Flights from Chennai (MAA) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a dynamic capital where imperial landmarks stand beside bold modern architecture, creating a powerful sense of history and momentum. You will find grand avenues, hidden hutong lanes, and wide open spaces that make the city feel both monumental and surprisingly intimate.

What to expect
As you explore, you move between glittering business districts, leafy parks, and neighbourhoods filled with traditional courtyards. Iconic sights such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall sit within reach of cutting-edge art zones, busy shopping streets, and vibrant cultural venues that stay lively late into the evening.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a primary destination and a base to explore northern China. High-speed rail and domestic flights link the city to mountain regions, coastal escapes, and historic towns, so you can easily combine urban experiences with time in nature on the same journey.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through grand courtyards and ornate halls in this vast former imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Experience one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by imposing government and cultural buildings.

Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)

Take a day trip to hike restored sections of the Great Wall, with sweeping views over forested hills and valleys.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside walkways, pavilions, and gardens in this expansive royal retreat on the city’s north-western edge.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore impressive historic halls and wide open parkland where locals gather for music, dance, and exercise.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, outdoor installations, and creative studios set in a former industrial complex.

Shichahai and hutong lanes

Wander around scenic lakes and narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyards, cafés, and small boutiques.

Olympic Park and Bird’s Nest

Visit the striking stadiums and landscaped park that formed the centrepiece of Beijing’s modern sports district.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s extensive metro network is the most efficient way to cover longer distances, especially between major sights and business districts. Taxis and app-based rides help for late-night returns or shorter hops. In central areas, walking or cycling offers a more relaxed way to take in the city.

Local life & culture
You will see daily life unfold in parks, where residents gather to practise music, dance, and exercise in the early morning and evening. Traditional hutong neighbourhoods reveal quiet courtyards, while newer districts showcase galleries, design spaces, and performance venues that reflect the city’s creative side.

Where to unwind
For calm within the city, large parks such as Chaoyang Park and Yuanmingyuan provide room to stroll, boat, or simply sit beside the water. Evenings are a pleasant time to enjoy the cooler air and city lights. In cooler months, indoor tea houses and cultural venues offer a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for hearty northern flavours, from crisp roast dishes to hand-pulled noodles and filled buns. You will find lively food streets and small neighbourhood eateries where you can sample skewers, dumplings, and comforting soups throughout the day and late into the night.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and modern lifestyle complexes bring together cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants in one place, making it easy to try different dishes in a single outing. Menus often mix local favourites with wider Asian and international choices, so everyone in your group can find something they like.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant with views over the city skyline or close to historic lakes and courtyards. Many venues pair refined interiors with picture windows or terraces, so you can enjoy both the food and the surroundings, especially at sunset or after dark when the city lights come on.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s major malls combine international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining in sleek, climate-controlled spaces. These centres are popular meeting points, making it easy to spend an afternoon browsing shops, catching a film, and relaxing over a meal or coffee in the same complex.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the main avenues, creative districts and older commercial streets offer smaller studios and shops selling handmade crafts, ceramics, textiles, and design pieces. Exploring areas such as Nanluoguxiang, Panjiayuan, and 798 Art District can help you find distinctive items to bring home.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, shopping streets and plazas light up with colourful displays and animated facades, creating a lively atmosphere for strolling and people-watching. Some areas stay active late, with boutiques, snack stalls, and cafés remaining open. Metro lines and frequent buses make it straightforward to reach these districts and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is generally mild, with temperatures rising from around 10°C (50°F) to 24°C (75°F). Trees and parks begin to turn green, and clear days provide good conditions for walking the city and visiting the Great Wall. It is a pleasant time for sightseeing with manageable crowds.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, with average temperatures between 22°C (72°F) and 30°C (86°F). Longer daylight hours give you more time outdoors, whether exploring parks, lakes, or nearby mountains. Occasional showers help clear the air, and many cultural events and performances take place during this period.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is often cool and crisp, typically 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F), with many visitors appreciating the clear skies and colourful foliage. Winter can be cold, from about -5°C (23°F) to 5°C (41°F), but offers quieter attractions, atmospheric historic sites, and a good time to enjoy hearty local cuisine and indoor cultural experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions