Beijing blends imperial history with bold modern architecture, where ancient lanes meet glittering skyscrapers. You can explore grand palaces, peaceful parks, and creative districts all in one trip.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
You will find wide boulevards, hidden hutong alleys, and landmark sights spread across a vast, fast-moving city. Distinct neighbourhoods range from historic quarters around the Forbidden City to contemporary art and business hubs.
Plan your trip
Beijing works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys that include sections of the Great Wall and other northern China highlights. Use it as a gateway to explore nearby ancient towns, mountain scenery, and onward cities across the region.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through vast courtyards, ornate gates, and classical halls in this former imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing.
Tiananmen Square
Visit one of the world s largest public squares, framed by grand monuments and museums, especially striking at sunrise or dusk.
Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling
Head into the hills outside Beijing to stroll along restored ramparts and towers with sweeping mountain views.
Summer Palace
Explore lakes, pavilions, and gardens where shaded walkways and painted corridors offer a calm escape from the city.
Temple of Heaven Park
Admire the temples distinctive architecture and watch locals practising tai chi, playing music, or enjoying games in the surrounding park.
798 Art District
Wander through repurposed factory buildings now filled with galleries, street art, design shops, and creative spaces.
Beijing hutongs
Stroll or cycle through narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes, small shops, and intimate cafes.
Experience Beijing s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use the extensive Beijing Metro for fast travel between major sights and business districts. Taxis and ride-hailing services work well for late evenings or shorter hops, while walking or cycling in hutong areas lets you enjoy a slower, more detailed view.
Local life & culture
You will notice early-morning exercise in parks, lively public squares in the evening, and a strong café and tea-house culture in creative districts. Traditional courtyard neighbourhoods sit alongside modern towers, reflecting both long history and present-day energy.
Where to unwind
Head to the city s major parks, such as Beihai Park or around the lakes of Shichahai, for leisurely walks and lakeside views. In the late afternoon and early evening, these green spaces are especially pleasant for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Try Beijing style dumplings, savoury pancakes, and skewers in lively street areas and local markets around hutong districts and university neighbourhoods.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Look to central mall complexes and mixed-use districts for casual spots serving regional Chinese dishes alongside Asian and Western favourites, with smaller plates that make it easy to sample a range of flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose a refined restaurant in historic courtyard settings or a high-rise venue with city views for a memorable evening, especially around major landmarks and business districts.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central shopping centres bring together international labels, Chinese designers, cinemas, and dining, becoming easy all-in-one stops for both browsing and meeting friends.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out traditional streets and dedicated craft areas for calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, and souvenirs, especially around older neighbourhoods and historic commercial lanes.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, illuminated shopping streets and night-time markets stay busy with locals and visitors. Metro lines and plentiful taxis make these areas straightforward to reach after dark.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring (April to May) is a shoulder season, with mild days around 15–25°C (59–77°F) and blooming parks, though temperatures can still vary. Summer (June to August) is the peak season, when temperatures often reach 25–32°C (77–90°F), with occasional hotter days and higher humidity. Autumn (September to October) is another shoulder season, offering clear skies and comfortable 10–22°C (50–72°F) conditions that suit outdoor sightseeing. Winter (November to March) is the low season, with cold, dry weather around -5–5°C (23–41°F) and occasional snow, rewarding you with quieter attractions.