Flights from Darwin (DRW) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijings timeless energy

Beijing blends ancient monuments, grand boulevards, and bold modern architecture into one dynamic capital. From vast imperial complexes to intimate hutong lanes, every neighbourhood tells a different story of the citys long history and confident present. Wide streets, leafy parks, and hidden courtyards offer a surprising sense of space in a major metropolis.

You can spend the morning wandering through historic palaces, the afternoon exploring creative districts, and the evening tasting regional cuisine in lively dining streets. Efficient transport and well-planned city hubs make it easy to move between sights, whether you are visiting for business, leisure, or a mix of both.

As night falls, illuminated skylines and busy nightlife areas show a different side of Beijing. Rooftop venues, riverside walks, and cultural performances give you many ways to enjoy your stay after a full day of sightseeing or meetings.

Top sights in Beijing

Great Wall near Beijing

Walk along one of the worlds most famous fortifications at restored sections such as Mutianyu or Badaling, surrounded by sweeping mountain views.

Forbidden City

Explore the former imperial palace with its grand gates, courtyards, and intricate halls that showcase traditional Chinese architecture.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the largest public squares in the world, framed by monumental buildings and broad open spaces.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside paths, pavilions, and bridges in this expansive royal garden retreat in Beijings north-west.

798 Art District

Discover galleries, design shops, and cafes in a former industrial area that has become a hub for contemporary art.

Experience Beijings culture and city life

Beijing offers many ways to connect with its culture, from guided walks through historic hutongs to visits to traditional teahouses and performance venues. You can join a local guide to uncover stories behind old courtyard homes, learn about classical architecture, and discover small workshops that preserve age-old crafts.

If you enjoy the outdoors, the citys parks and nearby hills provide plenty of fresh-air escapes. Early mornings in large parks reveal residents practising tai chi or jogging along tree-lined paths, while the surrounding mountains invite hiking, cycling, and seasonal activities such as autumn foliage walks or winter ice experiences. Along the rivers and lakes, landscaped promenades and boat rides give you a different perspective of the skyline.

Creative neighbourhoods showcase a more modern side of Beijing. Converted factory spaces host galleries, boutiques, and design studios that sit alongside cafes and casual eateries, making them ideal for an afternoon of exploring at a slower pace.

A taste of Beijing

Beijings dining scene ranges from time-honoured restaurants to innovative modern kitchens. You can savour famous roast duck, with crisp skin and delicate pancakes, or try comforting noodle dishes, dumplings, and hearty Northern-style specialities that are ideal after a day of sightseeing.

Food streets and local markets make it easy to sample a variety of flavours in one place. In the evening, lively areas around popular commercial districts come alive with hotpots, skewers, and snacks, while sleek restaurants offer multi-course menus and city views. Whether you prefer simple, homely dishes or refined dining, you will find many options to suit your tastes.

International cuisines are also widely available, especially in business and embassy districts, where cafes and bistros sit alongside local eateries. This makes it convenient to mix familiar comfort food with new discoveries throughout your stay.

Retail therapy in the capital

From large malls to characterful markets, Beijing offers a varied shopping experience. Downtown districts feature polished shopping centres with international and local brands, cinemas, and wide food choices, creating convenient one-stop destinations for an afternoon indoors.

Traditional shopping streets and markets add a different atmosphere, with narrow lanes filled with small shops selling handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. These areas are ideal for picking up gifts or mementos that reflect local design and heritage, from decorative items to seasonal products.

Art and design districts provide another side to retail in Beijing. Galleries often have their own shops, and many studios offer limited-edition prints, ceramics, and accessories. This makes it easy to find one-of-a-kind pieces while you explore the citys creative neighbourhoods.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (March to May, around 10–22°C / 50–72°F, shoulder season) brings gradually warming days, blossoming parks, and clearer skies that are ideal for city walks and excursions to the Great Wall. Light layers work well as temperatures can still vary between cool mornings and pleasantly mild afternoons.

Summer (June to August, around 22–30°C / 72–86°F, peak season) is warm and lively, with long daylight hours that suit full sightseeing days, evening strolls, and outdoor dining. Occasional showers freshen the air, and many events and activities take place across the city during this period.

Autumn and winter (September to February, around -5–20°C / 23–68°F, low season) offer crisp air, bright blue skies, and often fewer crowds at major sights. Autumn foliage around parks and the Great Wall is particularly striking, while clear winter days create atmospheric views of historic landmarks and modern skylines.

Frequently Asked Questions