Beijing blends imperial landmarks, broad boulevards, and creative districts into a city of striking contrasts. You find centuries of history set beside modern architecture, busy parks, and a dynamic arts scene.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
You can explore grand avenues near Tiananmen, quiet hutong alleyways, and lively districts filled with galleries and cafés. Expect a fast-paced yet orderly city with an efficient metro system and wide, walkable public spaces.
Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for wider journeys across northern China. From here you can reach sections of the Great Wall, nearby historic towns, and connect easily to other major Chinese cities.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through vast courtyards, ornate halls, and restored pavilions in this former imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing.
Tiananmen Square
Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by imposing public buildings and ceremonial monuments.
Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)
Take a day trip to walk along restored ramparts and watchtowers, with sweeping views over forested hills beyond the city.
Temple of Heaven Park
See beautiful circular halls and wide open lawns, and watch locals practising tai chi, dancing, or playing traditional games in the mornings.
Summer Palace
Stroll lakeside promenades, arched bridges, and pavilions in this vast landscaped retreat on the edge of the city.
Beijing hutongs
Explore narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes, small boutiques, and intimate cafés, especially around the Shichahai lakes.
798 Art District
Discover galleries, design shops, and street art set in former factory buildings, showcasing contemporary Chinese and international art.
Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Beijing’s metro is usually the fastest way to cover longer distances, with clear signage in English. For shorter hops, taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient, while cycling around quieter hutongs and park areas offers a slower view of the city.
Local life & culture
In the early morning, parks fill with dance groups, musicians, and card players, while hutong courtyards buzz with conversation. Modern shopping and entertainment districts sit alongside historic neighbourhoods, giving you a sense of both traditional and contemporary city life.
Where to unwind
Escape to leafy parks such as Beihai Park or the Summer Palace at sunrise or late afternoon for softer light and calmer paths. Around the Houhai lakes, you can relax by the water, especially in the early evening when the breeze picks up and the city slows down.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for Peking duck, savoury pancakes, and skewers from bustling snack streets. Neighbourhoods around Wangfujing and some hutong alleys are popular for casual street-side bites and small family-run eateries.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In areas such as Sanlitun and around major malls, you find everything from noodle bars to contemporary Asian and international cafés. Menus often feature smaller plates, so you can try several dishes and share across the table.
Signature & scenic dining
For special evenings, choose dining rooms overlooking city skylines, historic courtyards, or lakeside views at the Summer Palace and Houhai. Many restaurants pair refined plates with striking interiors for a memorable night out.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Districts like Wangfujing and Sanlitun offer large malls with international brands, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and cafés. These complexes often stay open late, becoming social spots as much as shopping destinations.
Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and markets around Panjiayuan and some hutong areas are known for antiques, calligraphy supplies, textiles, and handicrafts. You can browse for ceramics, paper artworks, and design pieces to bring home.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and plazas light up with neon and LED displays, especially in Wangfujing and Sanlitun. The metro and taxis make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel at the end of the night.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring shoulder season (April to May) brings mild days around 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), with blooming parks and generally comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer peak season (June to August) is hot, often 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), with busy attractions and longer opening hours. Autumn shoulder season (September to October) offers clear skies, foliage colours, and temperatures around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), popular for city walks and Great Wall visits. Winter low season (November to March) is cold, often between -5°C and 5°C (23°F to 41°F), but brings thinner crowds and crisp days for exploring major landmarks.