Flights from Adelaide (ADL) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing combines grand boulevards, historic hutong lanes, and monumental landmarks, giving you a powerful sense of the past alongside a fast-moving modern city. From imperial architecture to creative districts, you experience a destination that is both historic and forward-looking.

What to expect
You will find wide avenues lined with contemporary towers, traditional courtyard homes tucked into side streets, and major cultural sites spread across the city. Distinct neighbourhoods, from business hubs to arts districts, offer varied atmospheres, all linked by an extensive metro system.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring other parts of northern and central China. With its large railway and air connections, you can easily add nearby sections of the Great Wall or further cities to your itinerary.

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

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by important cultural buildings and striking monuments.

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Take a day trip to this scenic, restored stretch of the Great Wall, known for its forested hills and panoramic views.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside paths, pavilions, and bridges in this expansive historic retreat on the outskirts of the city.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore impressive historical structures set within a vast park that is also a popular place for local exercise and music.

798 Art District

Discover galleries, design shops, and cafés in a former industrial area that has become a contemporary arts hub.

Shichahai and hutong lanes

Wander around lakes and narrow lanes lined with traditional courtyard houses, small bars, and teahouses.

Jingshan Park

Climb the hill for one of the best elevated views over the Forbidden City and central Beijing, especially at sunset.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s metro network is the most efficient way to cover longer distances, with clear signage and frequent trains. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful for late evenings or reaching less-connected areas, while walking is ideal within central districts once you are in the neighbourhood you wish to explore.

Local life & culture
In the mornings, parks fill with locals practising exercise, dance, and music, giving you a glimpse of community life. Creative districts, university areas, and hutong neighbourhoods each have their own pace, from relaxed courtyard cafés to lively streets that stay busy well into the evening.

Where to unwind
Parks such as Chaoyang Park and the lakes around Shichahai offer space to slow down with shaded paths and waterfront views. In cooler months, clear days are ideal for viewpoints like Jingshan Park, while in warmer weather, evenings bring a comfortable breeze and softer light over the city skyline.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can try classic Beijing-style dishes in neighbourhoods known for small eateries and snack stalls, where steaming dumplings, savoury pancakes, and noodles are popular choices. Areas around traditional hutong lanes and local markets are good starting points for sampling everyday favourites.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping and business districts are lined with casual restaurants and food courts serving flavours from across China and beyond. Menus often feature smaller plates and shared dishes, making it easy to try several items in one meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, head to restaurants overlooking city landmarks or skyline views for carefully presented regional cuisine. Some venues combine contemporary interiors with large windows or terraces, turning dinner into an occasion that matches the surrounding cityscape.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in districts such as Wangfujing and Sanlitun bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and plenty of dining options. These complexes are popular meeting spots, where browsing, eating, and entertainment all blend into one outing.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and creative quarters are where you can look for handicrafts, contemporary design pieces, and souvenirs. Neighbourhoods like Dashilan, Nanluoguxiang, and the 798 Art District showcase everything from traditional-style items to modern art and fashion from local labels.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and lively pedestrian areas create a different atmosphere, with shops, cafés, and bars staying open into the night. It is easy to reach these zones by metro or taxi, allowing you to enjoy an unhurried evening of browsing and people-watching.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is generally mild, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). You can expect blooming parks, clearer skies, and comfortable conditions for walking between major sights, making it a pleasant time to explore both historic areas and modern districts.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, with typical temperatures between 22–30°C (72–86°F) and higher on some days. Longer daylight hours let you fit more into each day, and many outdoor spaces, lakes, and parks feel lively well into the evening.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – September to February, shoulder season and low season
Autumn is often clear and comfortable, around 10–22°C (50–72°F), with crisp air that suits city walks and Great Wall excursions. Winter can be cold, from -5–5°C (23–41°F), but offers quiet attractions, festive lights, and a different perspective on Beijing’s streets and skyline.

Frequently Asked Questions