Beijing combines grand imperial landmarks with bold modern architecture, giving you a vivid sense of China past and present in one city.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
You will find wide boulevards, historic hutong lanes, monumental squares, and a thriving arts and café scene, all connected by an extensive metro network.
Plan your trip
Use Beijing as a base to explore the Great Wall and northern China, with excellent rail and air links to cities across the country and beyond.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through grand courtyards and ornate halls in the former imperial palace, now one of the world’s most impressive museum complexes.
Tiananmen Square
Visit one of the largest city squares on earth, framed by imposing public buildings and monuments that showcase the scale of modern Beijing.
Temple of Heaven Park
Stroll among intricate ceremonial halls and peaceful cypress groves where locals gather for music, dance, and morning exercise.
Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling
Take a day trip to walk along restored sections of the Great Wall, with sweeping mountain views and well-marked walking paths.
Summer Palace
Explore lakeside pavilions, shaded walkways, and hilltop viewpoints in this vast royal retreat on the edge of the city.
798 Art District
Discover galleries, street art, and design boutiques housed in former factory buildings, surrounded by cafés and creative studios.
Beijing hutongs
Wander the narrow alleys of traditional courtyard neighbourhoods, where everyday life plays out between small shops and local homes.
Jingshan Park
Climb to the hilltop pavilion for one of the best panoramic views over the Forbidden City and the old city rooftops, especially at sunset.
Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Beijing’s metro for fast, reliable travel between major sights, and taxis or ride-hailing for late evenings or shorter hops. For a slower look at local life, cycle designated bike lanes, then walk the last streets through hutongs and pedestrian alleys.
Local life & culture
In parks, you will see residents practising tai chi, playing board games, and singing together, while hutong streets buzz with small shops and studios. Modern districts host theatres, galleries, and live music venues that show Beijing’s creative side.
Where to unwind
Escape to leafy parks such as the Summer Palace or Beihai Park for lakeside walks and boat rides in the late afternoon. In cooler months, seek out teahouses and quieter courtyard spaces to slow down after a busy day of sightseeing.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Try classic Beijing roast duck, savoury pancakes, and skewers in lively neighbourhoods and food streets, where stalls and small eateries serve favourites late into the evening.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to contemporary districts and malls for a mix of local, regional Chinese, and international cuisines, with sharing-style portions that make it easy to sample several dishes with friends or family.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose restaurants with skyline views or courtyard settings near historic landmarks, where you can pair refined menus with dramatic city or garden backdrops.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres bring together international fashion, local designers, cinemas, and dining, creating easy all-in-one spots to shop, relax, and meet friends.
Markets & local crafts
Browse streets and markets known for handicrafts, tea, calligraphy supplies, and souvenirs, where smaller shops showcase traditional designs alongside modern interpretations.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls stay lively with shoppers and diners, and frequent metro services and taxis make these areas straightforward to reach.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring (April to May) is a shoulder season, with mild days around 15–25°C (59–77°F) and blooming parks. Summer (June to August) is peak season, with hot, often humid weather around 26–32°C (79–90°F) and many local holidaymakers. Autumn (September to October) is another shoulder season, with comfortable 10–22°C (50–72°F) days and clear skies. Winter (November to March) is low season, when temperatures can drop to -5–5°C (23–41°F), but you will find quieter attractions and crisp, dry days.