Beijing is a city where imperial landmarks, wide boulevards, and creative districts sit side by side. You will find palaces, alleyways, and modern architecture woven into one compelling capital.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
Expect grand avenues, historic hutong neighbourhoods, and contemporary art zones, all connected by a busy metro. Beijing combines monumental scale with pockets of quiet courtyards and leafy parks.
Plan your trip
Use Beijing as a base to explore the Great Wall and other parts of northern China. Plan extra days to balance famous sights with time to wander local streets and emerging creative areas.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through vast courtyards, ornate halls, and intricate gates in this former imperial palace at the heart of Beijing.
Tiananmen Square
Visit one of the largest public squares in the world, framed by imposing buildings and monuments that define the city centre.
Temple of Heaven Park
Admire the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, then watch locals practising tai chi and music in the surrounding park.
Summer Palace
Escape to lakeside pavilions, long painted corridors, and wooded hills that formed a historic retreat for the imperial court.
Great Wall near Beijing
Take a day trip to restored sections such as Mutianyu or Badaling for sweeping views of the Wall snaking across the mountains.
798 Art District
Explore former factory buildings now filled with galleries, design shops, and street art in this creative quarter.
Beijing hutongs
Stroll or cycle through traditional alleyways to see courtyard homes, small cafés, and everyday neighbourhood life.
Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
The Beijing Subway is the fastest way to cross the city, supported by plentiful buses and taxis. For shorter distances, consider cycling or using shared bikes to enjoy the streets at a slower pace, then walk the final blocks through local lanes.
Local life & culture
In the mornings, parks fill with dancers, musicians, and exercise groups, while hutongs host family-run shops and studios. Cultural venues, theatres, and art districts showcase both classical performances and contemporary creativity.
Head to city parks such as Beihai Park or around the Houhai lakes for lakeside walks and boat rides, especially in the late afternoon. In summer, shaded courtyards and tree-lined streets offer a calm break from the city’s broad avenues.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Look for neighbourhood eateries and markets serving Beijing roast duck, hand-pulled noodles, and filled buns, especially around older hutong areas and lively local streets.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In commercial districts and shopping malls, you will find everything from noodle bars to contemporary bistros, with menus designed for sharing so you can sample several dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose a restaurant with views towards city landmarks or lakeside settings for a memorable evening, pairing regional cuisine with panoramic skyline or waterfront scenes.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in central districts bring together international fashion, local designers, cinemas, and cafés, making them easy all-weather stops for browsing and relaxing.
Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and side streets are good places to look for handicrafts, tea, calligraphy supplies, and contemporary local labels, especially in historic quarters and cultural districts.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and malls stay bright and lively, with illuminated façades and late-opening stores. Well-connected metro lines and taxis make these evening areas straightforward to reach.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring shoulder season (April to May) brings mild weather around 15–25°C (59–77°F), with blooming parks and generally comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer peak season (June to August) is hot, often 25–32°C (77–90°F), with busy attractions and longer daylight hours. Winter low season (December to February) is cold and dry, averaging -5–5°C (23–41°F), with crisp air and fewer crowds at major sights.