Flights from Shenzhen (SZX) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing combines imperial landmarks, grand avenues, and leafy hutong alleys into one compelling city. You can walk between centuries of history and a fast-changing modern skyline, with quiet parks, busy shopping streets, and a distinctive northern Chinese character.

What to expect
The city is organised around broad ring roads, with key districts such as Dongcheng, Chaoyang, and Xicheng each offering a different feel. You will find wide boulevards, iconic squares, traditional courtyards, and new cultural venues, all linked by an extensive metro system and busy buses.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a short city break and a starting point for exploring northern China. From here you can join day trips to sections of the Great Wall, visit nearby historic towns, or connect onwards by high-speed rail and domestic flights to other major cities.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Explore the vast former imperial palace complex, with grand halls, courtyards, and intricate traditional architecture in the heart of Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Stroll across one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and ceremonial avenues.

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Take a day trip to this scenic, well-preserved stretch of the Great Wall, known for its rolling mountain views and accessible pathways.

Summer Palace

Wander lakeside paths, pavilions, and bridges in this expansive royal garden retreat on the edge of the city.

Temple of Heaven Park

Visit this historic complex set in landscaped grounds, where you can admire striking architecture and watch local residents enjoying morning activities.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, design shops, and cafés housed in converted factory buildings in a creative part of Chaoyang.

Beihai Park

Relax by the lake, hire a boat, and enjoy views of traditional pavilions and hilltop structures near the city centre.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Beijing Metro is usually the quickest way to cross the city, linking major sights, railway stations, and commercial districts. Taxis and app-based rides are widely available for door-to-door trips, while walking or cycling short distances lets you explore hutong lanes at a slower pace.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Beijing often centres on neighbourhood streets, local parks, and community squares. In older districts you will see residents chatting in courtyards or playing games, while newer areas feature cultural centres, theatres, and galleries that host performances, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year.

Where to unwind
Parks and lakes around the city offer space to pause between sightseeing stops, from central green spaces to larger landscaped areas on the outskirts. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant for gentle walks, people-watching, or simply sitting on a bench to absorb the city’s atmosphere.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for hearty northern flavours, with noodle dishes, dumplings, and grilled skewers found in many neighbourhoods. Night-time streets and smaller local restaurants often serve simple, satisfying plates that are easy to share and ideal for a casual meal.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and mixed-use complexes around areas such as Sanlitun, Wangfujing, and Zhongguancun bring together local eateries and international chains. You can choose from Chinese regional cuisines and global favourites, with smaller plate options that make it easy to sample a variety of dishes in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, look for restaurants with views of historic rooftops, modern skylines, or lakeside scenes. Many hotels and high-rise buildings feature dining rooms and lounges on upper floors, where you can enjoy refined menus alongside wide city vistas.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s major shopping centres combine retail, dining, and entertainment in one place. In areas like Wangfujing and Xidan, you will find international fashion brands, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and family-friendly facilities that make these malls popular meeting points.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller-scale browsing, explore neighbourhood streets and commercial alleys that focus on design, souvenirs, and local labels. Districts such as Nanluoguxiang, Panjiayuan, and parts of the 798 area are known for stalls and boutiques selling crafts, accessories, and decorative items.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated facades and pedestrian streets create a lively atmosphere in several shopping districts. Many malls and streetside shops stay open into the evening, allowing you to combine dinner and browsing, with metro lines and buses making these areas straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Beijing is generally mild, with temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F). You can expect clear days, budding trees in parks, and comfortable conditions for walking between outdoor sights and city streets.

Summer warmth (June to August, peak season)
Summer brings warm to hot weather, with average temperatures between 24–30°C (75–86°F). Longer daylight hours and a lively city atmosphere make this a popular time for evening strolls, open-air activities, and lakefront visits.

Autumn and winter contrast (September to February, low season)
Autumn often feels fresh and crisp, with temperatures from 10–20°C (50–68°F), while winter can be cold, dropping below 0°C (32°F) on some days. These seasons offer quieter attractions, clear days, and a distinct seasonal character in parks and historic sites.

Frequently Asked Questions