Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a dynamic capital where ancient imperial landmarks stand alongside wide boulevards, glass towers, and creative districts. You will find an atmosphere that blends formality and energy, from grand palaces and leafy parks to buzzing lanes filled with everyday city life.

What to expect
The city spreads out in distinct rings, with major sights clustered around the historic centre and newer business districts further out. Expect broad avenues, efficient public transport, and contrasting neighbourhoods, from traditional courtyard alleys to contemporary art zones and modern shopping streets.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring northern and central China. With extensive rail and air links, you can easily combine your stay here with nearby cities and scenic regions, using the capital as a convenient and well-connected gateway.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through centuries of history in this vast former imperial palace complex, with grand courtyards and detailed traditional architecture.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and often a starting point for exploring the historic core.

Great Wall of China (near Beijing)

Take a day trip to nearby restored sections of the Great Wall, where stone ramparts climb ridgelines with sweeping countryside views.

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and ornate bridges in this expansive former retreat, known for scenic walks and traditional garden design.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore elegant ceremonial structures set within a large park that is popular for morning walks and relaxed outdoor activities.

Beijing hutongs

Wander through narrow lanes lined with courtyard homes, small cafés, and boutiques that showcase both everyday life and creative businesses.

798 Art District

Discover converted factory spaces filled with galleries, installations, and design shops in one of Beijing’s best-known contemporary art areas.

Jingshan Park

Climb the central hill for one of the best skyline views over the Forbidden City and the old city layout, especially near sunset.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Beijing Subway is the most efficient way to cover longer distances, linking major sights and business districts. For shorter hops, taxis and app-based rides are easy to find, while walking through hutong areas gives you a closer look at local streets.

Local life & culture
In parks, you will see residents using open spaces for exercise, music, and social time, especially in the early morning and evening. Creative neighbourhoods showcase design studios, galleries, and small performance venues that highlight the city’s evolving cultural scene.

Where to unwind
Large parks and lakeside areas offer space for relaxed walks, boat rides, and people-watching away from busy roads. Early mornings are usually calmer, while late afternoons and early evenings bring softer light and comfortable temperatures for being outdoors.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can try classic northern-style dishes at informal eateries, from hearty noodle bowls to grilled skewers and savoury snacks. Older neighbourhoods and busy market streets are good places to sample simple, satisfying plates that reflect local tastes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and newer mixed-use zones offer an easy mix of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants serving both regional and international flavours. Menus often feature sharing-style portions, making it simple to sample several dishes with friends or colleagues.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, many restaurants offer views over city landmarks, lakes, or the modern skyline. Choosing a window-side table or a rooftop terrace can turn dinner into a memorable way to see Beijing after dark.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Beijing is home to large malls that gather international fashion, local designers, and entertainment under one roof. These centres are popular meeting places, with cinemas, cafés, and family-friendly facilities alongside their retail options.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and creative quarters feature boutiques selling design pieces, accessories, and homeware created by local brands. Districts known for traditional architecture often hide craft shops where you can look for distinctive souvenirs and gifts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls create an energetic atmosphere for a stroll and some browsing. Many areas remain easy to reach in the evening using the subway or short taxi rides between districts.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is mild, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). Trees and parks come back to life, and clearer days make it pleasant for walking between outdoor sights. It is a good time for comfortable city exploration and day trips.

Summer (xia tian) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm, often hot weather, with average temperatures from 24–30°C (75–86°F). Longer daylight hours are ideal for visiting parks and evening walks along lively streets. Occasional showers refresh the air, and the city feels active well into the night.

Autumn and winter (qiu tian & dong tian) – September to February, low season
Autumn is crisp and clear, with about 10–20°C (50–68°F) and many visitors enjoying comfortable sightseeing. Winter is colder, often between -5–5°C (23–41°F), but offers a quieter atmosphere, bright blue-sky days, and the chance to experience Beijing’s landmarks without large crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions