Beijing in January

Hi, I'm planning on doing a 4-5 day trip to Beijing in January. I've heard people saying it would be cold, but I need to know how cold is cold? Will it be too cold to go out and check out the city?

Whats the best area to stay? In past trips I've stayed at the Peninsula and Park Hyatt...Wangfujing was pretty touristy...but very close to the Forbidden City, the area around Park Hyatt (2009) is pretty much dead at night...any other suggestions?

BJ in January can be pretty cold. The weather is a lot like Chicago, but drier.

If you haven't been here before, you'll probably be best off staying in Chaoyang. Look for a hotel close to a subway station, and you'll be able get most places in the city cheaply and easily (you won't be dependent on taxis that way).

I'm checking weather underground and January is usually below 0 for the whole day...I went to Beijing February 2009 and it was bearable.

January is normally coldest month of year, a bit colder than February. But for some reason, to me January always feels better than December. Go figure. At any rate, you'll need to have cold weather gear. Above comparison to Chicago weather (but much drier) is apt.

Since you've already stayed in the Wangfujing area in the past, maybe try something else. Maybe try something in a livelier area, like the Opposite House Hotel at Sanlitun Village? The Westin Chaoyang, Kempinski, and Kunlun Hotels are also within short walk of Line 10 subway, and closer to places that are more night-life friendly. Or the area of the JW Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton.

Just remember that in a Beijing January, people aren't going to hang out on the streets, sidewalks, and rooftop bars at night like they would in September-October. Everything goes indoors.

This forum has some great BJ comments, also CNewYear starts on Jan, 22nd...

The Palace is great, hard to top, but look at the RC-JW complex, its 5 minutes from line 1. If your wanting a good SPG, look at the new Westin in Chaoyang which is on line 10.

January is cool in BJ, but not below 0 F. Wheras Harbin is, & the winter Ice festival there starts on Jan. 5th. Its COLD there in January !.

I mean below 0 C...coming from the Philippines, I'm not sure if i'll still be able to go out of the hotel in that weather. Although I do have a good number of winter gear which needs to be aired out soon.

I was in Shanghai January this year and although it was cold, it didn't warrant any long johns or thermals just yet.

Remember the first LV store in China there.
Wow that was a long time ago.

Winter gear needed, Av. low 15 F, Av. high 35 F,
-So yes, below 0 C on most nights.

Again, be aware of the CNY holiday chaos the last 10 days of Jan. other threads have that info.

It changed its name to the Peninsula a few years ago.

As for the OP, I would advise him to stay near Sanlitun. I'm not too into the Opposite House myself, but it doesn't get any more Sanlitun than that.

My suggestions: Westin (cash + points) or Kunlun.

I saw Grace Beijing which is offering 40% off their rates for 21 day advance purchase, but The Opposite House looks great.

Just realized I have 1 free night on SPG plus the 4000 left could be used towards cash+points...which solves my 2 nights. just 1 night to go

Perhaps you could do one night at Grace (towards the airport, so would make sense for first or last night night) or the Opposite House.

+1, perfect example.

Having just 4 days in Beijing I don't know if it would make sense to move hotels, it means I need to check out and check-in again. At 1300RMB a night its a bit more expensive than Grace but cheaper than Opposite House at 1,500RMB.

I don't know. I guess I feel the Westin is a bit over priced. You might want to do a bit of research on SPG corporate codes to see if you get it down to around y900. Also check the Kunlun (Chinese managed, but nicer than the Westin in certain respects) directly across the street. And, 798 (where Grace is) is certainly worth exploring.