve a travel package for Beijing, China. You can find packages that include transportation, accommodations and tours of historical attractions; some even include meals.

Know Your Destination

6. Dress for the sometimes-extreme Beijing weather. You can expect summers that are very hot with a high level of humidity, and winters that are very cold with high winds.

7. Convert your money to renminbi, the official currency of mainland China. The main unit is the yuan.

See Beijing

8. Enjoy a Beijing Opera. Book a seat in advance at the Laoshe Tea House.

9. Visit the Great Wall of China's Badalin section; it is considered a superior military construction.

10. Take in the sights in Beijing. The Lugouqiao Bridge boasts breathtaking views of the city.

11. Get up early and visit Ditan Park, just north of the Lama Temple, for a glimpse of locals doing their morning exercises. During the Spring festival, you may be able to view a grand display of indoor ice sculptures here as well.

Getting Around in Beijing

12. The city features a well-developed transportation system with many trains, highways and roads.

13. Beijing's subway system is a work in progress, with new lines under construction. Expect variable prices on the subway. Prices generally range from 3 to 13 yuan, depending upon the distance traveled.

14. For an adventure, travel about the city on the bus. Air-conditioned buses cost 2 yuan for traveling less than 10 kilometers; for longer-distance travel, expect to pay an additional 2 yuan for each increment of 10 kilometers or less. Or, skip the air conditioning and get around town for less. Buses without air conditioning charge 1 yuan for each distance of up to 10 kilometers.

Tips & Warnings

• 011 is the dialing prefix used for telephoning abroad from the U.S. If you're calling from another country, check which international dialing prefix to use. All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• China Travel Service Group does not offer hotel booking online.