Beijing blends imperial landmarks, grand boulevards, and modern skylines into one unforgettable city. You will find layered history, leafy hutongs, and a creative energy that feels both grounded and forward-looking.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
You can explore vast palace complexes, serene parks, and contemporary art districts, all linked by wide avenues and an extensive metro. The city feels monumental yet intimate, with quiet courtyards tucked just behind busy main roads.
Plan your trip
Beijing works well for first-time visitors and repeat trips, with easy access to sections of the Great Wall and other northern China highlights. Treat it as both a destination in its own right and a convenient gateway to the wider region.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through grand courtyards and intricate halls in this vast former imperial palace, taking in ornate roofs, carved stone details, and sweeping views from the ramparts.
Tiananmen Square
Stand in one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental architecture and wide open space that showcases Beijing’s dramatic sense of scale.
Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)
Escape into rolling hills and impressive stone ramparts on a day trip, choosing between more restored sections or quieter stretches with sweeping countryside views.
Summer Palace
Stroll lakeside promenades and ornate pavilions in this garden retreat, combining classical landscaping, hillside temples, and scenic boat rides.
Temple of Heaven Park
Visit iconic circular halls set within a vast park, and see how locals use the open spaces for music, exercise, and socialising throughout the day.
798 Art District
Explore a former factory area turned creative hub, filled with galleries, installations, and design shops lining pedestrian-friendly lanes.
Beijing hutongs
Wander narrow alleyways lined with courtyard homes, discovering small cafes, boutiques, and everyday neighbourhood life just off main roads.
Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Rely on Beijing’s metro for fast, affordable travel between major sights, supported by plentiful taxis and ride-hailing for door-to-door trips. For a slower perspective, try a short cycle or rickshaw ride through hutongs, then walk the last streets on foot to explore side alleys.
Local life & culture
You will see residents practising tai chi in parks, playing cards in courtyards, and gathering in squares for music and dance. Distinct neighbourhoods, from traditional hutongs to new business districts, show how historic rhythms sit alongside modern creative and tech scenes.
Where to unwind
Seek calm in the city’s parks and lakeside promenades, where you can enjoy soft morning light or golden late-afternoon views. Escape to hilltop temples or quieter palace gardens for fresh air, relaxed walks, and a slower pace away from main roads.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Try Beijing-style roast duck, hand-pulled noodles, and savoury pancakes from simple eateries and food streets around popular neighbourhoods. Look for lively local areas where small shops cluster along narrow lanes.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to mixed-use districts and large malls for a wide choice of regional Chinese dishes and international flavours in one place. Smaller portions and shared plates make it easy to sample several dishes in a single meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Reserve a table at restaurants with skyline or lakeside views for a memorable evening, especially around modern high-rise areas or older parkfront settings. Many venues pair refined menus with striking interiors or terraces overlooking city landmarks.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Discover large central malls that combine international brands, Chinese designers, cinemas, and dining in sleek indoor spaces. These lifestyle hubs are popular meeting points and make it easy to combine shopping with a relaxed meal.
Markets & local crafts
Browse streets and markets known for traditional handicrafts, artworks, and distinctive local labels, especially in older commercial districts and creative zones. You can find everything from textiles to decorative pieces within a few blocks.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls give Beijing a lively yet relaxed retail atmosphere. Well-connected metro lines and plentiful taxis help you move easily between districts even at night.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild, gradually warming days around 10–22°C (50–72°F), with blooming trees and generally comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer (June to August, peak season) is hot and often humid, with temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F) and occasional rain, but long daylight hours for extended exploring. Autumn and winter (September to February, shoulder to low season) range from crisp 8–20°C (46–68°F) in early autumn to cold, often dry conditions that can dip below 0°C (32°F) in mid-winter, offering clearer skies but requiring warm layers.