Flights from Colombo (CMB) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing combines ancient landmarks with broad, modern avenues and leafy parks, giving you a powerful sense of history and energy in one city. From imperial palaces to contemporary art districts, you will find a mix of tradition and innovation at every turn.

What to expect
The city is built on a grand scale, with wide boulevards, ring roads, and distinct neighbourhoods that each offer a different atmosphere. You can move between restored hutong lanes, cutting-edge galleries, and serene lakeside parks, all connected by an extensive and efficient metro network.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone destination and a starting point for exploring northern China. You can base yourself in the central districts for easy access to major sights, then take day trips to the Great Wall and nearby scenic areas, making the most of your time in the region.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through grand courtyards, ornate halls, and intricate roofs in this vast former imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing.

Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)

Take a day trip to these popular sections of the Great Wall to enjoy mountain scenery, restored ramparts, and sweeping views.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world's largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and close to many of Beijing's key attractions.

Summer Palace

Explore landscaped gardens, decorative bridges, and lakeside walkways in this historic retreat on the edge of the city.

Temple of Heaven Park

Stroll through spacious grounds surrounding the iconic circular hall, and see how locals use the park for exercise and socialising.

Houhai Lakes

Enjoy a relaxed walk or boat ride around the interconnected lakes, with historic alleys and lively cafés nearby.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, design shops, and outdoor installations in this repurposed industrial area in north-east Beijing.

Nanluoguxiang and nearby hutongs

Wander narrow lanes lined with courtyards, small boutiques, and cafés that showcase a blend of old architecture and modern life.

Experience Beijing's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing's metro is usually the quickest and most convenient way to cover longer distances, with clear signage and frequent trains. For shorter hops, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used, while walking through hutong neighbourhoods lets you appreciate local details at a slower pace.

Local life & culture
In the early morning you may see residents practising tai chi, dancing, or playing traditional instruments in parks and open squares. Smaller side streets are where daily life unfolds, from casual games in front of neighbourhood shops to friends gathering at local tea houses and cafés.

Where to unwind
Beijing offers many green pockets where you can step away from busy roads, including lakeside parks and tree-lined walking paths. Early mornings and late afternoons bring cooler temperatures and softer light, making it a comfortable time to relax on a bench, enjoy the scenery, or take a leisurely stroll.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can sample classic Beijing flavours at small neighbourhood eateries and casual snack streets, where skewers, filled buns, and local pancakes are popular. Areas around universities and older residential districts often have clusters of stalls and family-run shops open late into the evening.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and mixed-use complexes across the city house a wide range of Chinese regional cuisines, along with international favourites. Menus tend to feature dishes sized for sharing, so you can try several flavours at once when dining with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special meal, consider restaurants overlooking historic rooftops, city lakes, or the modern skyline. Many venues in central districts offer private rooms or window-side seating, allowing you to pair refined cooking with memorable views of Beijing's urban landscape.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in central and eastern Beijing bring together international fashion brands, lifestyle labels, cinemas, and extensive dining options. These complexes are popular meeting points, especially in the evenings and at weekends, when families and friends gather for shopping and entertainment.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller boutiques and local designers, explore neighbourhood streets in areas such as 798 Art District, Gulou, and Sanlitun's side lanes. Here you may find handcrafted accessories, homeware, and contemporary takes on traditional motifs, ideal for thoughtful souvenirs.

Evening retail scene
After dark, commercial streets and plazas light up with illuminated façades and busy food courts, creating a lively backdrop for browsing and people-watching. Many districts stay open until late, and the metro makes it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel comfortably.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun tian), March to May, brings gradually warming days with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F), clear skies, and blossoming parks, and is considered a shoulder season. It is a pleasant time for city walks and exploring historic sites before peak summer crowds.

Summer (xia tian), June to August, is warm to hot, with averages between 22–30°C (72–86°F), occasional higher peaks, and brief showers, and is regarded as the peak season. Longer daylight hours allow you to combine indoor sightseeing with relaxed evenings around the city lakes.

Autumn and winter (qiu tian and dong tian), September to February, range from cool to cold, with autumn averages of 10–18°C (50–64°F) and winter often between -5–5°C (23–41°F), forming a low season. Crisp, dry days in autumn are especially popular for visiting the Great Wall and enjoying clear city views.

Frequently Asked Questions