Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a city where imperial palaces, broad avenues, and creative districts sit side by side. You will find grand landmarks, leafy parks, and a fast-changing skyline that reflects both deep history and modern ambition.

What to expect
The city is built on a generous scale, with wide ring roads, spacious squares, and large public spaces. Neighbourhoods range from traditional courtyard lanes to sleek business districts, giving you many different faces of the city in a single stay.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a stand-alone city break and a starting point for exploring wider northern China. From here you can connect easily to other major cities, high-speed rail hubs, and sections of countryside famed for dramatic landscapes.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through vast palace courtyards, ornate halls, and richly decorated gates in this former imperial residence at the heart of Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the worlds largest public squares, framed by grand architecture and serving as a central reference point for the city.

Great Wall of China (near Beijing)

Take a day trip to one of the restored sections of the Great Wall, where mountain views and stone ramparts stretch into the distance.

Summer Palace

Explore lakeside pavilions, shaded walkways, and hilltop views in this expansive former royal retreat on the citys outskirts.

Temple of Heaven Park

Stroll through a vast park dotted with impressive historic structures and open lawns popular with locals practising morning exercises.

798 Art District

Discover galleries, studios, and design shops in a former industrial complex that has become a centre for contemporary art.

Beihai Park

Enjoy a lakeside escape close to the city centre, with islands, viewpoints, and boating available in warmer months.

Houhai Lakes area

Walk around interconnected lakes lined with cafés and bars, especially atmospheric in the evening when the waterfront lights up.

Experience Beijings everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing is best navigated using the extensive metro network, which is usually the fastest way to cover longer distances. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work well for shorter hops, especially in the evening, while walking within central districts lets you explore side streets at a slower pace.

Local life & culture
In the mornings, parks and public squares fill with residents taking walks, meeting friends, or enjoying gentle exercise. Older neighbourhoods of narrow lanes show a more traditional rhythm, while newer districts showcase modern galleries, cafés, and performance venues that draw a younger crowd.

Where to unwind
You can relax beside lakes and tree-lined paths in central parks, which feel especially calm on weekday mornings. In summer, shaded gardens and waterside promenades provide a welcome break from the heat, while clear autumn days make outdoor viewpoints around the city particularly rewarding.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You will find snack stalls and small eateries serving classic northern dishes, from savoury pancakes to hearty dumplings. Lively neighbourhoods and older streets are ideal for sampling a variety of quick bites in a single walk.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls and new commercial districts offer a wide range of regional Chinese cuisines alongside international options. Menus are often designed for sharing, so you can try several dishes with friends or family in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant with views of historic rooftops, city lakes, or the modern skyline. Some venues combine refined interiors with outlooks over parks or wide boulevards, creating a relaxed setting for a special meal.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijings large shopping centres gather fashion brands, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and eateries under one roof. They are convenient places to combine shopping with dining, especially during hot summers or colder winter days.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the main streets, you can explore smaller boutiques and creative spaces showcasing design pieces, ceramics, and contemporary art. Districts known for galleries or older low-rise buildings often hide interesting shops down side alleys.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many commercial streets and plazas are lit with colourful signs and animated screens, creating a lively atmosphere. Extended opening hours make it easy to browse after dinner, and public transport keeps these areas straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun tian) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing sees gradually warming days, with average temperatures from 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F). Blossoms and clearer skies make parks and lakeside walks appealing, and it is a pleasant time for city sightseeing.

Summer (xia tian) – June to August, peak season
Summer is warm to hot, with averages around 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) and higher daytime peaks. Longer daylight hours suit evening strolls around lakes and busy shopping streets, and many cultural venues run full programmes.

Autumn and winter (qiu dong ji jie) – September to February, low season
Autumn brings comfortable temperatures, roughly 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and can offer crisp, bright days that are ideal for outdoor landmarks. Winters are cold, often below 0°C (32°F), but the drier air and thinner crowds can make major sights feel calm and spacious.

Frequently Asked Questions