Flights from Medan (KNO) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing, where history meets modern energy

Beijing is a city of grand avenues, hidden alleys, and stories that span centuries. Towering skyscrapers stand alongside traditional courtyard homes, while landscaped parks and wide boulevards break up the urban skyline. You will feel the scale of the city as you move between its expansive districts, each with its own character.

Beyond its iconic landmarks, Beijing is a hub for arts, design, and everyday neighbourhood life. Cafes and tea houses fill restored hutong lanes, while contemporary galleries and performance spaces showcase a fast-evolving creative scene. Whether you are here for business, culture, or a new city experience, Beijing offers a rich blend of old and new.

The city is also a gateway to some of northern Chinas most recognisable sights and landscapes. From historic sites on the citys fringes to day trips into surrounding countryside, you can easily balance your time between urban exploration and calm escapes.

Top sights in Beijing

The Great Wall of China (near Beijing)

Visit one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall near Beijing for sweeping views over rolling hills and impressive stone ramparts.

Forbidden City

Walk through the vast courtyards and ornate halls of the Forbidden City, a former imperial palace at the heart of Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Experience the immense open space of Tiananmen Square, framed by grand public buildings and monuments.

Summer Palace

Explore the lakes, pavilions, and shaded walkways of the Summer Palace, a landscaped retreat on the citys edge.

798 Art District

Browse converted factory spaces in the 798 Art District, where galleries, murals, and design shops highlight Beijings creative side.

Experience Beijings culture and city life

One of the best ways to connect with Beijing is on foot, wandering through its hutong neighbourhoods. Narrow alleys lined with grey-brick homes open onto lively community spaces, small cafes, and boutique shops. Join a walking or cycling tour to learn how these traditional districts have evolved and how residents live today.

For a different perspective, spend time in Beijings parks, which act as social hubs throughout the day. Locals gather for tai chi, dancing, and music, while families stroll along lakeside paths or rent boats when the weather is warm. In the evening, you can discover performance culture at theatres and concert venues, from classical music to modern stage shows.

If you enjoy exploring by night, head to areas known for their restaurants and nightlife, where you can sample local snacks, try modern takes on regional cuisine, and relax in rooftop venues with views of the illuminated city. Beijings wide streets, expansive plazas, and skyline look particularly striking after dark.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing has a long culinary tradition that ranges from refined banquet dishes to comforting street snacks. You can try famous local specialities in dedicated restaurants, where chefs focus on classic flavours, crisp textures, and shared plates that are perfect for groups. Many venues blend modern interiors with time-honoured recipes.

In busy food streets and markets, you will find skewers, buns, noodles, and seasonal snacks. These areas are ideal if you enjoy tasting a variety of small dishes in one outing. Many stalls have been popular with locals for years, handing down recipes across generations while adapting to new tastes.

The city also offers a growing number of contemporary cafes, bakeries, and international restaurants. Whether you prefer a quiet tea house, an elegant dining room, or a casual spot with open kitchens, you will have many options to explore throughout your stay.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Beijing combines grand shopping malls with traditional markets and independent boutiques. In central districts, modern complexes feature international brands, designer labels, and curated lifestyle stores, often linked by comfortable indoor walkways. These centres usually come with cafes, cinemas, and family-friendly facilities, making them easy places to spend an afternoon.

If you prefer something more local, explore streets known for crafts and souvenirs, where you can browse items such as textiles, paper art, ceramics, and calligraphy supplies. Many shops sit in restored buildings, giving you a sense of the citys architectural heritage while you shop.

Creative districts host galleries, design studios, and concept stores with limited-edition pieces and contemporary works. Here you can meet makers, discover new brands, and pick up distinctive items to remember your trip by. Whatever your style, Beijing offers a mix of polished malls and characterful streets for relaxed browsing.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild, gradually warming days to Beijing, with average temperatures around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Blossoming trees brighten city parks, and clear days make it a pleasant time for walking tours and visiting major landmarks.

Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm to hot, with average temperatures between 22°C and 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Longer daylight hours create more time for sightseeing and evening strolls, and city parks and lakeside areas feel lively with outdoor activities and events.

Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) is known for comfortable temperatures of about 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The air turns crisp, and foliage in parks and at nearby Great Wall sections takes on rich colours, offering scenic views and enjoyable conditions for day trips.

Winter (December to February, low season) is cold, with temperatures often between -5°C and 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Clear, bright days highlight Beijings architecture, and quieter attractions can feel calm and spacious, giving you time to appreciate museums, historic sites, and indoor cultural experiences.

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