Flights from Phnom Penh (KTI) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends imperial history with a fast-paced modern cityscape, where grand avenues, leafy hutong lanes, and striking contemporary architecture sit side by side. You can explore centuries of culture in a city that continues to reinvent itself.

What to expect
You will find broad boulevards, hidden courtyard homes, and landmark sites spread across a vast urban area, connected by an extensive metro system. Districts like Chaoyang and Wangfujing showcase gleaming towers, cultural venues, and lively streets that stay active well into the evening.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a short city break and a starting point for exploring northern China, including nearby stretches of the Great Wall. With its mix of museums, parks, and day trips, you can easily tailor an itinerary that balances sightseeing with time to relax.

Top sights in Beijing

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling

Walk along restored ramparts, admire panoramic views of rolling hills, and see one of the world’s most iconic fortifications up close.

Forbidden City

Explore a vast complex of courtyards, halls, and gates that once formed the heart of imperial life in Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Visit this expansive central square, framed by grand public buildings and monuments, to appreciate Beijing’s monumental scale.

Summer Palace

Stroll through lakeside gardens, shaded walkways, and ornate pavilions set around Kunming Lake on Beijing’s north-western edge.

Temple of Heaven Park

Wander through landscaped grounds, admire elegant historic structures, and watch locals practising morning exercises and music.

798 Art District

Discover galleries, street art, and creative spaces housed in former factory buildings, alongside cafés and design shops.

Houhai and the hutongs

Walk or cycle around lakeside paths and narrow lanes lined with courtyard houses, small bars, and relaxed eateries.

Jingshan Park

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

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Beijing Metro is the fastest way to cover longer distances, with clear signage and frequent trains across the city. For shorter hops, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available. In hutong areas, walking or cycling lets you appreciate the details of traditional lanes.

Local life & culture
You can see everyday life in parks at dawn, where residents gather for exercise, dance, and music. Neighbourhoods each have a distinct character, from creative zones like 798 to the business focus of Guomao. Cultural venues, theatres, and small performance spaces add depth to an evening out.

Where to unwind
Urban parks and lakes, including Beihai and Houhai, offer a slower pace with tree-lined paths and waterside views. In warmer months, early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to explore outdoor spaces. During cooler seasons, indoor teahouses provide a calm escape from busy streets.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local flavours at small eateries and simple shops scattered through hutong areas and older neighbourhoods. Look out for specialties such as roast duck, hand-pulled noodles, and filled pancakes, often prepared in open kitchens where you can watch the cooking in action.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and commercial districts like Wangfujing and Sanlitun offer a wide range of casual restaurants and cafés, from local kitchens to international chains. Menus often feature dishes served in shared plates, making it easy to try several flavours in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider restaurants with city views or historic courtyard settings, where architecture and atmosphere enhance the meal. High-rise hotels and buildings across Chaoyang, central Beijing, and around the lakes provide elevated vantage points, especially striking after dark.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls around Guomao, Xidan, and Wangfujing bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and extensive dining choices. These centres are popular meeting spots where you can combine shopping, a relaxed meal, and entertainment in one stop.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller shopping streets and creative districts are ideal for discovering local labels, souvenirs, and design pieces. Areas such as Dashilan, 798 Art District, and selected hutong lanes feature boutiques and studios where you can browse at a slower pace.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls create a lively atmosphere, especially in Wangfujing and Sanlitun. Many areas remain active into the evening, so you can easily browse or dine after a day of sightseeing, with public transport and taxis making returns to your hotel straightforward.

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). Trees and parks come back to life, making outdoor sightseeing pleasant. It is a good time for walking the city and day trips before the hotter months arrive.

Summer (Xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, with averages of 25–30°C (77–86°F) and higher daytime peaks. Longer daylight hours give you more time to explore, and parks feel particularly vibrant. Light clothing and sun protection help you stay comfortable on city walks and Great Wall excursions.

Autumn and Winter (Qiu and Dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is crisp and clear, with 10–20°C (50–68°F) temperatures and many visitors enjoying comfortable conditions and colourful foliage. Winter can be cold, often below 0–5°C (32–41°F), but offers quiet sights and a distinctive seasonal atmosphere if you pack warm clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions