Beijing blends imperial landmarks, broad boulevards, and creative districts into a city that feels both historic and forward-looking. You will find grand palaces, leafy hutongs, and a dynamic arts and tech scene side by side.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
You can explore vast avenues, graceful parks, and quiet traditional alleys, then step into sleek shopping centres and galleries. Iconic sites such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen area anchor the city, while neighbourhoods like Sanlitun and 798 buzz late into the evening.
Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a stand-alone city break and a starting point for wider journeys across northern China. From here, it is easy to reach sections of the Great Wall, nearby historic towns, ski areas, and high-speed rail links to other major cities.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through vast courtyards, carved gateways, and ornate halls in this former imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing.
Tiananmen and the surrounding axis
Stroll Beijing's central north–south axis from Tiananmen area towards the Forbidden City, framed by monumental architecture and wide public squares.
Temple of Heaven Park
Visit the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and enjoy the surrounding park, where locals practise music, dance, and games.
Summer Palace
Explore lakes, pavilions, and wooded hillsides at this former royal retreat, with shaded walks and classic views over Kunming Lake.
Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling
Take a day trip to walk along restored stone ramparts and watchtowers, with sweeping mountain views just outside the city.
Houhai Lakes and hutongs
Wander narrow hutong lanes around the lakes, discovering courtyards, small cafes, and waterside promenades.
798 Art District
Browse galleries and design shops in a former industrial zone turned creative neighbourhood, filled with murals and contemporary art.
Olympic Green
See modern landmarks such as the Bird's Nest stadium and Water Cube, and enjoy open plazas and landscaped grounds.
Experience Beijing's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Beijing's metro is the quickest way to cover longer distances, with clear signage and frequent services across the city. Taxis and ride-hailing apps help with shorter hops, while cycling or walking through hutongs offers a slower, more intimate view of local life.
Local life & culture
You can watch morning tai chi in parks, see groups playing cards in hutong courtyards, and explore neighbourhoods where traditional courtyard homes sit beside creative studios. Modern culture flourishes in theatres, live music venues, and design spaces across the city.
Where to unwind
Relax in city parks such as Beihai or Jingshan, where hilltop viewpoints offer calm, especially at sunset. In warmer months, evening walks around the lakes provide a cool break, while many hotels and wellness centres offer spas and pools for a quiet pause from sightseeing.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Try Beijing roast duck, savoury pancakes, and skewers at local eateries and food streets, especially in older neighbourhoods and busy night-time lanes. Areas around Wangfujing and certain hutongs are known for stalls serving quick bites and regional snacks.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In districts like Sanlitun and around major malls, you will find relaxed restaurants serving Chinese regional cuisines, hotpot, and international dishes. Many places offer smaller sharing plates, making it easy to sample a range of flavours in one sitting.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, book a table in venues overlooking city landmarks or set within carefully restored courtyards. Rooftop and high-floor restaurants around central Beijing provide memorable views of the skyline, especially at dusk.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in areas such as Guomao and Xidan bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining, making them popular places to meet friends and spend an afternoon indoors.
Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and dedicated markets offer souvenirs, tea, paper goods, and handicrafts. Neighbourhoods near the old city, as well as design-focused zones around 798, are good for finding unique pieces and independent labels.
Evening retail scene
After dark, busy commercial streets light up with signs and storefronts, and some markets extend into the evening with food and small stalls. Well-connected metro lines and plentiful taxis make it simple to reach these areas and return to your hotel.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather, with temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F) and clearer skies, ideal for walking and sightseeing. Summer (June to August, peak season) is hot and often humid, with temperatures between 22–31°C (72–88°F), and this is when many domestic travellers visit. Autumn (September to early November, shoulder season) is usually dry and crisp, with temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F) and good conditions for visiting the Great Wall. Winter (late November to February, low season) is cold and dry, with average temperatures from -5 to 5°C (23–41°F), fewer crowds, and clear days that suit city photography if you dress warmly.