Flights from Paris (CDG) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends imperial landmarks, grand boulevards, and contemporary architecture into a city that feels both historic and forward-looking. You can explore tree-lined hutong alleys one moment, then wide avenues and modern towers the next, all within a city that rewards slow wandering.

What to expect
You will find vast public squares, leafy parks, and a network of ring roads that frame distinct districts, from creative art zones to traditional courtyard neighbourhoods. The pace is energetic but ordered, with efficient metro lines, wide pavements, and clear signage supporting first-time visitors.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a stand-alone city break and a base for exploring nearby sections of the Great Wall and surrounding countryside. With its international connections and extensive high-speed rail links, it also serves as a practical gateway to other major cities across northern and eastern China.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through grand courtyards and ornate palace halls that once formed the heart of imperial life in Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

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

Great Wall at Mutianyu

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

Summer Palace

Explore lakeside pavilions, winding pathways, and landscaped gardens that offer a peaceful escape from the city centre.

Temple of Heaven Park

Visit this vast parkland complex known for its striking historic architecture and spacious lawns and avenues.

798 Art District

Discover repurposed factory buildings filled with galleries, design spaces, and street art in this creative quarter.

Beihai Park

Enjoy lakeside views, shaded walkways, and small islands connected by bridges in one of Beijing’s classic urban parks.

Shichahai and hutongs

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

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s metro network is the most efficient way to cover long distances, especially between key sights on different ring roads. For shorter hops, licensed taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available, while walking within compact neighbourhoods lets you appreciate local details.

Local life & culture
In older hutong districts, you will see quiet courtyards, traditional façades, and residents gathering along lane-side seating. Modern districts showcase broad boulevards, contemporary art spaces, and sleek towers, reflecting the city’s role as a cultural and commercial centre.

Where to unwind
Beijing’s many parks, lakes, and landscaped gardens offer calm places to pause between museum visits and sightseeing. Early morning and late afternoon are pleasant times for a stroll, when light is gentle and temperatures are usually more comfortable.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for rich, warming dishes and snacks that reflect its northern climate. Around traditional neighbourhoods and local streets, you will find small eateries serving noodles, dumplings, and classic roasted dishes popular with residents.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large shopping centres and contemporary districts group together cafés, casual restaurants, and international options in one place. Menus often encourage sharing, so you can sample several dishes with friends or family during one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, look for restaurants with views over city rooftops, lakes, or historic areas. Higher floors in modern buildings and venues near key landmarks can offer memorable perspectives to pair with an unhurried dinner.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s central malls combine international labels, lifestyle stores, and entertainment in bright, spacious environments. These complexes often link directly to metro stations, making them convenient places to shop, dine, and take a break between sights.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller shopping streets and boutiques in creative districts are good for design pieces, accessories, and contemporary local brands. Areas around central avenues and arts neighbourhoods often mix galleries with retail spaces, giving you the chance to browse something distinctive.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated façades and lively commercial streets give shopping districts a different atmosphere. Extended opening hours mean you can explore stores after a day of sightseeing, with metro and bus services helping you return to your hotel comfortably.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – shoulder season
From March to May, Beijing warms from around 10–22°C (50–72°F) with clearer skies and blooming trees in parks. It is a pleasant time for walking city streets and visiting the Great Wall, with moderate crowds and comfortable daytime temperatures, making exploration feel unhurried.

Summer (xia) – peak season
June to August is warm and often humid, with temperatures between 24–32°C (75–90°F). This is a lively period with longer daylight hours, ideal for evening walks around lakes and parks, and for families taking advantage of school holidays to enjoy outdoor attractions.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) – low season
September to November brings crisp, dry days around 10–20°C (50–68°F), often with clear views, while December to February can be cold, near or below 0–5°C (32–41°F). These seasons offer quieter sites and atmospheric park strolls, particularly appealing if you enjoy cooler cityscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions