Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a vast, historic capital where imperial landmarks stand alongside striking modern architecture. You can explore centuries of heritage, stroll wide boulevards, and discover lively neighbourhoods that reveal the city’s creative and contemporary side.

What to expect
You will find broad avenues, ring roads, and compact hutong lanes, with major sights spread across distinct districts. Cultural institutions, green parks, and well-known shopping streets create a city that feels both monumental and surprisingly easy to explore once you learn its layout.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as a standalone city break or as the starting point for journeys across northern and central China. High-speed rail and domestic flights radiate from the city, making it a convenient base for visiting other major hubs and scenic regions.

Top sights in Beijing

Great Wall of China

Walk along restored sections of the Great Wall near Beijing for sweeping mountain views and a sense of the region’s dramatic landscapes.

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest city squares, framed by landmark buildings and broad open spaces ideal for people-watching.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside paths, pavilions, and gardens at this historic retreat, known for its views over Kunming Lake and surrounding hills.

Temple of Heaven Park

Discover impressive historic architecture set within a spacious park frequented by locals practising music, dance, and exercise.

798 Art District

Explore former factory complexes transformed into galleries, design shops, and cafés showcasing Beijing’s contemporary creative scene.

Beihai and Houhai Lakes

Enjoy waterside walks, boat rides, and lively cafés around central lakes that offer a relaxed contrast to busy main roads.

Wangfujing

Wander a famous shopping street lined with department stores, boutiques, and snack stalls in the city centre.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Beijing Subway is the fastest way to cover long distances, linking key districts and major sights with clear signage. Taxis and app-based ride services help with door-to-door trips, while walking and cycling in selected areas offer a close-up view of historic lanes and local life.

Local life & culture
In residential neighbourhoods you will see residents gathering in courtyards, parks, and squares, especially in the early morning and evening. Commercial districts mix offices, cafés, and cultural venues, giving you opportunities to see how traditional customs, modern work life, and contemporary arts sit side by side.

Where to unwind
Large city parks and lakeside promenades provide calm spaces to pause between sightseeing stops. Early mornings offer gentle light and a quieter atmosphere, while late afternoons are ideal for relaxed strolls as the city cools and the skyline begins to glow.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for rich, hearty flavours, from crisp roast dishes to comforting noodles and filled dumplings. Older neighbourhoods and busy local streets host casual eateries and snack stalls where you can try classic staples in an unhurried setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and new commercial zones group together many restaurants and cafés, making it easy to sample different regional cuisines in one place. Menus often encourage sharing several dishes, so you can try a variety of flavours and dining styles in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
In central districts you will find restaurants with views over city landmarks, rooftops, and lakeside scenes. Reserving a table at an elevated venue lets you pair carefully prepared dishes with a memorable outlook across the capital’s skyline.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s major malls bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining, creating all-day destinations for shopping and leisure. These complexes are well connected to the subway and often anchor key commercial districts around the city.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the main malls, you can explore streets and smaller market areas that highlight handicrafts, fashion, and souvenirs. Districts known for creative studios, independent boutiques, and design shops are ideal for finding items that reflect Beijing’s evolving style.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets, plazas, and lakeside promenades create a lively backdrop for browsing, snacking, and relaxed walks. Many areas stay active into the evening, and convenient public transport makes it straightforward to return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (Chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is mild, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F) and increasingly clear days. Blossoms in parks and comfortable sightseeing conditions make this a pleasant time to explore outdoor landmarks and city streets.

Summer (Xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, with typical temperatures from 22–30°C (72–86°F). Longer daylight hours give you more time to visit major sights, enjoy evening walks around the lakes, and experience the city’s outdoor spaces at their most active.

Autumn and winter (Qiu and Dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is crisp and clear, with 10–20°C (50–68°F) temperatures and often bright blue skies, ideal for photography. Winters can be cold, often between -5–5°C (23–41°F), but quieter attractions and atmospheric cityscapes reward well-prepared visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions