Beijing blends imperial landmarks, tranquil courtyards, and bold modern architecture. You find centuries of history and a fast-moving contemporary city side by side.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
Expect grand avenues, intricate hutong alleyways, and wide public squares framed by museums, theatres, and gleaming towers. The city feels vast yet reveals intimate neighbourhoods once you slow down.
Plan your trip
Beijing is a gateway to northern China, with high-speed rail and domestic flights connecting you to mountains, coastal cities, and cultural sites. Allow extra days to explore both the historic core and nearby sections of the Great Wall.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through grand palace courtyards and ornate halls that once formed the heart of imperial China, set behind imposing red walls in the centre of Beijing.
Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling
Head into the hills to stroll along restored ramparts of the Great Wall, with panoramic views of rugged ridgelines and watchtowers stretching into the distance.
Temple of Heaven Park
Explore elegant temple structures within a vast park where locals gather to chat, exercise, and play music among ancient cypress trees.
Summer Palace
Wander lakeside paths, pavilions, and painted corridors in this former royal retreat, then take a gentle boat ride across Kunming Lake for a wider view.
Beijing hutongs
Step into traditional alleyway neighbourhoods to see courtyard homes, small cafés, and craft shops tucked behind the city’s busy main roads.
798 Art District
Discover contemporary galleries, street art, and design spaces housed in a former industrial complex that now anchors Beijing’s creative scene.
Tiananmen Square and surrounding landmarks
Visit one of the world’s largest public squares and explore the nearby museums and monumental architecture that frame this focal point of the city.
Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Beijing’s extensive metro network for fast, reliable travel between major sights, and taxis or ride-hailing for late night or door-to-door trips. For short distances within hutong areas, walk or rent a bicycle to experience the city at a slower pace.
Local life & culture
Start your morning in parks where residents practise tai chi, dance, or play traditional instruments, then move into hutong lanes to see daily neighbourhood life unfold. In the evening, theatre, live music, and teahouses offer a relaxed window into local culture.
Where to unwind
Find calm in sprawling green spaces like Olympic Forest Park or by the lakes of Shichahai, especially around sunrise or late afternoon. Clear days are ideal for escaping to nearby hills or Great Wall sections for fresh air and open views.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Sample classic Beijing dishes such as roast duck, handmade noodles, and savoury pancakes in older neighbourhoods and local food streets, where stalls and small eateries focus on time-honoured recipes.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In contemporary districts and shopping centres you find everything from quick local bites to international favourites, often in open-plan food courts where sharing smaller plates lets you try a wide range of flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Book a table at restaurants with skyline views or historic courtyard settings for a memorable evening, pairing refined versions of regional dishes with views of city lights or traditional architecture.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central malls bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and cafés, creating all-day destinations that combine shopping with dining and entertainment.
Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and side streets offer handicrafts, textiles, and unique souvenirs, with several long-standing districts known for antiques, calligraphy, and decorative pieces.
Evening retail scene
After dark, busy commercial streets glow with neon signs and late-opening stores, while nearby night markets add a lively atmosphere. Metro and taxi services make these areas simple to reach, even in the evening.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather around 10–22°C (50–72°F), blooming parks, and generally comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer (June to August, peak season) is hot and often humid, with temperatures between 22–32°C (72–90°F) and many domestic visitors. Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) offers clear skies, cooler days of about 8–20°C (46–68°F), and colourful foliage, making it one of the most pleasant times to explore the city. Winter (December to February, low season) is cold and dry, with temperatures from about -8 to 4°C (17–39°F), fewer crowds, and crisp days that can suit those prepared for colder conditions.