Beijing blends ancient landmarks, grand boulevards, and modern towers into a powerful, atmospheric capital. You come for imperial palaces, world-famous monuments, and a fascinating window into China both past and present.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
Expect wide avenues, busy hutong alleyways, and impressive public squares framed by striking architecture. Historic temples and courtyards sit alongside gleaming business districts, with a fast-paced yet surprisingly calm rhythm in its parks and neighbourhoods.
Plan your trip
Beijing is an excellent starting point for exploring northern China, with fast rail links and domestic flights to many regions. Give yourself time for both the city and a day trip to the Great Wall to make the most of your journey.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through grand gates, vast courtyards, and finely detailed halls in this former imperial palace at the heart of Beijing.
Tiananmen Square
Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and symbolic landmarks, especially striking at sunrise.
Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling
Take a day trip to walk along restored sections of the Great Wall, with sweeping views of mountains and fortifications.
Summer Palace
Explore lakes, pavilions, and shaded walkways in this vast royal retreat, ideal for a peaceful escape from the city centre.
Temple of Heaven Park
Admire elegant ceremonial halls and watch locals practising tai chi and music in the surrounding parklands.
798 Art District
Discover contemporary galleries, street art, and creative studios housed in former factory buildings in this vibrant cultural zone.
Beijing hutongs
Stroll or cycle through historic alleyways such as Nanluoguxiang to see traditional courtyard homes and everyday neighbourhood life.
Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Beijing’s extensive metro network for fast, reliable travel between major sights, supported by plentiful buses and official taxis. For shorter hops in local neighbourhoods, walking or using licensed ride-hailing services helps you cover the last mile conveniently.
Local life & culture
You will see chess games, dance groups, and music performances in parks from early morning, while hutong lanes reveal slower-paced community life. Museums, theatres, and art districts showcase both classical traditions and bold contemporary expression.
Where to unwind
Relax in expansive green spaces such as Chaoyang Park or the lakeside paths of Houhai, best enjoyed in the soft light of early morning or evening. In cooler months, cosy teahouses and serene temple courtyards offer a calm break from the city bustle.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Sample Beijing specialities such as roast duck, savoury pancakes, and skewers in neighbourhoods around Dongcheng, Wangfujing, and lively hutong streets. Small eateries and food stalls are ideal for tasting a variety of local flavours.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to Sanlitun, the Central Business District, and major malls for stylish yet relaxed restaurants offering regional Chinese dishes and international cuisines. Many menus feature shareable plates, letting you try several flavours in one sitting.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, book a window table overlooking city skylines or historic rooftops in select hotels and rooftop venues. Around the lakes of Houhai and in renovated courtyards, you will find atmospheric restaurants perfect for special occasions.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Explore large shopping centres such as China World Mall, Taikoo Li Sanlitun, and Wangfujing’s modern complexes for international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining, all in sleek, air-conditioned settings.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out traditional handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs in areas like Panjiayuan, Dashilan, and streets off Nanluoguxiang, where smaller boutiques and stalls specialise in calligraphy, textiles, ceramics, and contemporary local labels.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and lively districts such as Wangfujing and Sanlitun stay open late, blending shops with cafés and bars. Metro lines and plentiful taxis make it easy to reach these areas and return to your hotel safely.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild days around 12–22°C (54–72°F), with blooming parks 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 showers, but long daylight hours. Autumn (September to early November, shoulder season) is typically dry and clear, with pleasant temperatures of 10–20°C (50–68°F) and colourful foliage. Winter (late November to February, low season) is cold and crisp, with temperatures often between -5 and 5°C (23–41°F), fewer crowds, and a chance of light snow.