Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends imperial heritage with fast-paced modern life, where grand avenues meet quiet hutong lanes. You will find iconic landmarks, contemporary art spaces, and leafy parks that show a city confident in both its past and its future.

What to expect
Many visits to Beijing start around Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, then move on to modern districts such as Wangfujing and Sanlitun. Wide ring roads link business hubs, residential neighbourhoods, and university areas, while the city’s clear layout and signage make it easy to navigate.

Plan your trip
Beijing is a natural base for exploring nearby sections of the Great Wall and cultural sites around the wider region. With a range of hotels, efficient transport, and a clear seasonal rhythm, you can build an itinerary that balances famous sights with quieter local experiences.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through vast courtyards, ornate gates, and palace halls that once formed the heart of imperial life.

Tiananmen Square

Stroll across one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by imposing monuments and key civic buildings.

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling

Take a day trip to these restored sections of the Great Wall for sweeping views over rolling hills and watchtowers.

Summer Palace

Explore lakeside pavilions, shaded walkways, and ornamental bridges in this expansive royal garden retreat.

Temple of Heaven Park

Discover striking circular halls and open lawns where locals gather for music, exercise, and social activities.

798 Art District

Browse contemporary galleries and creative studios housed in former industrial buildings and warehouses.

Nanluoguxiang and surrounding hutongs

Wander through narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes, boutiques, and small cafés.

Olympic Park

Visit the striking Bird’s Nest stadium and Water Cube, set within open plazas and landscaped grounds.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Beijing Subway is the fastest way to move between major sights, business districts, and railway stations. Taxis and ride-hailing services fill the gaps, while bike-sharing schemes give you a flexible option for shorter hops within neighbourhoods.

Local life & culture
In the mornings, you might see residents practising tai chi in parks, chatting in courtyards, or playing chess on shaded benches. University areas and creative districts add an energetic, youthful feel, with bookshops, galleries, and small performance spaces scattered through side streets.

Where to unwind
Beijing’s large parks, such as Chaoyang Park and Olympic Forest Park, offer lakes, tree-lined paths, and open lawns ideal for gentle walks. In the late afternoon or early evening, the light softens and the city slows, creating a pleasant time to sit by the water or enjoy a quiet stroll.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can try classic Beijing flavours at simple eateries and long-running establishments across the city. Areas near traditional hutongs and local markets serve snacks, noodles, and roast dishes that showcase regional cooking techniques and ingredients.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and office districts offer a wide range of informal restaurants, from noodle counters to contemporary cafés. Menus often feature sharing plates and smaller portions, so you can sample several dishes with friends or colleagues in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, you can book a table at restaurants overlooking city skylines, lakes, or historic neighbourhoods. Many hotels and landmark buildings feature dining rooms with large windows, where you can enjoy carefully prepared menus alongside memorable views.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls across Beijing bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and indoor entertainment. These complexes are popular meeting places, offering year-round comfort as well as a wide choice of cafés and restaurants under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and dedicated markets are ideal for finding handicrafts, accessories, and homeware from local makers. Districts known for culture and design often feature independent boutiques and studios where you can discover limited-run pieces and creative brands.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls create a lively but relaxed atmosphere. Many areas remain busy into the evening, and the extensive subway network makes it straightforward to reach these districts and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F) and clear, bright skies. It is a pleasant time for park visits and city walks, with blooming trees and moderate crowds making outdoor sightseeing comfortable.

Summer in Beijing (June to August, peak season)
Summer is warm to hot, with averages of 24–30°C (75–86°F) and occasional short showers. Long daylight hours and school holidays create a lively mood, and many visitors combine city attractions with a day trip to the Great Wall in the early morning.

Autumn and winter in Beijing (September to February, low season)
Autumn is crisp and dry, around 8–20°C (46–68°F), with clear air and colourful foliage, especially popular with photographers. Winter can be cold, often below 0–5°C (32–41°F), but quieter sights and bright blue skies reward those who enjoy a calmer, atmospheric city.

Frequently Asked Questions