Stunning Airbnb properties you can rent around Beijing

No couch surfing here, just the coolest pads Beijingers have to offer

Whether you're stopping off in Beijing for a vacation, have special people coming to visit or you're just treating yourself to a little staycation, the city's Airbnb hosts have something for all tastes and for groups of all sizes. We've picked out some of the best properties on offer, including swanky urban dens to fresh air getaways in the city's surrounding mountains, as well as some bizarre alternatives for the adventurous out there.

We've only sought out places with great reviews or those that are listed under Airbnb's swanky new 'Airbnb Plus' category. (In other words, 'homes verified for quality and comfort'.) Swipe across the pictures to see more photos, as well as the QR code to extract for the listing. Get yourself booked in for a holiday now. 

Architect's courtyard 

As far as hutongs go, 'luxury' has long meant just having your own toilet, though recent years have seen a boom in the numbers of Muji-chic, Instagram-friendly dwellings in the narrow alleys. The plentiful glass panels of this Gulou pad bathe it in awesome natural light, filling the shared common and kitchen areas in that beautiful Beijing sun. 

But, with those big glass panels comes a distinct lack of privacy. The listing describes this as a private room in a bungalow, though you can rent out the other room in the house as well. So if you're looking for something where you only want friends or family looking in at you, make sure to get both rooms. 

Sleeps Two 

Price 740RMB per night

Hygge hutong home 

Want something comfy and light-filled, with a touch of Nordic vibes? This nature-themed hutong home is sure to make all of your hygge-senses tingle. Featuring two rooms (one's in a loft, so best to fight over that before your holiday starts), a 'full' kitchen and the feeling of living in a hutong, what more could you want? Lots of plants.

Sleeps Four

Price 1,080RMB per night

For the whole lot of you 

While this converted hutong house is a bit further out of town, it is situated nicely near 798 Art District and can sleep eight people in its four bedrooms, all with ensuites. If you're looking for a place that will fit all the fam, or all your friends, with a nice touch of traditional Chinese flourishes (and a study with a grand piano), this might be it.

Sleeps Eight

Price 5,000RMB per night

Summit chalet

This entire chalet in Changping can sleep up to 15 people in its five bedrooms. It's got a pool, a games room, multiple living spaces and a rather incredible view. With scenery and a house kitted out like this, maybe you and all your guests won't want to leave to see the Great Wall after all. 

Sleeps 15

Price 5,400RMB per night

Mutianyu cottage

Nestled in the mountains outside Beijing, this cosy farmhouse-esque cottage is a unique little gem. Definitely a family-friendly house, with a playground and pool, but all ages can probably enjoy the quirks (rock-climbing above the bed, anyone?). The fireplace can keep you warm in the winter while the garden can play host to summer barbeques. Just don't forget to look out the windows and explore the surrounds. 

Sleeps 12

Price 4,500RMB per night  

Great glass of Jiankou  

We figure that what this place seems to lack in the way of interior design, it more than makes up for once you step outside or look out of any window. Sitting proudly at the top of a road outside a village in Huairou, this glass and stone castle is surrounding by rock formations and incredible views across the valley and the Great Wall. There's also a pool, hot tub and eight different bedrooms to choose from. Better fill them up to make the price worth it. 

Sleeps 16+

Price 10,186RMB per night

The round house

If you're the kind of person that really likes circular things (no kink-shaming here, it's cool if you do), then this is just the place for you. Sleep in a circle, see the ground curve beneath you, stare out of round windows. The circles don't appear to extend to all aspects of this hutong hut, but maybe the bed makes up for that. 

Sleeps Two

Price 1,680RMB per night

Room of dreams

Apparently it took the owner six years to create this masterpiece. An ode to things entertaining, this room features it all: Postcards, film memorabilia, posters, figurines, novelty lights and more. If you're looking for a relaxing night, this isn't the place. Spend hours staring at the thousands of items adorning the walls and keep yourself entertained till the early hours. As one reviewer put it, 'This is a cool place to stay in. Lots of fancy stuff. Downside: little crowded.' But with 75 reviews and a five-star rating, this place is sure doing something to make up for being a little cramped. 

Sleeps Three (we're not sure where)

Price 598RMB per night

Family fun house

There's a ball pit in the bedroom. With a slide. And just when you thought entertaining the kiddies couldn't get easier, this place hits you with a chalkboard kitchen wall. After the little ones are tired of playing all day, the adults can head out to the surrounding CBD to check out all the drinking holes.

Sleeps 5

Price 1,780RMB

For more great places to stay in and around Beijing, hit 'Read more' below. 

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