Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing combines grand imperial landmarks, wide boulevards, and evolving creative districts into one fascinating city. You can walk between ancient courtyards and gleaming towers, and experience a capital that feels both deeply historic and confidently modern.

What to expect
The city is structured around broad avenues, ring roads, and distinct neighbourhoods that each have a different character. From the Forbidden City and Tiananmen area to hutong alleyways and contemporary art zones, you will find a mix of monuments, quiet backstreets, and lively local streets.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone destination and a gateway to northern China. You can combine time in the city with day trips to sections of the Great Wall and high-speed rail journeys to nearby cities, making it easy to build a varied itinerary.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Explore the former imperial palace complex, with grand halls, courtyards, and intricate details reflecting centuries of history.

Tiananmen Square

Walk across one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by imposing public buildings and expansive open space.

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling

Take a day trip to see restored stretches of the Great Wall, with sweeping mountain views and well-marked walking routes.

Temple of Heaven Park

Wander through landscaped grounds and admire the distinctive circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, set within a vast park.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside pathways, ornamental bridges, and hillside pavilions in this former royal retreat on the city’s outskirts.

798 Art District

Discover a network of galleries, sculptures, and cafés housed in converted factory buildings in Beijing’s contemporary art hub.

Beijing hutongs

Explore traditional alleyway neighbourhoods lined with courtyards, small shops, and everyday local life close to the city centre.

Jingshan Park

Climb the central hill for panoramic views over the Forbidden City rooftops and the surrounding cityscape.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s extensive metro network is usually the fastest way to cover longer distances, supported by clearly signed stations and frequent services. Taxis and app-based rides offer flexibility for late evenings or when travelling in groups, while walking is ideal within core historic areas.

Local life & culture
You will notice a varied pace of life, from busy business districts to slower residential streets. Residents gather in parks and public squares to socialise, exercise, or play games, and creative energy is visible in repurposed industrial zones and cultural venues across the city.

Where to unwind
Beijing has many green spaces where you can take a break from the main roads. Parks with lakes, tree-lined paths, and pavilions are popular for gentle walks, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more comfortable.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for hearty northern flavours, from hand-pulled noodles to classic roast dishes. You can explore local eateries and simple shops in hutongs and older neighbourhoods, where menus often focus on a few well-prepared specialities.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the city, you will find contemporary dining areas with a mix of regional Chinese and international cuisines. Shopping and business districts often house food courts, cafés, and relaxed restaurants, making it easy to try several dishes in one outing.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants that offer views of the skyline or are set near historic landmarks and lakes. Many upscale venues focus on refined presentations and seasonal ingredients, which pair well with panoramic city vistas.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s modern malls combine international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining into all-in-one lifestyle centres. They are usually located near major metro interchanges, so you can easily add a shopping stop to a day of sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and markets are good places to look for souvenirs, decorative items, and everyday goods. Districts known for design stores and independent boutiques are also worth exploring if you are interested in contemporary local creativity.

Evening retail scene
Many shopping streets and plazas stay active into the evening, with illuminated façades and extended opening hours. Night-time strolls between shops, snack stalls, and cafés are popular, and public transport makes it straightforward to return to your accommodation afterwards.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May, shoulder season) brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures between 10°C and 22°C (50°F to 72°F). Blossoming trees and clearer skies make this a pleasant time for walking in parks and exploring outdoor sights.

Summer in Beijing (June to August, peak season) is warm to hot, typically ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Longer daylight hours suit full-day excursions to the Great Wall and evening walks, with many cultural events and outdoor activities on offer.

Autumn and winter in Beijing (September to February, low season) shift from crisp, dry autumn days of around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) to colder winter temperatures near or below 0°C (32°F). Clear days often offer excellent visibility, rewarding you with expansive city and mountain views.

Frequently Asked Questions