Beijing blends imperial history, grand avenues, and modern skylines in one compelling city. You find ancient palaces and hutong lanes sitting beside contemporary art districts and new business quarters.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
Expect wide boulevards, monumental squares, and a mix of historic neighbourhoods and cutting-edge architecture. The city feels energetic yet spacious, with a fast-paced metro system connecting most key sights.
Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a stand-alone city break and a gateway to explore northern and central China. Plan time for major landmarks, plus at least one day for an excursion to the Great Wall.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through vast courtyards and ornate halls in this former imperial palace complex, now one of the citys most impressive heritage sites.
Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Jinshanling)
Head out of the city to hike restored sections of the Great Wall, where you can follow ancient ramparts over rugged ridgelines with sweeping views.
Tiananmen Square
Visit one of the worlds largest public squares, framed by grand buildings and monuments, and often the starting point for exploring nearby historic landmarks.
Temple of Heaven Park
Explore the striking Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and watch locals practising tai chi, music, and traditional games in the surrounding parkland.
Summer Palace
Stroll lakeside paths, painted corridors, and pavilions in this former royal retreat, with scenic hilltop views back over the water.
Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
Admire richly decorated halls, courtyards, and intricate carvings at one of Beijings best-preserved historic temple complexes.
798 Art District
Wander converted factory spaces now filled with contemporary galleries, design shops, and creative cafés, showcasing Beijings modern art scene.
Historic hutong lanes
Lose yourself in narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard homes, where small boutiques, teahouses, and cafés sit alongside everyday local life.
Experience Beijings everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use the extensive metro network for fast, reliable journeys between major districts, then switch to taxis or ride-hailing apps for late-night or cross-town trips. In compact areas, walking or cycling gives you a close-up view of hutongs and local streets.
Local life & culture
You see residents practising dance, music, and exercise in parks at dawn, while older neighbourhoods host games of cards and chess on the pavement. Modern shopping and business zones add a polished contrast to the slower rhythm of the traditional lanes.
Where to unwind
Escape to leafy parks such as Jingshan Park or the lakes around Shichahai for gentle walks and calm water views, especially at sunset. In warmer months, the grounds of the Summer Palace offer longer, scenic strolls among trees and hills.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Look for roast duck restaurants, hand-pulled noodles, and jianbing savoury pancakes in busy local streets and near traditional markets. Night-time snack streets showcase skewers, buns, and regional bites from across China.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and newer commercial areas pack in casual eateries, hotpot spots, and modern cafés, where menus often mix regional Chinese dishes with Asian and Western options. Smaller plates and shared dishes make it easy to sample a variety of flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Treat yourself to refined restaurants overlooking historic lakes, rooftop venues with skyline views, or elegant spots in restored courtyard houses. Many premium dining rooms pair well-presented menus with city vistas for a memorable evening.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in central districts combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining, making them easy one-stop choices for an afternoon indoors. They often host pop-up events and seasonal displays.
Markets & local crafts
Speciality streets and markets feature silk items, tea, antiques, and handicrafts, alongside stalls selling modern souvenirs and design pieces. Look out for smaller boutiques tucked into hutong lanes for more individual finds.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and commercial plazas stay lively, with stores, cafés, and entertainment venues open into the evening. The metro and plentiful taxis help you reach these areas comfortably at night.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring (April to May, shoulder season) brings mild, gradually warming days of about 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F), with blooming parks and generally clear conditions, though temperatures can still shift quickly. Summer (June to August, peak season) is hot and often humid, with average highs of 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F) and short, occasionally heavy showers, making light clothing and sun protection important. Autumn (September to October, shoulder season) is one of the most pleasant times, with comfortable days around 15 to 22°C (59 to 72°F), lower humidity, and good visibility for city views and Great Wall excursions. Winter (November to March, low season) is cold and dry, with temperatures around -5 to 5°C (23 to 41°F), fewer crowds at major sights, and crisp, clear days if you pack proper layers.