Flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing, where history meets modern life

Beijing is a city where imperial palaces, grand avenues, and contemporary towers stand side by side. As the capital of China, it offers a mix of ornate architecture, leafy hutong lanes, and bold, modern design that reflects its long history and fast-paced present.

You can wander between traditional courtyards, vibrant parks, and wide boulevards lined with shops and galleries. Food markets, theatres, and creative districts give the city an energetic atmosphere, while its many museums and cultural venues help you understand its influential role in the region. Whether you are here for business or leisure, Beijing rewards unhurried exploration.

Beyond the major landmarks, Beijing unfolds in quieter neighbourhoods, local cafes, and peaceful lakeside promenades. Each district offers its own blend of daily life, culture, and innovation, giving you plenty of reasons to extend your stay and see a different side of the city every day.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Explore the vast former imperial palace complex, with its grand halls, courtyards, and intricate architectural details.

Tiananmen Square

Walk across one of the worlds largest public squares, framed by imposing buildings and important cultural institutions.

Great Wall of China (near Beijing)

Take a day trip to nearby sections of the Great Wall, where you can hike along historic ramparts and enjoy sweeping mountain views.

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and landscaped gardens that once served as a retreat for the imperial court.

Houhai and the hutongs

Discover narrow alleyways, lakeside paths, and lively cafes in one of Beijings most atmospheric neighbourhoods.

Experience Beijings culture and character

Beijing invites you to experience its culture through everyday life as much as through its monuments. Start a morning with a walk around one of the citys parks, where you might see locals stretching, dancing, or practising calligraphy on the pavement. Later, join a guided walking or cycling tour through hutong districts to learn about traditional courtyard homes and how these neighbourhoods are evolving.

In the evening, you can attend a performance at one of Beijings theatres or opera venues, where music, costume, and storytelling come together on stage. Contemporary art spaces and design hubs, particularly in converted industrial zones, offer a window into the citys creative side. Join a tea-tasting session, a cooking class, or a local street food tour to engage your senses and gain insight into daily routines.

If you enjoy the outdoors, Beijing also serves as a gateway to nearby mountains, reservoirs, and countryside trails. Day trips to quieter sections of the Great Wall or scenic rural villages let you pair city time with fresh air, panoramic views, and a different pace of life.

A taste of Beijing

Beijings dining scene ranges from bustling food streets to refined restaurants, giving you many ways to explore local flavours. You can savour famous roast duck carved at your table, sample hand-pulled noodles, or try delicate dumplings filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood. Hotpot and hearty northern-style dishes are popular in the cooler months, bringing warmth and comfort to the table.

Street food areas offer skewers, pancakes, buns, and seasonal snacks, ideal when you want to graze and explore at the same time. In contrast, modern bistros and contemporary Chinese restaurants reinterpret classic recipes with lighter touches or inventive presentations. International cuisine is also widely available, especially in business districts and areas popular with visitors.

Cafes, tea houses, and dessert shops provide a quieter break during a busy day of sightseeing. Here you can linger over tea, coffee, or sweet treats while watching city life unfold outside. Whether you choose a small neighbourhood eatery or a landmark dining room, meals in Beijing often become a memorable part of your trip.

Retail discoveries in Beijing

Shopping in Beijing combines modern malls, local markets, and creative boutiques. Large retail complexes house international fashion labels, lifestyle brands, and technology stores, often alongside cinemas and dining options for an easy day out. In contrast, smaller streets are home to independent shops selling design pieces, clothing, and accessories.

If you are looking for local products, you will find areas known for crafts, art, and textiles, where you can browse everything from ceramics to contemporary artworks. Market-style streets offer souvenirs, decorative items, and everyday goods, giving you a sense of the citys trading traditions. Do remember to check quality and authenticity, especially when shopping for speciality items.

Modern lifestyle districts blend shopping with cafes, galleries, and performance spaces, making them pleasant places to explore even if you do not plan to buy much. Whether you prefer global brands or one-of-a-kind finds, Beijing offers a variety of spots to discover something that suits your style.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May, shoulder season) brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures around 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). Blossoming trees brighten parks and palace gardens, and clearer skies make it a pleasant time for walking tours and exploring outdoor sights.

Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm and lively, with temperatures typically between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F). Longer daylight hours give you more time to explore the city, enjoy lakeside areas, and plan day trips to nearby sections of the Great Wall surrounded by green hills.

Autumn and winter (September to February, low season) feature crisp air and cooler temperatures, often ranging from 2°C to 18°C (36°F to 64°F) in autumn and colder in mid-winter. Autumn offers clear days and colourful foliage, while winter brings a quieter atmosphere, atmospheric cityscapes, and a cosy backdrop for hearty seasonal dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions