Flights from Milan (MXP) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a city where imperial history meets a fast-evolving modern skyline. You will find grand palaces, broad ceremonial avenues, and quiet traditional alleyways all woven into a city that is energetic and forward-looking.

What to expect
The city is anchored by wide boulevards, monumental squares, and ring roads that encircle diverse neighbourhoods. Contemporary business districts sit alongside historic quarters, while parks and lakes offer calm pauses amid the pace of daily life.

Plan your trip
Beijing is a rewarding base for exploring both the city and nearby landmarks, with efficient transport and a growing network of visitor-friendly services. It also serves as a key gateway to wider regions of northern China, making it easy to combine urban discovery with day trips.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by grand cultural and governmental buildings.

Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)

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

Summer Palace

Stroll beside lakes, pavilions, and ornate corridors in this expansive former royal retreat on the city’s edge.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore an elegant historic complex surrounded by a vast park where locals gather for gentle exercise and music.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary art galleries, design shops, and cafés in a former industrial zone turned creative hub.

Beijing Hutongs

Wander narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes to experience one of Beijing’s most atmospheric settings.

Olympic Park

See striking modern architecture around the Bird’s Nest stadium and the Water Cube, set within a large urban park.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s extensive metro network is usually the most efficient way to cover longer distances across the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services help you reach areas beyond the metro, while walking or cycling around selected districts offers a closer look at local streets.

Local life & culture
In residential neighbourhoods, you will notice residents gathering in parks and squares for gentle exercise, music, or games. Creative districts host galleries, small studios, and performance spaces, while central areas blend business life with pockets of traditional architecture and quiet courtyards.

Where to unwind
Large urban parks and lakeside areas provide space for leisurely strolls, boating, or simply sitting under the trees. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the most pleasant times to enjoy these green spaces, when the light softens and the city’s pace feels more relaxed.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for bold flavours, warming dishes, and a variety of dumplings and noodles. Traditional neighbourhoods, food streets, and small local eateries give you the chance to try regional favourites and snacks freshly prepared to order.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In commercial districts and large malls, you will find casual restaurants and food courts offering cuisines from across China and around the world. Menus often feature smaller sharing plates and side dishes, making it easy to sample several flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, rooftop venues and restaurants in restored historic buildings create memorable settings for a meal. Some dining rooms offer views of city landmarks or leafy parks, allowing you to pair regional cuisine with a distinctive Beijing skyline backdrop.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s major shopping centres bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one place. These lifestyle hubs are convenient spots to combine browsing, a relaxed meal, and indoor entertainment in any season.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and street-side boutiques are good places to look for handicrafts, tea, and design pieces. Districts such as the 798 Art District and older neighbourhood streets showcase local labels, galleries, and independent shops with a distinct Beijing character.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and indoor malls stay lively with late-opening stores and snack stalls. Some pedestrian zones become particularly atmospheric in the evening, and the metro network makes these night-time retail areas straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is generally mild, with average temperatures between 10°C and 22°C (50°F to 72°F). Trees and parks begin to turn green, and clearer days make it a pleasant time for city walks and outdoor sightseeing.

Summer (xia tian) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, with average temperatures from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Longer daylight hours are ideal for exploring parks and lakes, and you can plan earlier or later outings to enjoy the city when it is a little cooler.

Autumn and winter (qiu tian & dong tian) – September to February, low season
Autumn typically offers crisp, cool days from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), while winter can range from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). These seasons provide quieter attractions and clear, bright days that suit museum visits, historic sites, and scenic viewpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions