The original city plan of Beijing was divided in four, with the innermost rectangle being the Forbidden City, which is now a national museum and public park. Seeing the sheer immenseness of the Imperial Palace grounds and main halls, you start to understand why the Chinese word for China literally translates as "Middle Kingdom". It is the true center of Beijing, and as far as the Chinese from the Ming through Qing dynasties were concerned, it was also the center of the world.

All kinds of hotels are available in Beijing to suit any budget. For the business traveler or those looking for a luxury place to stay in Beijing, the city is also home to a number of internationally-recognized five-star hotels. There is an endless number of small hostels and guest houses close to tourist attractions and hutongs. Most Beijing hotels are located close to major tourist attractions, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. The Novotel Peace Hotel in Beijing is walking distance to the Forbidden City. Its deluxe rooms have very reasonable prices. The Holiday Inn in downtown Beijing also has a great location.M

On the Northern side of the big Tiananmen Square you cannot miss the big red Tiananmen gate - Gate of Heavenly Peace. The Gate of Heavenly Peace is where Mao Ze Dong proclaimed the Communist Republic of China 1949. And if you enter the Forbidden City from the north gate, instead of the south, where the road between the Square with the gate is very busy, your route leads you straight onto Tiananmen Square. Starting from the north, also gives you the panoramic view from atop Jingshan Park, which is best visited in the morning when the old folks are doing their tai chi and other exercises. Tiananmen Square is a great place to watch tourists from all over China and the world, it is also the favourite place for Beijingers to let their kites fly.

The entire area of Beijing within the city limits is - in many ways - one great historic museum. Beijing boasts many historical and cultural artifacts, like siheyuan (courtyard houses) and hutong (alleys), theme museums, parks and gardens. One of the best ways to explore the city, and the hutongs, Beijing’s ancient alleyways where much of the traditional architecture is preserved is by bicycle. Most major hotels in Beijing, as well as some hostels, offer a bicycle rental service.

Of course, you could stay in a five star hotel in any cities of the world, but you can not find a traditional courtyard hotel anywhere. The N.E Courtyard Hotel is a traditional courtyard hotel, with good service and a reasonable price. The Peking International Youth Hostel is an immaculately preserved old courtyard house, surrounded by billowing greenery and flowers. It is located in the centre of Beijing and is a mere 5-minute walk from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Other budget recommendations are the Red Lantern Backpackers in the hutongs, which also offers apple pancakes for breakfast and the Far East Hostel, in a colorful hutong about half an hour's walk from Tianamen Square. This last one has its own travel agency, restaurants, bar, luggage storage and free internet. Helpful staff speaks English, which cannot be guaranteed for many other Beijing hotels.