Happy Dragon Backpackers Hostel

Happy Dragon Hostel is a simple but friendly backpacker option in central Beijing. There is nothing particularly fancy and modern, but the beds are comfortable and the staff are extremely friendly. They also offer tours, some of which are great value for money.

This is not a dorm-style hostel, so all the rooms are private and en-suite. This is good because it means you have privacy and don't have to worry about being kept up at night. However, it also means that this is closer to a budget hotel than to a hostel, with few opportunities to meet and chat with people.

The hostel is great for sightseeing - the Forbidden City, Tianenmen Square, and Wangfujing pedestrian street all reasonably close (about a half-hour walk or a 10-minute taxi). Dongsi station is a short walk away, making it very easy to connect to the rest of the city in all directions. You can reach the nightlife of Sanlitun, including Destination Club and other gay bars, in about 15 minutes by taxi.