Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Beijing, where history and modern life meet

Beijing is a city where imperial architecture stands alongside bold skylines and creative districts. Wide avenues lead to palace complexes, quiet hutong alleys, and lively markets, giving you many different ways to experience the city in a single day. From dawn to late evening, there is always somewhere new to explore.

As the capital of China, Beijing is a gateway to centuries of culture, art, and learning. You can walk through grand courtyards, discover small neighbourhood cafés, or simply watch the rhythm of local life in one of the many parks. Whether you come for business, study, or a holiday, the city offers a rich mix of heritage and modern energy.

The city is also a practical base for visiting surrounding landmarks and scenic areas. Efficient transport, a wide range of accommodation, and a strong dining scene make it easy to build an itinerary that suits you, from focused short stays to longer, more detailed journeys.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Explore the vast palace complex with its courtyards, gates, and halls that once formed the centre of imperial life.

Great Wall of China (near Beijing)

Take a day trip to walk along restored sections of the Great Wall and enjoy sweeping views of hills and valleys.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by imposing buildings and important cultural institutions.

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and gardens that offer a serene escape from the pace of the city.

798 Art District

Discover galleries, design shops, and cafés set in former factory buildings in this creative neighbourhood.

Experience Beijing’s culture and city life

Beijing offers many ways to get close to local life, from walking tours through historic hutong lanes to visits to traditional courtyards. A guided tour can help you understand the stories behind architecture, local crafts, and long-established neighbourhoods that sit just a short distance from main roads and modern towers.

Cultural performances, exhibitions, and live music events take place across the city throughout the year. You can spend an evening at a theatre, explore contemporary art spaces, or attend a concert in one of Beijing’s modern venues. Parks and lakeside areas are also popular for gentle outdoor activities, such as boating, cycling, or simply enjoying the seasonal scenery.

If you prefer to explore independently, the city’s efficient public transport system makes it easy to move between districts. Plan time to wander at your own pace around university areas, bookshops, and creative zones, where you will find a mix of local brands, design studios, and relaxed cafés.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing’s dining scene ranges from time-honoured restaurants to modern eateries that give classic dishes a new twist. You can sit down to rich, sharing-style meals or pick up quick, flavourful bites from small neighbourhood spots. Many areas stay lively into the evening, with food playing a central role in social gatherings.

Well-known Beijing specialities are easy to find, from roasted meats with crisp skin to handmade noodles and dumplings. Different districts highlight different regional styles, so you can sample a variety of flavours in a single stay. Upscale restaurants sit comfortably alongside informal canteens, giving you plenty of choice for both formal occasions and casual meals.

International restaurants, cafés, and bakeries are also widely available, particularly in business and expat-focused neighbourhoods. Whether you prefer familiar comfort food or want to try something new each day, Beijing offers a broad range of options to match your plans and tastes.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Shopping in Beijing brings together large, modern malls, atmospheric markets, and independent boutiques. In the city centre, you will find high-end shopping streets with international brands, designer labels, and contemporary lifestyle stores, often combined with dining and entertainment in the same complex.

Markets and specialised streets are ideal for browsing local products, crafts, and souvenirs. You can look for textiles, tea, ceramics, and design pieces to bring home as reminders of your trip. Exploring these areas on foot lets you discover small shops and studios tucked away from the main roads.

Creative districts such as the 798 Art District offer a different type of retail experience, focused on galleries, design shops, and concept stores. Here, you can find limited-edition works, prints, and locally designed items that offer a more personal connection to the city’s evolving creative scene.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (March to May, shoulder season) in Beijing brings gradually warming temperatures, typically around 10–20°C (50–68°F). Parks and gardens become more colourful, making it a pleasant time for walking tours and outdoor sightseeing, with generally comfortable conditions for exploring different districts.

Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm and often humid, with average temperatures ranging from 22–30°C (72–86°F). Longer daylight hours give you more time outside, whether you are visiting major landmarks, enjoying evening walks, or taking day trips to nearby sections of the Great Wall.

Autumn (September to early November, shoulder season) is known for clear days and mild temperatures, around 10–20°C (50–68°F). It is a rewarding time for city walks and outdoor photography, as foliage in parks and around historical sites adds extra colour to your visit.

Winter (late November to February, low season) is cold, with averages often between -5–5°C (23–41°F). Crisp air and quieter attractions can make sightseeing feel calm and focused, and there is a distinct charm to seeing Beijing’s historic architecture against bright winter skies.

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