Flights from Barcelona (BCN) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing combines imperial landmarks, wide boulevards, and fast-changing neighbourhoods to create a city that feels both historic and forward-looking. You will find grand palaces, intimate hutong lanes, and contemporary art spaces all within easy reach.

What to expect
The city is organised around broad ring roads, with major sights such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace forming anchor points for exploration. Districts like Sanlitun and 798 Art Zone showcase a more modern side, with galleries, cafés, and creative venues.

Plan your trip
Beijing is a strong base for exploring nearby sections of the Great Wall and other heritage sites in the wider region. With extensive public transport and a growing network of high-speed rail, you can combine time in the capital with day trips and onward journeys across northern China.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Explore the vast palace complex at the heart of Beijing, with its grand halls, courtyards, and intricate traditional architecture.

Tiananmen Square

Walk across one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and important cultural institutions.

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling

Take a day trip to restored stretches of the Great Wall, with sweeping views over hills and fortifications that follow the ridgeline.

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and landscaped gardens that once served as a retreat for China’s imperial court.

Temple of Heaven Park

Admire elegant historic structures set within a large park where locals gather for morning exercise and social activities.

Hutong neighbourhoods

Wander through traditional alleyways around areas such as Nanluoguxiang to see courtyards, cafés, and small shops in older streetscapes.

798 Art Zone

Discover galleries, design boutiques, and outdoor installations in a former industrial district turned contemporary art hub.

Beihai and Shichahai lakes

Relax by the water, rent a boat in warmer months, and enjoy views of pavilions, trees, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Beijing Subway is usually the fastest way to cross the city, linking major sights and business districts efficiently. Taxis and ride-hailing services work well for shorter hops, while walking or cycling in hutong areas offers a slower, more atmospheric way to explore side streets.

Local life & culture
Public parks and lakeside promenades are popular meeting points, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. You will see residents using open spaces for exercise, music, and social gatherings, and creative neighbourhoods blend studios, bookshops, and performance venues in repurposed buildings.

Where to unwind
Beijing’s large parks, such as Olympic Forest Park and the grounds around the Summer Palace, offer leafy paths and wide-open lawns. In the warmer months, evenings by the city’s lakes provide a calm contrast to busy roads, and in cooler seasons, clear days can bring crisp views and fresh air.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for savoury snacks and hearty dishes served in simple eateries and neighbourhood streets. You can try local classics in busy dining lanes and older districts, where small venues specialise in a few signature items that are popular with residents.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping and business districts host a wide mix of casual restaurants, from noodle shops to contemporary cafés and international options. Food courts in major malls make it easy to sample different flavours in one place, with smaller plates that encourage you to share and try more.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider venues with views towards historic rooftops, city skylines, or lakeside settings. Some hotels and standalone restaurants offer refined takes on local cuisine, and high-floor dining rooms often combine city panoramas with carefully presented menus.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s central districts feature large malls that combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining. These complexes act as social spaces where you can shop, meet friends, and take a break between sightseeing stops in climate-controlled comfort.

Markets & local crafts
For something more characterful, head to neighbourhood streets and markets that focus on crafts, tea, and homeware. Areas such as Nanluoguxiang, Panjiayuan, and 798 Art Zone are good places to browse for design pieces, art prints, and distinctive souvenirs.

Evening retail scene
After dark, busy commercial streets and illuminated facades give Beijing’s shopping areas a lively atmosphere. Some districts stay open late with cafés, snack stalls, and shops drawing both locals and visitors, and you can usually reach them easily using the subway or licensed taxis.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is generally mild, with temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F) and lengthening daylight hours. Parks and lakeside areas become pleasant for walking, and the shoulder season atmosphere often means popular sights feel a little more relaxed.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, typically 22–31°C (72–88°F), with longer days and lively outdoor activity. This is peak season, when many visitors come for Great Wall excursions and evening strolls by the lakes, making the city feel energetic and busy.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is crisp and clear, often 10–20°C (50–68°F), with colourful trees in parks and around the Great Wall. Winter can be cold, around -5–5°C (23–41°F), but offers quiet attractions, bright blue-sky days, and a different perspective on Beijing’s historic architecture during low season.

Frequently Asked Questions