Flights from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends imperial landmarks, grand boulevards, and hidden courtyard lanes into one memorable city. You can explore centuries of history in a single day, then discover its modern creative districts and leafy parks in the evening.

What to expect
The city is defined by wide ring roads, restored hutong alleys, and striking architecture that ranges from palace complexes to sculptural skyscrapers. Districts such as Dongcheng and Xicheng feel historic and intimate, while Chaoyang showcases contemporary galleries, performance venues, and business hubs.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well for short city breaks and longer journeys that include nearby sections of the Great Wall and other northern China highlights. With its extensive transport links, it is also a practical gateway for connecting to other major cities in the region.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

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

Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling)

Take a day trip to walk along restored stretches of the Great Wall, with sweeping views over rolling hills.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside pathways, pavilions, and bridges in this landscaped retreat on the city’s outskirts.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore elegant historic halls, then watch locals practising music, dance, and games in the surrounding parkland.

Hutong alleyways

Wander narrow lanes lined with traditional courtyard homes, small cafés, and independent boutiques.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, street art, and design shops in a converted factory complex in Chaoyang.

Beijing Olympic Park

See modern landmarks such as the Bird’s Nest stadium and Water Cube, especially striking when lit up at night.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s extensive metro network is usually the fastest way to move between major sights and business districts. For shorter distances, licensed taxis and app-based ride services are convenient, while walking or cycling within hutong neighbourhoods offers a slower, more detailed view.

Local life & culture
Early mornings often begin in the city’s parks, where residents gather for gentle exercise, music, and social games. Around the hutongs, you will find a calmer pace with traditional courtyard homes sitting beside small cafés, bars, and creative studios that give these areas a distinct character.

Where to unwind
Large parks such as Chaoyang Park and the lakes around Shichahai offer green space, walking paths, and calm water views. In the warmer months, late afternoon and early evening are ideal times to visit, when the light softens and the temperature is comfortable for being outdoors.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for dishes such as roast duck, hand-pulled noodles, and filled buns, which you can sample in lively local streets and compact eateries. Neighbourhoods near the hutongs often have clusters of small venues where you can try different flavours in one walk.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping and business districts feature many casual restaurants offering regional Chinese cuisines alongside international favourites. Menus are often designed for sharing, so you can order several dishes to taste a broad range of flavours, making these areas useful when you are travelling with colleagues or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special night out, there are restaurants with views of historic rooftops, city lakes, or modern skylines. Some hotels and high-rise buildings house dining rooms where the outlook is part of the experience, allowing you to enjoy Beijing’s cityscape as daylight fades into evening lights.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in areas such as Wangfujing and the CBD bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining options under one roof. These complexes are popular places to meet friends, browse at a relaxed pace, and combine errands with a meal or coffee.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and specialist markets are good for browsing handicrafts, homeware, and everyday fashion. Districts such as Nanluoguxiang, Panjiayuan, and parts of Dashilan showcase everything from contemporary design pieces to traditional-style souvenirs and artworks.

Evening retail scene
After dark, major shopping streets and plazas are illuminated with vibrant signage and lighting. Some areas extend their opening hours into the evening, so you can shop or simply people-watch after dinner, with metro lines and other local transport making these districts straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is generally mild, with temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F). Blossoming trees and clearer skies make it a pleasant time for walking between historic sights and parks, and layers help you adapt to cooler mornings and evenings.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, typically between 22–31°C (72–88°F), with longer daylight hours and a lively atmosphere across the city. This is a popular time for family trips and outdoor activities, especially around lakes and green spaces.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is crisp and often clear, with temperatures from 8–20°C (46–68°F), ideal for visiting the Great Wall and city parks. Winter can be cold, often below 0–5°C (32–41°F), but offers quieter attractions, atmospheric cityscapes, and a different perspective on Beijing’s architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions