Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Beijing, where history meets modern skylines

Beijing is a city of grand avenues, hidden alleyways, and a skyline that blends imperial landmarks with glass towers. As the capital of China, it offers a fascinating mix of centuries-old architecture, leafy parks, and fast-evolving creative districts. You will find quiet courtyards just a few streets away from buzzing shopping streets and lively food lanes.

The city is easy to explore by metro, with distinct neighbourhoods to discover at your own pace. Spend your mornings walking through historic complexes and your evenings in contemporary art spaces or theatre venues. With each district offering its own character, Beijing rewards both first-time visitors and those returning to see what has changed.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Great Wall near Beijing

Take a day trip to one of the restored sections of the Great Wall for sweeping views of hills, watchtowers, and fortifications.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the largest city squares in the world, framed by imposing buildings and important cultural sites.

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and landscaped gardens that once served as a summer retreat for the imperial court.

798 Art District

Explore galleries, design shops, and cafes set inside repurposed industrial buildings in this contemporary art hub.

Experience Beijing up close

Exploring Beijing is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the major landmarks. Wander through traditional hutong lanes to see older courtyard homes, small local shops, and neighbourhood markets. Joining a guided walking or cycling tour can help you learn about the city’s layers of history while navigating its narrower streets with ease.

For a different perspective, head to one of Beijing’s large parks in the early morning or late afternoon. You might find locals practising dance, music, or exercise in open spaces, and the parks themselves offer shaded paths, lakeside viewpoints, and seasonal flowers. In the evenings, modern performance venues host everything from acrobatics shows to contemporary theatre, giving you plenty of options to round off a day of sightseeing.

If you enjoy being outdoors, plan an excursion to the Great Wall at a section that matches your preferred level of walking. Some parts are more gently restored with cable cars or easier paths, while others offer steeper climbs and quieter stretches of wall with broad mountain views.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing’s dining scene ranges from long-established restaurants to modern spots with inventive takes on classic recipes. Roasted duck, handmade noodles, and dumplings are among the dishes most visitors seek out, and you will find many venues that have built a reputation for them over the years.

Street food areas and casual eateries offer an inviting way to try a variety of flavours in one evening. Skewers, pancakes, and savoury snacks appear alongside regional specialties from across China, reflecting the city’s role as a gathering point for different culinary traditions. In business districts and newer neighbourhoods, cafes and contemporary restaurants cater to a range of tastes, from local comfort food to international menus.

Tea houses and dessert shops add another layer to the experience, whether you prefer a quiet corner with a warm drink or a bright, bustling space with modern sweets. Whatever your style of dining, you will find plenty of options to fit a busy day of sightseeing or a relaxed night out.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Shopping in Beijing can take you from broad boulevards lined with flagship stores to tucked-away markets packed with character. Major commercial streets and malls feature well-known international labels, local fashion brands, and lifestyle stores, often paired with cinemas and dining options for a full day out.

For something more traditional, seek out markets and specialist shops selling crafts, calligraphy materials, silk items, and decorative pieces. These areas are ideal for finding keepsakes that reflect the city’s artistic heritage. You can also explore creative districts where independent designers and smaller boutiques showcase clothing, jewellery, and homeware with a contemporary twist.

Large department stores and underground shopping passages near transport hubs offer convenience, especially if you have limited time. Whether you are looking for gifts, everyday items, or a single standout piece to remember your trip, Beijing’s mix of old and new retail spaces provides many possibilities.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (March to May, 10–20°C / 50–68°F), a shoulder season, brings gradually warming days and clear skies that are ideal for walking between sights and parks, with blooming trees adding colour to avenues and gardens across the city.

Summer (June to August, 22–30°C / 72–86°F), the peak season, is warm and lively, with long daylight hours for exploring outdoor attractions, taking evening strolls around lakes, and enjoying rooftop or open-air dining across Beijing.

Autumn (September to November, 8–18°C / 46–64°F), a shoulder season, offers comfortable temperatures and crisp air, with foliage in parks and at the Great Wall turning shades of red and gold, making it a popular time for photography and hiking.

Winter (December to February, -5–5°C / 23–41°F), the low season, is cold but atmospheric, with quieter attractions, clear days that suit city walks if you dress warmly, and the chance to experience Beijing’s winter street foods and seasonal activities.

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