Beijing is one of the most fascinating cultural and historical cities, not only in China, but all of Asia! From visiting Tiananmen Square to a tea party in an oriental garden, the cultural attractions are diverse to say the lest.
But Beijing is enormous, and with so many hostel options, it can be difficult to know which of the best hostels in Beijing to stay at. There are a few barriers to entry to be wary of too (don’t worry, I’ve outlined them below).
I’ve done the research so you don’t have to!
My epic guide to the best hostels in Beijing is designed with one thing in mind – to help you book an awesome hostel in Beijing! With the help of this guide, you’ll know which of the best hostels are good for you and your travel style.
To accomplish this, I’ve tailored my list of Beijing hostels to suit any type of travel style and budget. So no matter who you are or how you like to travel, you’ll be able to easily find a hostel for you. Whether you’re travelling for work, want somewhere quiet to stay in the countryside or want a Beijing minute, I’ve got you.
Let’s jump in!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Beijing
- Best Overall Hostel in Beijing – The Great Wall Box House
- Best Hostel in Beijing for Solo Travelers – Peking International Youth Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Beijing – P.Loft Youth Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Beijing – Beijing Yue Xuan Courtyard Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Beijing – Peking Yard Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in Beijing
Now that you know what to expect from Beijing hostels, it’s time to look at my top five. I’ve gone one further than simply listing Beijing’s top hostels, though; I’ve split them into different categories to make your choice that little bit easier!
Cast your eye over my recommendations and you’ll find the best cheap hostel in Beijing, for your backing China journey. If that doesn’t click, I’ve also got the best Beijing hostel for digital nomads, the best hostel for solo travellers in Beijing, and more! Book with confidence and have an awesome time.
1. The Great Wall Box House – Best Overall Hostel in Beijing
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $82
- Address: No. Jia 18, XiDui Main Street, Gubeikou Village, Beijing, China
The Great Wall Box House is my winner for the overall best hostel in Beijing – it’s a traditional Chinese building in a non-touristy Chinese village. It’s a 100-year-old Si-He-Yuan house settled amongst the mountains, and the east side wall of the house is even part of the Great Wall. You can’t get closer to Chinese culture if you try.
But you are a significant distance from downtown Beijing. So, be wary of this but also, unless you’re here to be a city slicker for a hot minute. In my humble opinion, this hostel in the countryside has so much more off the beaten path type things to offer than most Beijing hostels.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- You can tea party to your heart’s content
- Hiking excursions
- Free wi-fi
Though it’s in a rural location, it promises 24-hour hot showers, a tea party every day and even hiking excursions on the Great Wall. Here you can experience local Chinese living and traditions while still being within easy reach of Beijing’s hotspots. The family-run hostel has privates and dorm rooms available to rest your sweet head in.
The owners are friendly and full of great tips to help you make the most of your trip, and you can book excursions on-site. Chillout areas include a pleasant courtyard and a bright and colourful indoor lounge. While Tiananmen Square is pretty far outta sight, there are many more beautiful places to see close to home, like the GREAT WALL!
2. Peking International Youth Hostel – Best Hostel in Beijing for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $57
- Private Room: From $113
- Address: No. 113-2 Nan Luo Gu Xiang, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
If you’re backpacking in China, the award-winning Peking International Youth Hostel is my recommendation for the best hostel for solo travellers in Beijing. Safe and secure, it boasts great facilities, a sociable vibe, and friendly members of staff. Dorms are single-gender, sleeping anywhere from two to ten, and the hostel has private rooms too.
Many rooms and dorms have private en-suite bathrooms. The stunning hostel has plenty of chill-out areas to relax and meet other travellers. Have a tea party in the garden, enjoy food in the restaurant, challenge mates to a game of pool, and chat with pals on the terrace.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Travel & Tours desk
- Bike Hire
- Air Conditioning
Located within traditional hutong, Peking International Youth Hostel isn’t far from the heart of Beijing and its major attractions and activities. It’s a top hostel in Beijing for unwinding, relaxing, and adding some soothing calmness to your life. If you’ve been on the road for a while you’ll certainly appreciate the tranquil vibe here!
There are plenty of large and attractive common areas, most of which are filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Features include a restaurant/bar, a mini-market, laundry services, a terrace, and a tour desk. There’s round-the-clock security, Wi-Fi is free, and airport transfers to Beijing Capital International Airport can be arranged.
3. P.Loft Youth Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Beijing
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $20
- Address: No.29, Paoju Tou Tiao, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Stay in the fun area of downtown Beijing in the hutong (alley house) neighbourhood behind the Lama Temple. No, not Ilama Temple, Lama Temple, ad in the Palace of Peach and Harmony. But don’t worry about being out of the hubub of the city centre, all the top attractions are easily within reach via the subway.
This historic property is the most budget friendly accommodation in Beijing and there doesn’t skimp on the amenities either. There’s free wifi, air conditioning in each of the rooms AND ensuite bathrooms too. There’s a library and DVD room to spend time relaxing, or you can get up and out and make the most of the bicycle rental.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Housekeeping
- On Site Bar
- 24-Hour Reception
Taking advantage of the free city maps is a budget-friendly way to explore the city and an ideal way to see Beijing. Free wi-fi and luggage storage are on offer – great money savers! The hostel also has laundry services and an onsite café-bar that serves a mixture of Chinese and Western dishes.
You can also organise a late checkout at Happy Dragon Saga Youth Hostel. Fabulous if you’ve got a late flight out of Beijing. Beijing isn’t a super cheap city but there are definitely ways to work around it and enjoy it regardless!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Beijing Yue Xuan Courtyard Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Beijing
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $16
- Private Room: From $43
- Address: 1st Dongsiertiao, Dongcheng Diistrict, Beijing, China
Beijing Yue Xuan Courtyard Hostel is a beautiful budget hostel in Beijing in the heart of the historic core. There’s a traditional vibe combined with all mod-cons for an awesome Beijing backpackers hostel, especially if you’re here for a festival in China. The location is ideal for travellers who love to party; Houhai Pub Street is just a 15-minute bike ride away.
The perfect distance to sober up enough to get a good night’s sleep if you ask me! To be honest, none of the hostels in Beijing have a party vibe but this is the best of a non-party bunch. But sometimes the most fun you can have is a pub night with your hostel mates, right?!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bicycle Hire
- Air Conditioning
- On Site Bar
This place is great for people who love to hang out with friends old and new from all over the world. There are lovely common areas to make the most of. If you like to shop, you can walk to the bustling Wangfujing shopping street in 15 minutes.
Relax on the terrace or among the tranquil gardens, perhaps with a good read from the book exchange. There’s free wi-fi to make your trip planning easier and other conveniences include laundry services, luggage storage, and a tour desk. Everywhere is kept spick and span and there are female-only dorms as well as mixed dormitories.
5. Peking Yard Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Beijing
- Private Room: From $142
- Address: No. Jia 28, Wangzhima Hutong, Dongsibei Street, Dongsibei Street, Beijing, China
Out of the city centre, Peking Yard Hostel is a blissful retreat for digital nomads to hide away from the hustle and get their work done. A perfect hostel to post up, have yourself a tea party and get into the flow of your work day. Rather than a traditional hostel with dorm rooms, the Peking Yard Hostel has private suites so you can have your own space.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t any opportunity for socialising though, you can meet other travellers in the epic on-site restaurant. While there is no free breakfast at this bed-and-breakfast-style hostel, there’s the option to eat on-site – great for streamlining your day.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Air Conditioning
- Luggage Storage
- Free wi-fi
Working remotely for me means I want a good place to be able to set up and this Beijing hostel provides that. The rooms are spacious enough to have lots of nooks to pull your laptop onto your lap and blitz through some work in peace. Then the restaurant provides a fabulous amount of tables to sit and work at when you’ve got a bit more on.
The rooms at Peking Yard Hostel each have ensuite private bathrooms with hot showers. Their design is chic, modern and homely with an option of a double suite or a twin loft room set up. There are epic laundry facilities if you’re here for a while or a full reset and need to do the things.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Budget Stays in Beijing
Still haven’t found the right hostel for you? No worries if none of the above quite ticked all of your boxes… Here are more of the best Beijing hostels!
Peking Station Hostel
I will mention that this is exclusively for my Chinese solo travellers, Peking Station Hostel only hosts Chinese guests. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay as a solo traveller wanting your own space, check out my guide to where to stay in Beijing. I go into a bit more detail on different areas in the city and have some great options for Airbnb and other stays.
Movie nights and fabulous dumpling parties are also great low-key ways to make new friends. No need to stress about finding a Beijing hostel near the airport thanks to the affordable airport transfer services. Other convenient services include trip, concert, and ticket booking, laundry room, and luggage storage, Summer Palace is within walking distance.
Kelly’s Courtyard
- Private Room: From $78
- Address: No. 25, Xiaoyuan Hutong of Bingmasi Hutong, Xidan North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Deep within a traditional hutong, Kelly’s Courtyard combines romance, traditions, style, comfort, and friendliness for a great stay in Beijing. Wake from your slumber to a free breakfast each morning and take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous surroundings before heading out for the day.
Each room has its own unique style, with high-class furnishings from China, Asia, and beyond. There are indoor and outside common spaces, including a sunny terrace, light-filled lobby, and elegant courtyard. The tour desk and bike rentals make enjoying Beijing a breeze.
Happy Dragon Saga Youth Hostel
- Private Room: From $120
- Address: No.9 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing, China
Happy Dragon Saga Youth Hostel is the best cheap hostel in Beijing. In a great location, within walking distance of the Forbidden City and other key attractions that must be a part of your Beijing itinerary. The main train station is close by, there’s free wi-fi, the vibes are high and the people are friendly.
There isn’t a communal kitchen at this Beijing hostel but there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance. This is a great place to stay with a supermarket nearby and lots to see within a short walk. The train station is just a couple of blocks over if you want to venture further afield.
Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel
Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel is my choice for the best hostel for travelling couples in Beijing. Attractive and peaceful with beautiful double rooms (complete with private bathrooms) as well as six-bed dorms. The Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel is a great romantic base to explore Beijing.
You can also experience tea ceremonies or a tea party and kung fu at the Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel. From tour booking to laundry services, staying here is convenient, and free stuff, like bike rentals, free wi-fi, and luggage storage, adds to the appeal.
Together Hostel
If you’re a fan of clean and classic designs, neutral shades and muted tones, an understated elegance, and fairly minimalist accommodation, you’ll love Together Hostel. Dorms are simple yet spacious and comfortable. Single-gender dorms are available as well as mixed sleeping areas.
The private pods for two are unusual—they’re like small inside greenhouses with frosted glass for privacy and a double-floor mattress. The large common room has something to suit all tastes, with a bar corner, tables for work and chatter. There’s also a large selection of books, sofas, long counters with high stools, and arty corners.
Red Lantern House
Red Lantern House is an easygoing, family-friendly, and family-run youth hostel in Beijing, with private rooms for two and three, and dorms for four and six. There’s a strong backpacking vibe. Airport transfers mean you don’t need to stress about wasting time and staying at a Beijing hostel near the airport.
In a hutong close to major sights, the heritage building has all mod cons. Great food is available throughout the day and the courtyard is a nice spot to chill and mingle. From bike rentals and laundry services to tour booking and security lockers, there’s everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Beijing
Beijing is a trip and everyone needs good hostel insurance to ensure it’s a good one!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Beijing
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Beijing.
What to Pack for your Beijing Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Beijing?
A dorm bed (mixed or female only) can cost anything between $20-$60. A private room will set you back a bit more, costing between $30-$80.
What are the best hostels in Beijing for couples?
Peking Yard Hostel is an ideal hostel for couples in Beijing. Its private rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning, a TV, and a kettle.
What is the best hostel in Beijing near the airport?
Beijing Nanyuan Airport is quite far from the downtown, so it is usually better to find the best place that offers airport transfers. Once you’re in the city, I highly recommend Peking International Youth Hostel, located within traditional hutong. Get in touch with your hostel for the best advice on getting to and from the airport.
Final Thoughts on Beijing’s Hostels
That’s the end of my epic guide to the best hostels in Beijing, I hope I’ve helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Beijing is such a wonderful city, with a vibrant nightlife and downtown area and gorgeous, expansive countryside (still pretty touristy, but hey – that’s travelling sometimes). From the Great Wall to Tiananmen Square, the cultural sights and things to do vary in the most wonderful way.
If you’re still unsure of where to stay, cast your eyes back to my overall favourite hostel – The Great Wall Box House. The Great Wall Box House may be in a more rural setting, but its unique history and access to the Great Wall cannot be beaten. If you want to find a hostel that really offers an authentic experience, this would be it.
If you’re looking for somewhere in the city, Leo Hostel would have to be my top choice. This hostel is FUN! Most Beijing hostels offer pretty different things so definitely choose what’s best for you.
No matter where you stay, Beijing is an epic place to visit, make the most of it!
Do you have a favourite hostel on my list? If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in China for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Beijing covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Beijing before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for China to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
