Beijing blends ancient imperial landmarks with a fast paced modern cityscape. You can explore centuries of history while experiencing a growing creative and tech scene.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
Expect broad avenues, traditional hutong lanes, and striking architecture from palaces to contemporary towers. The city feels energetic yet layered, with distinct neighbourhoods and plenty of green spaces.
Plan your trip
Beijing works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys that include the Great Wall and other regional highlights. It is also a key gateway for travel across northern and north eastern China.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through grand courtyards and ornate halls in this vast former imperial palace at the heart of Beijing.
Tiananmen Square
Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and close to key museums.
Temple of Heaven Park
Stroll among historic ceremonial halls and peaceful cypress trees where locals gather for music, dance, and exercise.
Summer Palace
Explore lakes, pavilions, and winding walkways in this former royal retreat on the city’s north western edge.
Great Wall near Beijing
Take a day trip to nearby Great Wall sections, where stone ramparts climb ridgelines with sweeping valley views.
Beijing hutongs
Wander narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes, small shops, and neighbourhood cafés.
798 Art District
Discover galleries, street art, and design stores in this repurposed factory area that showcases Beijing’s contemporary creativity.
Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Beijing’s extensive metro network for fast, reliable journeys between major sights, and taxis or ride hailing for late night travel. For shorter distances, walking or cycling in hutong areas offers a closer look at local life, with metro stations providing an easy last mile connection.
Local life & culture
Join residents in parks during early mornings, when you will see tai chi, dancing, and games. In the evenings, explore districts such as Shichahai and Qianmen to experience a mix of traditional courtyards, local performances, and lively streets.
Where to unwind
Head to city parks and lakeside promenades around Beihai or the Olympic Forest Park for a quieter side of Beijing. Visit near sunrise or around sunset for softer light, cooler temperatures, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Try Beijing specialities such as roast duck, hand pulled noodles, and savoury pancakes in older neighbourhoods and local food streets like Wangfujing and Niujie, where stalls and small eateries sit side by side.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Explore areas such as Sanlitun and CBD malls for easygoing restaurants offering everything from northern Chinese dishes to pan Asian and Western favourites, with smaller portions and shared plates that make it simple to sample a range of flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose a rooftop or high floor restaurant around the central business district or near the historic core for city views, or dine in restored courtyard houses for an intimate setting that highlights Beijing’s architectural character.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Visit large shopping centres in areas like Sanlitun and Wangfujing for international brands, local designers, cinemas, and cafés, where shopping easily blends with dining and people watching.
Markets & local crafts
Browse neighbourhood streets and smaller markets around Panjiayuan, Nanluoguxiang, and Dashilan for traditional crafts, calligraphy, and contemporary local labels.
Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping streets and plazas remain brightly lit, with night time browsing and outdoor performances common in busy districts. The metro and plentiful taxis make it simple to reach these areas in the evening.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring shoulder season (April to May) brings mild, dry weather, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), ideal for sightseeing and walking in parks. Summer peak season (June to August) is hot and often humid, with averages of 26–30°C (79–86°F) and school holiday crowds. Autumn shoulder season (September to October) offers comfortable days around 15–20°C (59–68°F), clearer skies, and colourful foliage. Winter low season (November to March) is cold and crisp, with averages often between -5 and 5°C (23–41°F), fewer visitors, and a quieter city feel.