Flights from Bangkok (BKK) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends imperial heritage with a fast-paced modern skyline, where grand avenues lead to quiet courtyards and contemporary art spaces. You can explore monuments that shaped history, then step into leafy parks and vibrant neighbourhoods that show the citys creative side.

What to expect
The city is built on an orderly grid, centred around broad Chang’an Avenue and framed by ring roads that link key districts such as Dongcheng, Chaoyang, and Haidian. Expect wide boulevards, bustling subway stations, and areas where historic hutong lanes sit close to glass towers and sleek shopping complexes.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a short city break and the starting point for a wider journey through northern and central China. From here, you can reach several Great Wall sections, explore surrounding lakes and mountains, or connect onward by high-speed rail to other major cities.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through grand gates and intricate courtyards in this vast former imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the worlds largest public squares, framed by imposing buildings and ceremonial avenues.

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Take a day trip to this scenic, well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its forested ridges and watchtowers.

Summer Palace

Stroll beside lakes, pavilions, and landscaped hills in this expansive royal retreat on the citys north-western edge.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore elegant historic halls set within a large park where locals gather to socialise and exercise.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, sculptures, and creative studios housed in repurposed factory buildings.

Shichahai and hutong alleys

Wander around connected lakes and narrow lanes lined with courtyards, cafés, and small boutiques.

Olympic Green

See striking modern landmarks such as the Bird’s Nest stadium and Water Cube set within landscaped grounds.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Beijing Subway is usually the fastest way to cross the city, linking major sights, business areas, and railway stations. Taxis and app-based rides help with door-to-door journeys, while cycling or using shared bikes offers a slower, scenic way to explore hutong neighbourhoods and lakeside paths.

Local life & culture
In the early morning, parks fill with residents walking, stretching, and practising group exercises. Later in the day, you will notice families, students, and office workers gathering in lively streets, teahouses, and cultural venues. Creative districts mix studios, design shops, and performance spaces, giving a sense of a city that is always evolving.

Where to unwind
Beijing offers many places to slow down, from lakeside promenades at Houhai to wooded hills around the Summer Palace. City parks provide calm corners for reading or people-watching, especially in the softer light of late afternoon. On clear days, viewpoints on nearby hills offer broad views across the skyline.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can sample classic Beijing flavours at casual eateries and food streets, where stalls serve items such as roast meats, filled pancakes, and skewers. Older neighbourhoods and night-time snack areas are ideal for trying simple, freshly cooked dishes side by side.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and business areas are dotted with modern cafés, bakeries, and family-friendly restaurants offering regional Chinese cuisines and international options. Menus often feature sharing plates and smaller portions, making it easy to try a mix of tastes in one meal with friends or colleagues.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, you will find refined restaurants with open kitchens and attentive service, some overlooking city landmarks or hidden within restored courtyards. High-rise venues offer skyline views, while lakeside and historic-area restaurants provide a more intimate setting for a memorable evening.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Beijing features large malls where international brands sit alongside local designers, cinemas, and lifestyle stores. These complexes often include wide indoor promenades, making them convenient year-round meeting spots for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and dedicated markets offer places to look for handicrafts, souvenirs, and locally designed items. Districts such as Wangfujing, Nanluoguxiang, and the 798 Art District showcase everything from traditional-inspired pieces to contemporary design and art books.

Evening retail scene
As evening falls, main shopping streets and plazas light up with illuminated facades and outdoor screens. Night-time pedestrian areas invite leisurely browsing, with many shops and cafés staying open late. Well-connected public transport makes it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel afterwards.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is mild and gradually warming, with average temperatures from 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F). Trees and parks come back to life, making it a pleasant time for outdoor sightseeing and walks around lakes and historic gardens.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot conditions, with temperatures typically between 22°C and 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Longer daylight hours give you more time to explore, including evening strolls in busy shopping districts or relaxed boat rides on the city’s lakes.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is crisp and clear, often ranging from 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F), while winter can be cold, around -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). These seasons offer quieter attractions, atmospheric park walks, and the chance to see historic sites in a calmer setting.

Frequently Asked Questions