Flights from Perth (PER) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Beijing, where history and modern life meet

Beijing is a city of striking contrasts, where ancient lanes sit beside wide boulevards and contemporary architecture. As the capital of China, it offers a blend of imperial landmarks, leafy parks, and dynamic neighbourhoods that reward both first-time visitors and returning travellers. You will find broad avenues lined with trees, hidden courtyards, and a skyline that changes with every season.

Beyond its famous sights, Beijing is a city of everyday moments. Morning exercise in the parks, evening strolls around lakes, and bustling food streets give you a sense of local life. Whether you are here for culture, food, or business, the city invites you to explore at your own pace and discover its many layers.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through grand courtyards, intricate halls, and imposing gates in this former imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world's largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and a sweeping sense of scale.

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Take a day trip to this scenic, well-preserved section of the Great Wall, surrounded by rolling hills and dramatic viewpoints.

Summer Palace

Explore lakeside pavilions, bridges, and shaded walkways in this historic retreat set around Kunming Lake.

Shichahai and the hutongs

Stroll around the lakes and narrow lanes of Shichahai to experience traditional courtyards, small shops, and a relaxed local atmosphere.

Experience Beijing’s culture and city life

Beijing offers many ways to get close to its culture and history. Join a guided walk through the hutongs to learn how traditional courtyard homes are arranged, and hear stories about families who have lived there for generations. Around parks and lakes, you can watch or join locals practising tai chi, dancing, or playing informal games.

Art and design are strongly woven into the city. The 798 Art District, set in former factory buildings, showcases galleries, studios, and design shops that reflect Beijing's creative scene. In the evening, you can attend a performance at one of the city theatres, or enjoy a relaxed cruise on the city lakes, watching the lights of bars and restaurants reflect on the water.

For a quieter day, consider cycling along tree-lined streets and canals, stopping at small cafés between visits to museums and historic sites. Wide pavements, dedicated paths in some districts, and an efficient metro system make it easy to move between older quarters and newer business areas.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing has a rich food culture that ranges from long-established institutions to modern restaurants. Classic dishes, such as crisp-skinned roast duck carved at your table, showcase the attention to detail found in the city’s dining rooms. In older neighbourhoods, small eateries specialise in handmade noodles, dumplings, and comforting hotpots.

You can also experience Beijing through its lively food streets. Here you will find skewers, buns, and seasonal snacks prepared in front of you, with the steam and aromas adding to the atmosphere. Many malls and mixed-use developments feature food courts and casual dining options, where local flavours sit alongside international favourites.

Cafés and dessert shops are increasingly part of everyday life in Beijing. From quiet tea houses to contemporary coffee bars, there are many places to slow down between sightseeing stops, enjoy a drink, and watch the city flow past.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Beijing offers a mix of modern shopping centres, specialist streets, and local markets. Large malls in areas such as Wangfujing and Sanlitun house international brands, cinemas, and lifestyle stores, making them convenient places to combine shopping with dining and entertainment. Wide, well-lit promenades make these districts welcoming into the evening.

For something more traditional, older commercial streets host shops selling tea, handicrafts, and calligraphy tools. Walking these areas lets you browse at your own pace and pick up thoughtful souvenirs, from fans and paper goods to locally inspired design pieces. Smaller design boutiques also appear in creative neighbourhoods, showcasing work from local makers.

If you are interested in textiles, ceramics, or contemporary crafts, ask about specialist markets or studio complexes that focus on these items. Exploring them can be a relaxed way to discover pieces that reflect Beijing's blend of heritage and modern style.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (March to May, 10–22°C / 50–72°F, shoulder season) brings gradually warming days, blossoming trees in parks, and clear views at many landmarks. It is a comfortable time for walking the city streets and visiting sections of the Great Wall before summer temperatures rise.

Summer (June to August, 22–31°C / 72–88°F, peak season) is warm and lively, with long daylight hours and many outdoor events. Parks are leafy, lakeside areas are active well into the evening, and families often travel during school holidays, giving the city an energetic buzz.

Autumn (September to early November, 8–20°C / 46–68°F, shoulder season) is known for crisp air and colourful foliage in the city’s parks and surrounding hills. It is ideal for exploring the Great Wall and open-air attractions in comfortable temperatures and clear light.

Winter (late November to February, -6–5°C / 21–41°F, low season) is cold but atmospheric, with bright, dry days that highlight the city’s architecture. With fewer visitors at some sights, you can enjoy quieter walks through palace grounds, hutongs, and public squares while wrapped up warmly.

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