Flights from New York (NYC) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Beijing, where history meets a modern skyline

Beijing is a city where grand avenues lead to hidden hutong lanes, and centuries of history sit beside glass towers and design-led cafés. As the capital of China, it is a gateway to imperial landmarks, cutting-edge arts districts, and expansive parks that offer a calm contrast to the city’s energy.

You will find wide boulevards filled with cyclists, traditional courtyards being carefully restored, and contemporary galleries showcasing local and international work. Whether you are here for business or leisure, Beijing invites you to explore both its monumental past and its fast-evolving present.

From world-famous heritage sites to neighbourhood food streets and tranquil lakes, the city rewards anyone willing to wander a little beyond the main sights. Each district has its own character, offering something new every time you visit.

Top sights in Beijing

Great Wall near Beijing

Walk along the ancient ramparts at sections such as Mutianyu or Jinshanling and enjoy sweeping views over rolling hills and restored watchtowers.

Forbidden City

Explore the former imperial palace, a vast complex of courtyards, halls, and ornate roofs that tells the story of China’s dynastic past.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by landmark buildings and wide open spaces at the heart of the city.

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and shaded walkways in this historic retreat, known for its landscaped gardens and elegant views from Longevity Hill.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary art galleries, design shops, and cafés housed in converted factory buildings in this creative neighbourhood.

Experience Beijing’s culture and city life

Beijing offers many ways to experience its culture at your own pace. Join a guided walk through traditional hutong neighbourhoods to see courtyard homes, small cafés, and boutique shops tucked into narrow alleys. Around the city’s lakes, such as Houhai and Qianhai, you can rent a bicycle or simply walk the shoreline, stopping at teahouses and bars as the lights reflect on the water.

For a different angle on the city, rise early and explore the parks, where residents gather for tai chi, dancing, and music. In the evenings, you can attend performances ranging from opera and acrobatics to modern theatre and live music, many staged in beautifully restored venues. Day trips take you out towards the Great Wall, where walking quieter sections offers both exercise and a sense of the surrounding countryside.

If you prefer a more curated experience, themed tours highlight architecture, photography spots, or the city’s fast-changing creative scene. With its large avenues and increasingly well-connected metro system, you can move efficiently between historic quarters, business districts, and new cultural hubs.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing’s dining scene ranges from time-honoured restaurants to stylish new openings, giving you many ways to explore local flavours. Classic dishes are often centred on roasted meats, handmade noodles, and a variety of dumplings, each region within China bringing its own style to the capital. Street-side eateries and busy food streets invite you to sample skewers, pancakes, and hearty bowls of noodles.

You will also find an impressive range of contemporary restaurants that reimagine traditional recipes with seasonal ingredients and modern presentation. Cafés and bakeries are popular meeting spots throughout the day, while busy food courts in shopping centres offer a convenient way to try several regional specialities in one place.

International cuisine is widely available, from casual bistros to fine-dining venues led by renowned chefs. Whether you seek a simple bowl of noodles after a day of sightseeing or a multi-course tasting menu with city views, Beijing’s diverse food culture means there is always something appealing on the menu.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Beijing blends sleek malls, creative markets, and traditional shopping streets, making it easy to find everything from international labels to unique local pieces. Major commercial districts feature large shopping centres with fashion, electronics, and beauty brands, often connected directly to the metro for convenience.

For a more local experience, browse markets and side streets that specialise in crafts, tea, antiques, and contemporary design. Here you can look for ceramics, textiles, paper art, and other keepsakes that reflect the city’s heritage and creativity. Independent boutiques in areas such as the 798 Art District and other creative zones showcase work by emerging designers and artists.

Evening is a particularly lively time to explore shopping streets, when storefronts are illuminated and food stalls open nearby. Whether you prefer air-conditioned malls or open-air markets, you will find many options to match your style and interests.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May, around 10–20°C / 50–68°F) is a shoulder season, with gradually warming days and blossoming trees in parks and around the city’s lakes. Clear, fresh conditions make it a pleasant time for walking the Great Wall and exploring outdoor sights.

Summer (June to August, roughly 22–31°C / 72–88°F) is the peak season, bringing warm, often humid weather and longer daylight hours. This is an energetic time in the city, with busy attractions and lively evenings along popular food streets, lakeside promenades, and rooftop terraces.

Autumn (September to early November, about 10–20°C / 50–68°F) is another shoulder season, known for comfortable temperatures and often crisp, blue skies. Tree-lined avenues and parks take on rich colours, creating inviting conditions for sightseeing and photography both in the city and at nearby Great Wall sections.

Winter (late November to February, typically -5–5°C / 23–41°F) is a low season, with cold, dry days and the possibility of light snow. If you pack warm layers, this can be a rewarding time with quieter crowds at major landmarks and atmospheric scenes around frozen lakes and historic streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore top picked destinations

New York to Chengdu New York to Chongqing New York to Guangzhou New York to Shanghai
New York to Busan New York to Fukuoka New York to Hong Kong New York to Nagoya New York to Osaka New York to Sapporo New York to Seoul New York to Taipei New York to Tokyo
London to Singapore Singapore to Sydney Singapore to Bangkok Frankfurt to New York Singapore to Tokyo Singapore to Bali Singapore to Phuket Los Angeles to Singapore San Francisco to Singapore Mumbai to Singapore Melbourne to Singapore Paris to Singapore Zurich to Singapore Amsterdam to Singapore