Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing, where history meets modern life

Beijing is a city where centuries-old landmarks stand alongside gleaming towers and creative districts. As the capital of China, it offers grand avenues, hidden hutong alleyways, and a fast-evolving skyline that reflects its role as a cultural and economic centre.

You can move from tranquil courtyards and leafy parks to buzzing shopping streets and contemporary art spaces in a single day. Wide boulevards, efficient public transport, and distinct neighbourhoods make it easy to explore Beijing at your own pace.

The city rewards both first-time visitors and frequent travellers. Whether you are here for business, family visits, or a short break, Beijing’s mix of heritage architecture, green spaces, and modern amenities creates a memorable stay.

Top sights in Beijing

Great Wall of China (near Beijing)

Visit one of the restored sections of the Great Wall just outside Beijing for sweeping mountain views and an unforgettable walk along the ramparts.

Forbidden City

Explore the vast courtyards, intricate halls, and ornate roofs of this former imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside paths, climb pavilions, and enjoy landscaped gardens in this historic retreat set around Kunming Lake.

Temple of Heaven Park

Admire the striking circular architecture and spend time in the surrounding park, popular with locals practising morning exercises.

798 Art District

Wander through converted factory buildings filled with contemporary galleries, design shops, and creative cafés.

Experience culture and city life in Beijing

Start your day in Beijing with a walk through a local park, where you will see residents enjoying tai chi, dancing, and games under the trees. From there, head into the hutongs, the city’s traditional alleyway neighbourhoods, to see courtyard homes, small cafés, and local shops that give a sense of everyday life.

For a deeper look at the city’s creative side, make your way to the 798 Art District, where industrial-era buildings now house galleries, studios, and design stores. In the evening, you can watch an acrobatic show or a performance in one of Beijing’s theatres, then take a stroll along a lively lakeside promenade to see the city by night.

If you prefer the outdoors, set aside time for a day trip to a nearby Great Wall section, where you can walk along stone ramparts and forested ridges. The combination of mountain scenery and impressive engineering makes it one of the most rewarding excursions from Beijing.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing’s dining scene brings together time-honoured local dishes and flavours from across China. You can enjoy classic Beijing roast duck carved at your table, savoury noodles, and comforting dumplings in restaurants that range from long-running institutions to contemporary bistros.

Around popular hutong areas and the city’s lakes, you will find small eateries, teahouses, and modern cafés, many set in carefully restored courtyards. These are ideal places to try shared plates, sample regional specialities, or simply pause with a hot drink on a winter’s day.

International restaurants, hotel dining rooms, and stylish rooftop venues add even more choice. Whether you are looking for a relaxed family meal or a refined evening out, Beijing offers a wide variety of flavours and settings to suit your plans.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Beijing offers everything from modern malls to characterful markets. In central districts you will find multi-storey shopping centres housing fashion, lifestyle, and technology brands, often linked directly to the metro for easy access.

If you enjoy browsing for local items, visit streets known for handicrafts, art, and design pieces. Smaller boutiques and concept stores in the hutongs and creative districts showcase ceramics, textiles, and contemporary works by local designers.

For a one-stop shopping and dining experience, head to mixed-use areas that combine retail, entertainment, and restaurants. These districts are especially lively in the evening, when illuminated storefronts and public art installations create a vibrant atmosphere.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May, 10–22°C / 50–72°F, shoulder season) brings gradually warming temperatures, lighter coats, and blooming trees in the city’s parks. It is a pleasant time for walking the hutongs and visiting open-air sights, with generally clear days and a fresh, breezy feel.

Summer (June to August, 22–30°C / 72–86°F, peak season) is warm and often humid, with longer daylight hours ideal for evening strolls around the lakes and outdoor dining. Occasional showers help cool the air, and many visitors use this season for Great Wall excursions among green hills.

Autumn (September to October, 10–20°C / 50–68°F, shoulder season) is known for comfortable days, cooler nights, and colourful foliage in city parks and nearby mountains. Visibility is often good, offering crisp views from hilltop temples and Wall towers.

Winter (November to February, -5–5°C / 23–41°F, low season) is cold and dry, with bright, sunny days and a quieter feel at major attractions. With the right layers, you can enjoy peaceful walks, seasonal decorations, and clear-air views across Beijing’s historic skyline.

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