Flights from Singapore (SIN) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a vibrant capital where imperial landmarks, wide boulevards, and creative neighbourhoods sit side by side. You can move from grand palaces and historic hutongs to art districts and leafy parks in a single day, with a skyline that reflects both past and present.

What to expect
The city is structured around broad ring roads, lively commercial centres, and quieter residential alleys. Modern districts offer towers, museums, and performance venues, while older quarters invite slower walks past courtyards and traditional architecture. Expect a bustling, energetic atmosphere, especially during weekday rush hours.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a short city break and a starting point for exploring northern China. High-speed rail and domestic flights connect you to other major cities and scenic regions. Plan at least several days to experience its main sights, neighbourhoods, and nearby excursions.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through grand courtyards and intricate halls in this former imperial palace at the heart of Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and significant city landmarks.

Great Wall near Beijing

Take a day trip to restored sections of the Great Wall for sweeping mountain views and historic ramparts.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside walkways, bridges, and pavilions in this expansive historic garden retreat in northwest Beijing.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore striking circular halls and watch locals practising tai chi and other activities in the surrounding park.

798 Art District

Discover galleries, design shops, and industrial architecture in this contemporary art and lifestyle district.

Beijing hutongs

Wander narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes, small cafés, and independent boutiques.

Jingshan Park

Climb the central hill for panoramic views over the Forbidden City and the old city layout.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s extensive metro network is usually the fastest way to cross the city, especially during busy periods. Taxis and ride-hailing services help with door-to-door journeys, while shared bikes are popular for shorter trips in inner districts. Always factor in extra time for peak-hour traffic.

Local life & culture
You will see early-morning exercises in parks, lively chess games on street corners, and residents socialising in shaded hutongs. Creative communities thrive in former factory zones and warehouse spaces, where galleries, studios, and performance venues host regular events. Cultural venues range from grand theatres to small experimental stages.

Where to unwind
City parks, lakeside promenades, and smaller neighbourhood gardens provide calm spaces to slow down. In the warmer months, evenings are ideal for lakeside walks and outdoor cafés, especially when the city cools after sunset. In cooler seasons, indoor tea houses and quiet bookshops offer a warm, relaxed escape.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local flavours at traditional eateries, small family-run shops, and busy snack streets. Look out for roast duck, hand-pulled noodles, and small plates from across northern China, especially in older neighbourhoods and near popular markets.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and mixed-use districts offer an easy mix of cafés, fast-casual restaurants, and contemporary bistros. Menus often bring together regional Chinese cuisines and international favourites, so it is simple to share a variety of dishes at one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose restaurants with views over lakes, historic rooftops, or modern city skylines. Many hotels and high-rise towers host fine-dining venues where carefully presented menus are matched with attentive service and broad city vistas.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s major shopping centres combine international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one place. These lifestyle hubs often feature open plazas and seasonal installations, making them popular meeting points as well as retail destinations.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and dedicated markets are where you will find crafts, design items, and souvenirs. Neighbourhoods with a strong creative presence, including converted industrial areas and older alleyway districts, often host boutiques featuring ceramics, textiles, and contemporary design pieces.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls create a lively atmosphere for strolling, dining, and browsing. Some pedestrian areas feel particularly vibrant in the evening, when temperatures cool and more locals are out. Metro access and plentiful taxis make these districts straightforward to reach and return from.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May – shoulder season
Spring in Beijing brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F). Trees and parks turn green, making outdoor sightseeing pleasant. It is a popular time for walking the city’s parks and historic sites, with generally comfortable conditions and fewer peak-season crowds.

Summer (xia) – June to August – peak season
Summer is warm to hot, with average temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and higher daytime peaks. This is a busy travel period, with long daylight hours that suit evening walks, outdoor dining, and lake activities. Occasional showers refresh the air and cool the city after hot days.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – September to February – low season
Autumn is clear and crisp, with averages around 14°C (57°F) and many sunny days, ideal for city walks and nearby excursions. Winters are cold, with average temperatures near -1°C (30°F), but the dry air and quieter attractions can make for atmospheric visits if you dress warmly.

Frequently Asked Questions