Beijing blends imperial landmarks, broad boulevards, and creative neighbourhoods into a city that feels both historic and forward-looking. You experience ancient architecture beside leafy parks and sleek modern towers.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
You find grand avenues, hutong alleyways, and distinct districts from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen area to contemporary art zones and business quarters. The pace is energetic, with quiet pockets in courtyards, lakes, and gardens.
Plan your trip
Beijing is a gateway to northern China, high-speed rail links, and sections of the Great Wall. Give yourself time to explore major sights, sample diverse districts, and add day trips into the surrounding countryside.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through vast courtyards, ornate halls, and detailed rooflines in this former imperial palace at the heart of Beijing.
Tiananmen Square
Visit one of the world’s largest urban squares, framed by monumental buildings and close to many of the city’s key attractions.
Temple of Heaven Park
Stroll through pine groves and open lawns before admiring the iconic circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
Summer Palace
Explore lakeside pavilions, long painted corridors, and hilltop views in this spacious former royal retreat.
Beihai and Shichahai lakes
Wander around interconnected lakes, relax in waterside cafés, or take a boat for a different view of the city skyline.
798 Art District
Discover galleries, public art, and design shops set inside a former industrial complex turned creative hub.
Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling
Take a day trip to walk restored ramparts, admire mountain scenery, and experience one of China’s most recognisable landmarks.
Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use the Beijing Subway for fast, affordable travel between major sights, then switch to taxis or ride-hailing for the last stretch. For shorter hops within central districts, walking or cycling gives you time to notice hidden courtyards and street life.
Local life & culture
You see residents practising tai chi in parks at dawn, playing board games in hutongs, and gathering along lakeshores in the evenings. Creative districts, theatres, and live music venues add a modern cultural layer to the city’s imperial backdrop.
Where to unwind
Escape into expansive parks such as Chaoyang Park or the Summer Palace gardens for calm walks and lakeside views, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Around sunset, the city’s lakes and tree-lined streets offer cooler air and relaxed promenades.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Sample dishes such as Beijing roast duck, dumplings, and savoury pancakes in hutong lanes and local food streets. Areas around Dongcheng, Xicheng, and university districts are known for lively, wallet-friendly eateries.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to contemporary neighbourhoods and malls in Chaoyang and Sanlitun for everything from noodle bars to international cuisine. Many venues offer smaller plates, so you can share several dishes and try contrasting flavours in one sitting.
Signature & scenic dining
Treat yourself to refined restaurants overlooking city skylines, historic courtyards, or lakeside views. Reserve ahead for popular spots near the Forbidden City area or around Shichahai to pair your meal with memorable scenery.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in areas such as Wangfujing, Sanlitun, and the Central Business District bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and cafés, making them convenient places to shop and meet friends.
Markets & local crafts
Browse neighbourhood streets and smaller markets in districts like Dashilan, Nanluoguxiang, and Panjiayuan for handicrafts, design pieces, and distinctive souvenirs from independent creators.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls give the city a lively retail energy, especially around Wangfujing and Sanlitun. Metro lines and plentiful taxis make it straightforward to reach these areas in the evening.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring (April to May) is a shoulder season, with mild days around 15–25°C (59–77°F) and blooming parks, ideal for sightseeing. Summer (June to August) is peak season, bringing warm, often humid weather between 25–32°C (77–90°F) and a busy events calendar. Autumn (September to October) is another shoulder season, with comfortable temperatures of 10–22°C (50–72°F) and clear skies. Winter (November to March) is low season, with cold, dry days often between −5–5°C (23–41°F) and fewer crowds at major attractions.