Flights from Hanoi (HAN) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing, where imperial heritage meets a dynamic capital

Beijing is a city where ancient palaces and broad, modern avenues sit side by side. As the capital of China, it offers a rich mix of monumental architecture, atmospheric old neighbourhoods, and ever-evolving creative districts. You can explore grand boulevards one moment, then step into quiet hutong lanes the next.

Beyond its famous landmarks, Beijing is a city of everyday life unfolding in parks, teahouses, and lively food streets. Locals gather for morning exercise, families stroll around lakes, and friends meet in contemporary cafes and galleries. Whether you are here for business, culture, or cuisine, Beijing rewards unhurried exploration.

The city is also a strategic gateway to northern China. High-speed rail and an extensive metro network make it easy to reach surrounding sights and districts. With each visit, new layers of the city reveal themselves, from cutting-edge design hubs to well-preserved courtyards and leafy residential areas.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest city squares, framed by imposing buildings and important cultural institutions.

Great Wall at Mutianyu

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

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and shady walkways in this expansive former royal retreat on the city’s edge.

798 Art District

Explore contemporary galleries, outdoor sculptures, and design shops in a former industrial area turned creative hub.

Experience Beijing’s culture and city life

Beijing invites you to experience its culture in many ways, from leisurely walks through historic hutong neighbourhoods to evenings spent around traditional courtyards. Join a guided walking tour to learn how these alleyways evolved over centuries, and pause at small teahouses or cosy cafes as you go. Around the city’s lakes, you can rent a bicycle or take a relaxed stroll, watching local life along the waterfront.

The city’s parks offer a window into daily routines. Early in the morning you might see residents practising tai chi or playing music, while afternoons bring families and groups of friends enjoying the open spaces. In the evening, many cultural venues host theatre performances, acrobatics, or live music, giving you different ways to connect with Beijing’s creative side.

For a broader view of the region, consider a day trip with a local guide to sections of the Great Wall surrounded by hills and countryside. Back in the city, modern complexes such as the Central Business District and new cultural districts showcase contemporary architecture, design, and an evolving urban lifestyle.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing’s dining scene brings together longstanding culinary traditions and contemporary influences. You can enjoy classic local dishes in time-honoured restaurants, then discover innovative interpretations in sleek, modern dining rooms. Food streets and neighbourhood eateries serve everything from hearty northern noodles to delicate snacks.

A highlight for many visitors is sampling roast duck, served with crisp skin, soft pancakes, and fresh accompaniments. Beyond this emblematic dish, you will find a wide choice of regional Chinese cuisines represented across the city, each with its distinctive flavours and cooking styles. International restaurants, bakeries, and cafes add even more variety for longer stays.

For a more casual experience, explore evening food markets and lively side streets where stalls and small shops offer steaming dumplings, grilled skewers, and other specialities. Many shopping malls and office districts also feature curated food courts, making it easy to combine dining with sightseeing or business meetings.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Shopping in Beijing ranges from modern malls housing global brands to streets lined with independent boutiques and local design stores. In the city centre, large retail complexes offer fashion, lifestyle goods, and technology, along with convenient dining and entertainment options under one roof.

Traditional shopping streets showcase handicrafts, tea, silk, and calligraphy supplies, giving you a chance to bring home items that reflect local culture. Smaller workshops and studios sometimes open their doors to visitors, where you can see artisans at work and learn more about their craft.

For contemporary style and design, creative districts and newer commercial areas feature multi-brand concept stores, galleries that sell limited-edition pieces, and pop-up spaces. Whether you are looking for a practical travel item, a thoughtful gift, or a distinctive keepsake, Beijing offers many places to browse at your own pace.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May, around 10–22°C / 50–72°F) is shoulder season, with gradually warming days and blooming parks. It is a pleasant time for walking tours, lakeside strolls, and visits to major sites without the higher summer temperatures.

Summer (June to August, around 22–31°C / 72–88°F) is peak season, with long daylight hours and a lively atmosphere across the city. This is a popular period for family trips, outdoor activities in parks, and excursions to the Great Wall amid lush green hills.

Autumn and winter (September to February, around -5–20°C / 23–68°F) are low season, bringing crisp, clear days in autumn and colder winter temperatures. Autumn foliage around the city’s parks and hills can be especially scenic, while winter offers quieter attractions and a distinct seasonal character.

Frequently Asked Questions