Flights from Munich (MUC) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing, a capital of contrasts

Beijing is a city where imperial landmarks sit alongside futuristic architecture and creative neighbourhoods. Wide boulevards lead to quiet alleyways, where traditional courtyard homes share space with modern cafés and galleries. Each district offers a different glimpse into the citys evolving character.

As the gateway to many of Chinas most recognisable sights, Beijing combines history, culture, and a fast-changing urban scene. You can spend your days exploring grand palaces and scenic parks, then end the evening in lively dining streets and contemporary art zones. Whether it is your first visit or a return trip, the city rewards curious travellers.

From expansive public squares to intimate tea houses, Beijing moves at many speeds. Plan time to explore on foot, pause in leafy gardens, and take in views from above, so you can appreciate both its scale and its detail.

Top sights in Beijing

Great Wall of China (near Beijing)

Walk along the restored stone ramparts at sections such as Badaling or Mutianyu and enjoy sweeping views of the hills beyond the city.

Forbidden City

Explore the former imperial palace complex, with its grand courtyards, ornate gates, and halls filled with historic artefacts.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the worlds largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and important cultural institutions.

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and landscaped gardens in this former royal retreat on the north-western edge of the city.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, street art, and design shops housed within converted industrial buildings in a creative quarter.

Experience Beijing up close

Begin by exploring Beijings hutongs, the traditional alleyways that weave through older neighbourhoods. Walking or cycling tours here offer an intimate look at historic courtyard architecture, local shops, and everyday life. Many areas blend old and new, with small cafés and studios occupying former workshops.

For a broader perspective on the city, visit its expansive parks and scenic viewpoints. Early mornings in green spaces are ideal for people-watching and gentle exercise, while an evening visit to a hilltop pavilion rewards you with wide views over tiled roofs and modern towers. In cooler months, frozen lakes become atmospheric places for winter activities.

Beijing also has a rich performing arts scene. Choose from acrobatics shows, traditional music performances, or modern theatre in purpose-built venues. These experiences add a different dimension to your trip, especially after days spent outdoors at palaces, city walls, and nearby stretches of the Great Wall.

A taste of Beijing

Dining in Beijing ranges from long-established eateries to contemporary restaurants that reinterpret classic flavours. The city is famous for dishes such as roast duck, handmade noodles, and hearty dumplings, which you can enjoy in polished dining rooms or relaxed neighbourhood spots. Many menus highlight seasonal ingredients, from crisp vegetables in spring to warming stews in winter.

Street food and casual bites are part of the experience. Food streets and night-time markets bring together skewers, pancakes, stuffed buns, and sweet treats, making them ideal if you like to sample a variety of smaller dishes. In business districts and modern malls, you will also find cafés and bakeries that pair local snacks with international favourites.

For a change of pace, explore Beijings growing interest in speciality tea and coffee. Stylish teahouses and cafés offer a quiet break between sightseeing, with carefully prepared drinks and light snacks in calm surroundings.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Beijing offers everything from flagship international brands to independent boutiques. Large shopping streets and malls carry fashion, electronics, and homeware, often combined with cinemas and restaurants, so you can easily spend a few relaxed hours indoors. These areas are convenient places to pick up everyday essentials as well as gifts.

If you prefer more local character, make time for markets and specialist streets. Here you can browse for ceramics, tea, textiles, and design pieces, with many stalls and small shops grouped by theme. Some neighbourhoods also host weekend markets that showcase handicrafts and creative products from emerging designers.

Modern lifestyle districts mix shopping with culture. Converted warehouses and courtyard spaces now house bookstores, concept stores, and galleries, making it easy to combine browsing with coffee or a gallery visit. This combination of old and new retail spaces reflects the wider changes taking place across the city.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May), a shoulder season, brings gradually warming days from around 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F). Blossoming trees brighten city parks, and clearer skies make it a pleasant time for walking tours, hutong visits, and exploring palace gardens.

Summer (June to August) is peak season, with temperatures around 22°C to 31°C (72°F to 88°F). This is a lively period with long daylight hours, ideal for early-morning or evening visits to the Great Wall and extended time in Beijings many parks, lakes, and outdoor dining areas.

Autumn (September to November) is another shoulder season, with comfortable temperatures from 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F). Tree-lined avenues and hillside scenery show rich colours, creating memorable backdrops for city walks and day trips. Winters (December to February) are low season, typically from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), offering crisp days, quieter attractions, and atmospheric views over frozen lakes.

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