Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Beijing, where history meets a modern capital

Beijing is a city of grand avenues, hidden hutong lanes, and evolving skylines. As the capital of China, it blends imperial landmarks with contemporary architecture, thriving tech districts, and a fast-moving dining and arts scene. You will feel the contrast between centuries-old courtyards and glass towers in a single walk.

Beyond its famous sites, Beijing is a city of neighbourhoods. Morning tai chi in leafy parks, bustling food streets at night, and calm lakeside promenades give you many ways to slow down and take in local life. Wide subway coverage and a growing network of cycle paths make it straightforward to explore at your own pace.

For travellers from Melbourne, Beijing offers a different rhythm, distinct seasons, and a chance to experience both the scale of a major world capital and the intimacy of small alleyway cafés. It is a destination that rewards both first-time visitors and those returning to discover new corners.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

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

Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)

Take a day trip to walk restored sections of the Great Wall, with sweeping views over rolling hills and valleys.

Summer Palace

Stroll beside Kunming Lake, cross ornamental bridges, and explore pavilions set in landscaped gardens.

Beijing hutongs

Wander through historic alleyways lined with courtyard homes, small shops, and cosy cafés.

Experience Beijing’s culture and everyday life

Exploring Beijing’s hutongs is one of the best ways to get close to the city’s character. Join a guided walking or cycling tour through neighbourhoods such as Nanluoguxiang or Wudaoying to learn about traditional courtyard homes, local crafts, and how these areas are being reimagined with galleries and small boutiques.

Parks and lakes are another window into daily life. In places like Jingshan Park and Beihai Park you can climb gentle hills for city views, or walk around the water and watch residents practise dance or calligraphy. In the evening, head to modern arts districts such as 798 Art Zone, where repurposed industrial buildings house contemporary galleries, concept stores, and stylish cafés.

For a different vantage point, consider a side trip to the Great Wall that includes hiking between watchtowers. Many tours offer varying levels of difficulty, from relaxed strolls on restored paths to more rugged stretches where you can enjoy quieter scenery. In winter, nearby ski resorts add another outdoor option, giving you a taste of the region’s colder season in a fun, active setting.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing’s dining scene stretches from long-standing eateries to sleek contemporary restaurants. One of the city’s signature experiences is enjoying roast duck, carved at your table and wrapped in thin pancakes with crisp vegetables and sauce. Speciality restaurants across the city offer their own carefully refined versions of this classic dish.

You will also find lively food streets and markets serving everything from handmade dumplings to grilled skewers and steaming bowls of noodles. Areas around Wangfujing and Ghost Street are popular for evening snacks, while hutong neighbourhoods are dotted with small spots serving family recipes in intimate settings. Cafés and bakeries have grown in number, giving you plenty of places to pause during a day of sightseeing.

For a modern take, Beijing’s newer districts and shopping malls feature inventive Chinese cuisine alongside international options. Many venues offer stylish interiors and views over the city, making them ideal for a relaxed dinner after a day at the Great Wall or exploring museums.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Beijing offers a mix of traditional markets, creative districts, and contemporary malls. In historic shopping streets you will find silk, handicrafts, and teas, alongside souvenirs that reflect Chinese design and artistry. These areas are ideal for browsing at a slower pace and discovering smaller, independent shops.

For a more modern experience, head to commercial hubs such as Wangfujing, Sanlitun, and the central business district, where international brands share space with Chinese labels. Stylish department stores and multi-purpose complexes often combine shopping with dining and entertainment, allowing you to spend a full afternoon in one place.

Design-focused neighbourhoods like 798 Art Zone and selected hutong streets showcase local fashion, homeware, and creative goods. Here you can find distinctive pieces that reflect the city’s contemporary culture, from minimalist ceramics to limited-run clothing and prints.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May, shoulder season) brings steadily warming days around 10–22°C (50–72°F). Blossoms brighten city parks, outdoor cafés reopen, and visibility is often clear, making it a pleasant time for walks through the hutongs and visits to the Great Wall.

Summer (June to August, peak season) is hot and lively, with temperatures typically between 22–32°C (72–90°F). Longer daylight hours suit evening strolls around lakes, rooftop dining, and exploring indoor attractions such as museums and galleries during the warmest part of the day.

Autumn (September to November, peak season) is known for comfortable temperatures of about 10–20°C (50–68°F) and crisp, blue-sky days. Parks glow with golden foliage, and conditions are ideal for Great Wall hikes, relaxed city walks, and outdoor photography.

Winter (December to February, low season) is cold and dry, with average temperatures often ranging from -5–5°C (23–41°F). Clear days, quiet attractions, and occasional snow give major sites and courtyards a different atmosphere, and you can warm up with hot dishes and seasonal street snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore top picked destinations

Melbourne to Chengdu Melbourne to Chongqing Melbourne to Guangzhou Melbourne to Shanghai
Melbourne to Busan Melbourne to Fukuoka Melbourne to Hong Kong Melbourne to Nagoya Melbourne to Osaka Melbourne to Sapporo Melbourne to Seoul Melbourne to Taipei Melbourne 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