Flights from New York (NYC) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a dynamic capital where imperial landmarks sit alongside wide boulevards, creative districts, and contemporary towers. You can explore grand palaces, leafy parks, and hidden lanes in a city that continues to reinvent itself while celebrating its long history.

What to expect
The city is built on a grand scale, with ring roads, spacious plazas, and distinct neighbourhoods, from the historic hutongs to modern business districts. Expect a fast-paced yet orderly rhythm, an efficient metro system, and a blend of traditional courtyards and gleaming glass-fronted towers.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring northern and central China. With high-speed rail links and domestic flights, it connects you easily to destinations such as Shanghai, Xi'an, and Harbin, making it a practical gateway for wider journeys.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through the vast courtyards and ornate halls of this former imperial palace at the heart of Beijing.

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Travel out of the city to this scenic, well-preserved stretch of the Great Wall, surrounded by rolling hills and forest.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world's largest public squares, framed by grand monuments and important civic buildings.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside paths, pavilions, and covered walkways in this expansive royal garden on the city’s north-western edge.

798 Art District

Explore contemporary galleries, design shops, and cafés housed in former factory buildings in this creative hub.

Beihai Park

Enjoy landscaped gardens, lakeside views, and island pavilions just a short walk from the city centre.

Hutong alleys

Wander narrow residential lanes lined with courtyard houses, boutique shops, and intimate cafés.

Jingshan Park

Climb the central hill for a sweeping view over the Forbidden City and Beijing’s skyline, especially at sunset.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Beijing Subway is usually the fastest way to cover longer distances, with clear signage and frequent trains. Taxis and app-based ride services fill the gaps, while shared bikes are useful for short hops between sights. Allow extra time for traffic during the morning and late-afternoon peaks.

Local life & culture
Many neighbourhoods blend older courtyard homes with new cafés, galleries, and community spaces. Mornings often feel energetic in parks and public squares, while evenings bring a relaxed atmosphere around lakeside promenades and dining streets. You will notice a strong focus on family life and sociable, outdoor activities.

Where to unwind
For quieter moments, Beijing’s parks and lakes offer shaded paths and open lawns that feel far removed from main roads. City viewpoints, from hilltop pavilions to modern towers, are best in the softer light of late afternoon and early evening. In cooler months, indoor teahouses and lounges provide calm spaces to rest between visits.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for hearty northern dishes and flavourful snacks, which you can find in dedicated food streets and busy local neighbourhoods. Morning stalls and small eateries often serve comforting noodles, dumplings, and griddled bites that are popular with commuters and families alike.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and newer business districts house many relaxed restaurants, cafés, and bakeries, offering a mix of regional Chinese cuisines and international flavours. Menus usually feature shareable plates, making it easy to sample several dishes in one meal when you dine with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, you can choose restaurants that overlook city landmarks, lakes, or skyline views. Some districts cluster refined dining rooms, wine bars, and hotel restaurants in easy walking distance, letting you combine a memorable meal with a gentle post-dinner stroll.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s central districts feature large malls where international brands sit alongside domestic labels and lifestyle stores. These complexes often combine shopping with cinemas, play areas, and varied dining, making them convenient places to spend an afternoon or evening indoors.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the main boulevards, smaller markets and creative streets showcase local designers, artwork, and handcrafted souvenirs. Districts such as 798 Art District, Nanluoguxiang, and Qianmen offer a mix of boutiques, galleries, and speciality shops where you can browse at an easy pace.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many shopping streets and plazas are illuminated with bright signage and outdoor lighting, creating a lively backdrop for a leisurely walk. Some areas host extended trading hours, especially at weekends, when cafés and dessert shops stay open late. Public transport and taxis make these neighbourhoods straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun tian) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is generally mild, with temperatures from around 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F). Trees and parks come back to life, and clearer days create pleasant conditions for city walks. It is a good time to explore major sights before the hotter months.

Summer (xia tian) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, typically ranging from 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F). Longer daylight hours give you more time to visit outdoor attractions and lakeside parks. Occasional showers can arrive, but many visitors enjoy the lively evening atmosphere and extended opening hours.

Autumn and winter (qiu tian & dong tian) – September to February, low season
Autumn is often crisp and clear, with 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) days that suit city sightseeing and Great Wall trips. Winters can be cold, frequently between -5°C and 5°C (23°F to 41°F), but bright skies, thinner crowds, and seasonal scenery give the city a distinctive charm.

Frequently Asked Questions