Beijing blends imperial landmarks, broad avenues, and creative districts into a city that feels both historic and modern. You can explore centuries of architecture, gardens, and galleries in one trip.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
You will find monumental squares, hutong alleyways, and emerging design quarters, all linked by a fast metro system. Wide boulevards, leafy parks, and a dynamic arts scene shape everyday life here.
Plan your trip
Beijing works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys that include the Great Wall and nearby historic towns. It is also a major gateway for exploring northern and western China by air or high-speed rail.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through grand gates, vast courtyards, and intricate halls in this former imperial palace at the heart of Beijing.
Tiananmen Square
Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by imposing buildings and ceremonial avenues.
The Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling)
Take a day trip to walk along restored ramparts and watchtowers, with sweeping views across the surrounding hills.
Temple of Heaven Park
Stroll among historic halls and pine groves while watching locals practise music, dance, and traditional games.
Summer Palace
Explore lakeside pavilions, long painted corridors, and wooded hills that once served as a royal retreat.
798 Art District
Browse contemporary galleries and design shops set in former factory buildings, with striking outdoor installations.
Beijing hutongs
Wander narrow alleyways lined with courtyard homes, small cafés, and intimate neighbourhood corners.
Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
The Beijing Subway is usually the fastest way to move between major sights, with clear signage and frequent trains. Taxis and ride-hailing apps help for late evenings or shorter hops, while walking or cycling gives you time to absorb hutong alleys and local streets.
Local life & culture
In Beijing you will see early-morning tai chi in parks, residents playing cards outside small shops, and students filling lively university districts. Traditional courtyard neighbourhoods sit beside modern towers, giving each area a distinct pace and personality.
Where to unwind
You can relax by the lakes around Shichahai, stroll the paths of Olympic Forest Park, or find quiet corners in the Summer Palace grounds. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the calmest times to enjoy the city’s greener spaces.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Try Beijing roast duck, hand-pulled noodles, and classic snacks from long-standing eateries and simple streetside counters, especially around older neighbourhoods and busy local markets.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping and business districts offer everything from noodle bars to contemporary bistros, often grouped in malls or open-air complexes so you can sample several styles in one visit.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose restaurants with views of city skylines, historical rooftops, or lakeside scenes, where carefully prepared menus are paired with a distinctive setting.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Beijing offers large malls and mixed-use complexes that combine international labels, local designers, cinemas, and cafés, making them popular places to meet friends and spend an afternoon.
Markets & local crafts
Smaller shopping streets and markets feature handmade crafts, accessories, and homeware, with different neighbourhoods specialising in antiques, contemporary design, or everyday finds.
Evening retail scene
After dark, key commercial streets and plazas stay brightly lit and busy, with many shops and restaurants open late and easy access by metro or taxi.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather around 10–22°C (50–72°F), with blooming parks and generally pleasant sightseeing conditions. Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm and often humid, with temperatures commonly between 22–32°C (72–90°F) and many festivals and outdoor events. Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures of about 8–20°C (46–68°F), a popular time for visiting the Great Wall. Winter (December to February, low season) is cold and dry, often between -5–5°C (23–41°F), with thinner crowds and crisp days if you pack appropriately.