Flights from Bangkok (BKK) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing, a city of contrasts

Beijing combines imperial grandeur with a dynamic modern skyline, creating a city where centuries of history sit alongside bold architecture and wide boulevards. Walk along vast avenues, slip into quiet courtyard alleys, and watch daily life unfold in neighbourhood parks and bustling markets.

The city is home to some of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, set among leafy lakes, contemporary art districts, and lively shopping streets. Whether you are exploring for the first time or returning to uncover more, Beijing invites you to take your time and experience its many layers at your own pace.

Top sights in Beijing

Great Wall of China (near Beijing)

Walk along the ancient ramparts at a restored section of the Great Wall, enjoying sweeping mountain views and a sense of the region’s long history.

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Stroll across one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by imposing buildings and important cultural institutions.

Summer Palace

Wander lakeside walkways, pavilions, and landscaped gardens in this historic retreat, known for its calm scenery and ornamental bridges.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, design shops, and creative spaces in a former industrial area that has become a hub for modern art and culture.

Experience Beijing’s culture and city life

Beijing is a city best experienced on foot, by bike, and through its neighbourhoods. Spend time in the traditional hutong lanes, where you can see courtyard houses, local shops, and everyday life unfolding. Joining a guided walk or cycling tour is a relaxed way to understand how old and new parts of the city connect.

Parks and lakes offer a different side of Beijing. Around popular lakeside areas, you can rent a boat, sit in a teahouse, or simply watch local residents unwind. In the evening, performance venues and theatres showcase music, acrobatics, and stage shows, giving you a chance to see another facet of the city’s cultural scene.

If you enjoy day trips, consider visiting a nearby section of the Great Wall from Beijing. Organised tours and private drivers are widely available, and many combine scenic viewpoints with gentle walking, allowing you to experience the countryside beyond the city.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing’s food scene brings together long-established dishes and creative new restaurants. You will find everything from celebrated roast duck to comforting noodle bowls and sharing plates featuring seasonal vegetables, meat, and seafood. Many restaurants focus on regional cooking, so you can sample flavours from across northern China in one city.

Street food and casual eateries are an important part of the local dining culture. In busy neighbourhoods, you can try skewers, dumplings, stuffed buns, and warm snacks that are especially inviting during the cooler months. Cafes and bakeries add another layer, offering a place to pause between sights.

For a special evening, Beijing offers refined dining rooms with carefully presented menus and city views. Reservations are recommended for popular places, especially at weekends and during major holidays, so plan ahead if there is a particular restaurant you wish to try.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Beijing’s shopping districts range from sleek malls to traditional streets, giving you many ways to bring home something memorable. Central shopping areas feature international brands, local designers, and lifestyle stores, often combined with dining and entertainment in the same complex.

Markets and older commercial streets are ideal for browsing local products. Here you can look for tea, textiles, handicrafts, ceramics, and decorative items, while experiencing a more historic style of shopping. Smaller boutiques and design shops in creative districts showcase contemporary pieces made by local artists and makers.

If you prefer a modern retail environment, newly developed neighbourhoods and business districts offer large malls with curated fashion, beauty, and homeware selections. Many of these spaces stay open into the evening, making them a convenient option after a day of sightseeing.

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 temperatures and blooming trees in the city’s parks and gardens. Clear, crisp days are common, making this a pleasant time for walking tours and outdoor sightseeing.

Summer (June to August, around 22–30°C / 72–86°F) is peak season, bringing warm, humid days and long daylight hours that suit evening strolls around lakes and lively streets. Occasional showers freshen the air, and many visitors enjoy combining city exploration with a day trip to the Great Wall.

Autumn and winter (September to February, roughly 0–18°C / 32–64°F) are a mix of shoulder season and low season, with cooler air and bright, clear days. Autumn foliage creates beautiful scenes in parks and at the Great Wall, while winter’s chill offers a refreshing atmosphere and a peaceful side to the city.

Frequently Asked Questions