Flights from Phuket (HKT) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends grand imperial landmarks with modern avenues and creative districts, giving you a vivid sense of the country’s past and present in one city. From vast squares to leafy hutong lanes, you can move between wide-open vistas and intimate neighbourhoods in moments.

What to expect
You will find impressive palaces, tranquil parks, and major museums set alongside a fast-paced urban core of glass towers and broad boulevards. Distinct districts, from the historic centre around the Forbidden City to newer areas like the Central Business District, each offer their own atmosphere and rhythm.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring northern China. High-speed rail links and domestic flights make it easy to reach nearby cities and sections of the Great Wall, so you can build a varied itinerary around your stay in the capital.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through vast courtyards and ornate halls in this former imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest city squares, framed by imposing public buildings and key cultural institutions.

Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)

Take a day trip to these well-preserved sections of the Great Wall and enjoy sweeping views over the surrounding hills.

Summer Palace

Explore lakeside pavilions, shaded walkways, and landscaped gardens in this expansive former royal retreat.

Temple of Heaven Park

Stroll through a spacious park dotted with historic halls and watch locals practising music, dance, and exercise.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, design shops, and cafés housed in a former industrial complex in northeast Beijing.

Houhai Lakes and hutongs

Wander around the lakes and narrow alleyways lined with courtyard homes, small bars, and relaxed eateries.

Jingshan Park

Climb the central hill for a panoramic view over the Forbidden City’s rooftops and the historic city centre.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s extensive metro network is usually the fastest way to cross the city, linking major sights, business areas, and railway stations. Taxis and ride-hailing apps fill in the gaps, while walking or cycling within hutong neighbourhoods lets you appreciate smaller details at a relaxed pace.

Local life & culture
In the mornings you may see residents gathering in parks and squares for dance, music, and gentle exercise, creating a sociable atmosphere in public spaces. Creative districts and university areas add an energetic, youthful side, with bookshops, galleries, and performance venues hosting regular events.

Where to unwind
Many parks, from the lakes of Beihai Park to the slopes of Xiangshan (Fragrant Hills), offer quiet corners, scenic viewpoints, and shaded paths. Early mornings and late afternoons are pleasant times to visit, when the light softens and the city feels a little calmer.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local snacks and classic northern dishes in lively streets and small eateries around areas such as Wangfujing and the hutong neighbourhoods. Menus often focus on bold flavours and hearty portions that suit the city’s cooler winters.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern malls and mixed-use complexes across the city gather a wide range of regional and international cuisines under one roof. With many places offering smaller plates or shared dishes, it is easy to try a variety of flavours in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider restaurants with views towards landmarks or rooftop settings in central districts. Dining by the lakes around Houhai or in converted courtyard houses can combine atmosphere, design, and cuisine in one experience.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s major shopping centres bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining in bright, contemporary spaces. These complexes act as social hubs where you can combine shopping with a relaxed meal or a film.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and side streets offer opportunities to browse for handicrafts, homeware, and clothing. Districts such as Nanluoguxiang, Panjiayuan, and some hutong lanes feature independent boutiques and stalls with a more local focus.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets, entertainment zones, and late-opening malls remain lively with shoppers and diners. Well-connected metro lines and clearly signed stations help you reach these areas comfortably in the evening.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). Parks and avenues start to turn green and bloom, making it a pleasant time for sightseeing and outdoor walks with generally comfortable conditions.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer is warm to hot, with averages from 22–30°C (72–86°F) and higher daytime peaks. Longer daylight hours and school holidays make this a popular period, and you can enjoy extended evenings in parks, lakeside areas, and open-air venues.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is often clear and crisp, with 10–20°C (50–68°F) temperatures and good conditions for city walks and Great Wall excursions. Winter is colder, typically from -5–5°C (23–41°F), but the dry air and quieter attractions can make exploration feel calm and atmospheric.

Frequently Asked Questions