Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijings timeless energy

Beijing blends ancient landmarks with modern city life in a way that feels both grand and surprisingly accessible. Towering glass towers rise beside traditional hutong alleyways, and wide boulevards open out to ornate gates, serene lakes, and leafy parks. As you explore, you will find each neighbourhood has its own rhythm, from early morning tai chi in the parks to busy night-time food streets.

The city is also a gateway to centuries of history. You can trace stories across imperial gardens, grand squares, and world-famous fortifications just beyond the city. At the same time, Beijing is forward-looking, with contemporary art districts, design-focused cafés, and innovative cuisine that remixes regional flavours. It is a city that rewards both first-time visitors and returning travellers with something new on every trip.

Top sights in Beijing

Great Wall near Beijing

Travel out to one of the restored Great Wall sections near Beijing for sweeping views of rolling hills and impressive stone ramparts.

Forbidden City

Walk through the Forbidden City to admire vast courtyards, intricate roofs, and richly decorated halls that reveal the scale of former imperial life.

Summer Palace

Stroll around the Summer Palace, where lakeside paths, pavilions, and bridges create a peaceful escape from the urban pace.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore Temple of Heaven Park, a huge green space where you can enjoy historic architecture and observe daily life in the surrounding gardens.

798 Art District

Head to the 798 Art District to discover contemporary galleries, outdoor installations, and creative shops set in converted industrial buildings.

Experience Beijings culture and city life

In Beijing, much of the citys character is found out on the streets. Join a walking or cycling tour through traditional hutong neighbourhoods to see courtyard homes, small cafés, and local markets at a relaxed pace. Around the many parks and lakes, you can rent a bike, take a gentle boat ride in warmer months, or simply sit and watch the city unfold around you.

Cultural experiences are easy to build into your stay. Spend an evening at a theatre performance or explore smaller museums that focus on crafts, design, and urban history. As night falls, the city lights up with lively dining streets and modern shopping districts, giving you the choice between atmospheric old lanes and contemporary city views. Whether your interests are focused on history, food, or photography, Beijing offers activities that fit a wide range of travel styles.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing has a food scene that ranges from long-running family restaurants to sleek venues in modern high-rises. You can try classic local dishes such as crispy roast duck carved at your table, comforting noodle bowls, and dumplings served in bustling dining rooms. Small eateries down side streets often specialise in just a few recipes, honed over many years.

Street food and night markets add another layer, offering skewers, savoury pancakes, and regional snacks from across China. In business districts and newer neighbourhoods, you will also find contemporary restaurants and cafés serving everything from inventive tasting menus to relaxed brunches. Tea houses and dessert shops are perfect for an afternoon pause, whether you prefer delicate pastries or seasonal fruit-based sweets.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Beijing offers a mix of modern shopping centres, traditional markets, and independent boutiques. Large malls in key districts bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and restaurants under one roof, making them convenient spots to browse and unwind. Many have late opening hours, so you can shop after a day of sightseeing.

For something more local, explore markets and smaller streets known for crafts, clothing, and everyday items. Here you can look for souvenirs such as tea sets, textiles, or decorative objects that reflect regional design. Creative areas like the 798 Art District also feature galleries and shops where you can find prints, ceramics, and design pieces by contemporary artists, giving you a chance to bring home a more personal reminder of your trip.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May) is a shoulder season, with mild days around 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). Blossoming trees brighten parks and historic sites, and clearer skies make it a pleasant time for walking tours, cycling in hutongs, and exploring the Great Wall with comfortable temperatures.

Summer (June to August) is the peak season, bringing warmer weather between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Longer daylight hours and school holidays create a lively atmosphere at major attractions. It is an ideal time for evening walks around lakes, open-air performances, and enjoying cool refreshments in shaded courtyards and cafés.

Autumn (September to early November) is another shoulder season, with comfortable temperatures of 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Trees around the city and nearby hills turn vivid shades of red and gold, creating scenic views at parks, the Great Wall, and imperial gardens, with generally clear, crisp days.

Winter (late November to February) is a low season, with colder days typically between -5°C and 5°C (23°F to 41°F). The cool air and quieter attractions can make visits to grand squares, museums, and historic sites feel more spacious, and the city takes on a distinctive atmosphere, especially after light snowfall.

Frequently Asked Questions