Travel TIPS:

When it comes to organizing a restful trip, choosing the right accommodation is paramount. For me, the hutong in the center of the ancient city are a near-perfect choice in terms of convenient location and quiet setting. We stayed at two different guesthouses in the area, the first of which, the Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel, is perfect for young people looking to meet other travelers. The location is ideal, within easy walking distance of the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square, as well as two different subway stations. The staff is helpful, speaks English, and goes out of their way to make sure your stay is comfortable. For travelers on a slightly higher budget, Kelly’s Courtyard hotel offers a similarly ideal location and an even more authentic building. The owner is incredibly friendly, and the open layout of the place encourages a familial atmosphere. The gray brick courtyard, covered with a glass roof, is adorned with water features and plants, with cozy en-suite rooms nestled along three of its four walls. Best of all, a spiral staircase in one corner leads to a roof-top terrace. We instantly made a booking for our return to Beijing later that month, before flying home.

The second top tip relates to timing. We tended to visit the tourist hotspots in the evening, when most of the tour groups had moved on. It is also a beautiful time to experience the city.