Flights from Medan (KNO) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends imperial landmarks, broad boulevards, and contemporary districts into a memorable city break. You can walk between centuries-old courtyards, imposing city walls, and sleek glass towers, then unwind in leafy parks that sit right beside busy avenues.

What to expect
You will find wide ring roads, efficient metro lines, and distinct neighbourhoods, from historic hutong lanes to modern business districts. Major sights are spread across the city, so each day naturally focuses on a different area, whether you are exploring iconic landmarks or quieter residential streets.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as a standalone city escape or as the starting point for a longer journey across northern and central China. With high-speed rail and domestic flights radiating outwards, it offers an easy gateway to mountain landscapes, coastal cities, and historic towns beyond the capital.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through grand courtyards, ornate gates, and palace halls in this vast former imperial residence at the heart of Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Stroll across one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by imposing buildings and landmarks on all sides.

Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)

Take a day trip to hike restored sections of the Great Wall, where stone ramparts follow dramatic ridgelines and forested hills.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore elegant historic halls surrounded by a vast park, where locals gather for music, exercise, and traditional games.

Summer Palace

Enjoy lake views, pavilions, and shaded walkways in this expansive garden retreat on Beijing’s north-western edge.

Hutong Neighbourhoods

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

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, outdoor sculptures, and design shops set within former factory buildings.

Beijing Central Business District

Admire striking modern architecture and skyline views in the city’s main commercial hub.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s metro network is the most efficient way to cover longer distances, with clear signage and frequent services. Taxis and app-based rides are useful for reaching areas away from stations, while cycling or using shared bikes offers a scenic way to explore hutong lanes and parks.

Local life & culture
In the early mornings, parks fill with residents practising exercises and social activities, giving you a glimpse of the city’s community spirit. Neighbourhoods shift in mood through the day, from busy local markets to lively evening promenades, with public squares and lakeside paths acting as social gathering points.

Where to unwind
City parks and lakes, such as those around the Summer Palace and central lakeside areas, are ideal for gentle walks or boat rides. In the late afternoon and early evening, many outdoor spaces are pleasantly shaded, and tree-lined avenues provide quiet corners to sit, relax, and watch everyday life unfold.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for dishes that are rich in flavour and best enjoyed shared at busy tables. You will find street-side eateries and small local restaurants around hutong areas and commercial streets, where grills, noodles, and snacks are freshly prepared throughout the day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and newer districts gather a wide mix of regional Chinese and international cuisines under one roof. Menus often feature smaller plates alongside larger dishes, making it easy to sample a variety of flavours with friends or family during a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, consider restaurants that overlook city landmarks, lakes, or the illuminated skyline in the business district. Many venues combine carefully prepared menus with floor-to-ceiling windows or rooftop terraces, so you can enjoy both the food and the surrounding views.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres around central districts offer international brands, lifestyle stores, and entertainment options in one place. These modern complexes are popular meeting points, with cafés, cinemas, and spacious atriums that make it easy to take a break between browsing.

Markets & local crafts
For more characterful finds, smaller markets and side streets showcase local designers, handicrafts, and creative studios. Areas such as 798 Art District, Nanluoguxiang, and nearby lanes are good places to look for distinctive souvenirs or design-led pieces.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, key commercial streets and plazas light up with colourful signs and illuminated façades, creating a lively atmosphere for a stroll. Some shopping areas stay open later into the evening, so you can browse, dine, and explore without rushing, with metro and taxi links making them easy to reach.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May, shoulder season) offers mild days around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and blooming parks across the city. It is a pleasant time for walking tours, with comfortable temperatures and lengthening daylight hours inviting you to explore outdoor sights at a relaxed pace.

Summer in Beijing (June to August, peak season) brings warm to hot weather, typically 25–32°C (77–90°F), with occasional showers. Longer days mean more time to visit landmarks and enjoy evenings by the lakes, and many cultural events and performances are scheduled during this energetic period.

Autumn and winter in Beijing (September to February, low season) range from crisp, cool days in early autumn, around 10–20°C (50–68°F), to colder winter temperatures that can fall below 0°C (32°F). Clear skies and lower visitor numbers create calm conditions, ideal for quieter visits to major sites and scenic viewpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions