Flights from Istanbul (IST) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a dynamic capital where ancient imperial landmarks sit alongside modern glass towers and creative districts. You will find grand avenues, quiet hutong lanes, and a mix of tradition and innovation that shapes everyday life.

What to expect
The city is vast and organised around wide ring roads, with distinct neighbourhoods for culture, business, and design. Expect impressive historic sites, leafy parks, contemporary art zones, and a busy yet orderly rhythm that rewards unhurried exploration.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring the wider region. With efficient rail and air links, you can combine time in the capital with other destinations, making it a convenient gateway for a longer journey.

Top sights in Beijing

Great Wall of China (near Beijing)

Walk along restored sections of this iconic fortification in the mountains outside the city for wide views and a sense of history.

Forbidden City

Explore the former imperial palace complex, with its grand courtyards, ornate halls, and detailed traditional architecture.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the largest city squares in the world, framed by imposing public buildings and monuments.

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and landscaped hills in this vast historic retreat on the city’s north-western edge.

Temple of Heaven Park

Enjoy landscaped grounds and striking circular halls, and watch locals relaxing, exercising, and socialising in the open air.

798 Art District

Discover galleries, design shops, and street installations in a former industrial zone turned contemporary arts hub.

Beijing hutongs

Wander through narrow lanes lined with courtyards, small shops, and cafés to experience a more intimate side of the city.

Jingshan Park

Climb the central hill for a panoramic view over the Forbidden City and the surrounding central districts.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The city’s extensive metro network is usually the fastest way to move between major districts and attractions. For shorter distances, taxis and app-based rides are widely available, while walking through hutong areas gives a closer look at daily life.

Local life & culture
Public parks fill with residents practising exercise, music, and games, giving a strong sense of community. Creative neighbourhoods and university areas add a youthful energy, with bookshops, galleries, and performance spaces dotted between older streets.

Where to unwind
Beijing’s many parks and lakeside promenades offer calm corners away from the main roads, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Tree-lined avenues, small neighbourhood squares, and landscaped gardens give you space to pause between sightseeing.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local snacks and classic dishes in busy food streets and neighbourhood eateries around the city. Areas near traditional lanes and older commercial streets are especially good for trying favourites enjoyed by residents.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping and business districts host a wide range of restaurants, cafés, and food courts, making it easy to find familiar flavours and new tastes in one place. Menus often feature many small plates, so you can share and try several dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider restaurants overlooking lakes, historic courtyards, or the modern skyline. High-rise venues and carefully restored buildings provide a special setting for both local and international cuisine.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Beijing features large shopping centres that bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one place. These complexes double as social hubs, with wide indoor promenades that are especially welcome in mid-summer or winter.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and side streets offer opportunities to browse for crafts, souvenirs, and design pieces from local makers. Districts known for creative studios, older commercial lanes, and renovated warehouse spaces are good areas to explore on foot.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls stay lively with people meeting, dining, and browsing. Selected markets and pedestrian zones remain active into the evening, and public transport links make it straightforward to reach them and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) — March to May, shoulder season
Spring brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures around 12–22°C (54–72°F). Parks fill with new blossoms and clearer skies, making it a pleasant time for walking tours and visiting historic sites before peak summer crowds.

Summer (xia) — June to August, peak season
Summer is hot and often humid, with average temperatures between 25–30°C (77–86°F). Long daylight hours are ideal for extended sightseeing, evening strolls by the lakes, and day trips to the Great Wall, as long as you plan for shade and hydration.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) — September to February, low season
Autumn is generally clear and comfortable, around 10–20°C (50–68°F), creating crisp conditions for outdoor exploring. Winters are cold, often below 0–5°C (32–41°F), but the quieter atmosphere and occasional snow give landmarks and parks a distinctive character.

Frequently Asked Questions