Flights from Kolkata (CCU) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a city where imperial landmarks, broad avenues, and evolving creative districts sit side by side. You can explore centuries of history in a single day, then step into modern neighbourhoods filled with design, culture, and performance.

What to expect
The city is anchored by wide boulevards, historic hutong alleyways, and grand squares, with distinct districts for government, culture, and business. You will find world-famous palaces and walls, leafy parks, and an increasingly vibrant contemporary arts and café scene.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring northern China. Efficient rail and air links connect you to other major cities and scenic regions, so you can easily combine the capital with mountains, coastlines, or historic towns nearby.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling

Take a day trip to these restored sections of the Great Wall for sweeping mountain views and iconic photos.

Tiananmen Square

Experience the scale of one of the world’s largest city squares, framed by important cultural and historical buildings.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside pathways, bridges, and pavilions in this expansive royal garden retreat on the city’s edge.

Temple of Heaven Park

Admire the circular hall and surrounding park, where locals often gather for music, dance, and tai chi.

798 Art District

Explore galleries, public art, and design shops set in converted factory buildings in this creative neighbourhood.

Beihai Park and Houhai lakes

Enjoy boat rides, lakeside walks, and charming lanes lined with cafés and traditional courtyard homes.

Wangfujing area

Combine an evening stroll with shopping and tasting local snacks along one of Beijing’s best-known commercial streets.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s extensive metro network is often the quickest way to cover longer distances, especially at busy times. Taxis and app-based ride services are easy to find for door-to-door trips, while walking or cycling gives you a closer look at hutong alleyways and lakeside districts.

Local life & culture
You can see everyday life unfold in neighbourhood parks, local squares, and residential lanes, where people gather to chat, play games, and exercise. Traditional courtyard homes stand near modern apartment towers, and cultural venues host regular performances, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year.

Where to unwind
Large parks and lakes offer calm spaces in every season, from blossom-filled spring days to crisp winter walks. Early mornings are ideal for a quiet stroll, while late afternoons bring softer light over gardens, waterfront promenades, and hilltop viewpoints across the city.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for dishes such as roast duck, hearty noodles, and stuffed buns, which you will find in traditional restaurants and small neighbourhood eateries. Food streets and older districts offer plenty of options for quick snacks and late-night bites.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping areas and mixed-use complexes bring together cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants serving regional and international cuisines. You can easily share several smaller plates with friends or family, allowing you to sample different flavours in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, consider dining rooms with views over lakes, historic rooftops, or sleek city skylines. Some hotels and standalone venues pair refined menus with picture windows or terraces, turning your meal into a memorable part of your Beijing stay.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres bring together international brands, local retailers, cinemas, and restaurants under one roof. These lifestyle hubs are popular meeting points, offering convenient places to shop, dine, and take a break between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and older commercial streets are good places to look for handmade items, decorative pieces, and contemporary Chinese design. Areas such as Nanluoguxiang, Panjiayuan, and parts of the 798 Art District showcase a mix of traditional crafts and modern creativity.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated streets and commercial districts stay lively with shops, eateries, and entertainment. Some pedestrian zones host pop-up stalls and seasonal events, and you can usually reach them easily by metro or other public transport from most parts of the city.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Beijing is mild, with average temperatures around 12–20°C (54–68°F). Trees and parks come back to life, creating pleasant conditions for long city walks and day trips, with generally comfortable sightseeing weather.

Summer warmth (June to August, peak season)
Summer brings warm to hot days, with averages of 24–30°C (75–86°F). This is a lively period with longer daylight hours, making it easy to fit in both city exploration and excursions to nearby sections of the Great Wall.

Autumn colours (September to November, shoulder season)
Autumn is often clear and cool, with temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). Parks and surrounding hills turn colourful, and the crisp air creates inviting conditions for outdoor activities and exploring historic sites.

Winter calm (December to February, low season)
Winters are cold, typically around -5–5°C (23–41°F), but the city can feel quieter at major attractions. Clear days offer sharp views of landmarks, and you can enjoy atmospheric walks through parks, lakeside areas, and hutong lanes in your warmest layers.

Frequently Asked Questions