Beijing combines ancient landmarks, grand avenues, and creative neighbourhoods in one vast, vivid capital. You will find imperial palaces, tree-lined hutongs, and a dynamic arts and tech scene side by side.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
Expect broad boulevards, layered history, and distinct districts, from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen area to modern business zones and lively hutong alleys. The city feels busy yet surprisingly walkable within its central neighbourhoods.
Plan your trip
Beijing works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys that include the Great Wall and nearby heritage towns. It is also a major hub for exploring the rest of northern and western China by high-speed rail or domestic flights.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through grand courtyards and ornate halls in this vast former imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing.
Tiananmen Square
Stand in one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and wide ceremonial avenues.
Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)
Take a day trip to admire sweeping mountain views from restored stone ramparts that stretch across the hills north of Beijing.
Summer Palace
Explore lakeside pavilions, long painted corridors, and wooded hillsides in this historic royal retreat on the city’s edge.
Temple of Heaven Park
Visit the striking circular temple, then watch locals practise music, dance, and traditional games in the surrounding park.
798 Art District
Browse galleries, design shops, and street installations in a former factory zone turned contemporary arts hub.
Shichahai and the hutongs
Stroll or take a leisurely ride around the lakes and narrow lanes, lined with courtyards, small cafes, and local boutiques.
Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Beijing’s extensive metro network for fast, reliable travel between key sights and business areas, and taxis or ride-hailing for late-night or door-to-door journeys. For short hops in central districts, walking or cycling gives you a closer look at local life.
Local life & culture
Life in Beijing moves between grand cultural venues and intimate backstreet courtyards, with residents gathering in parks, squares, and hutong lanes. You will notice early-morning exercise, evening social dancing, and a strong appreciation for theatre, music, and traditional arts.
Where to unwind
Head to leafy parks such as the Summer Palace grounds or Olympic Forest Park for fresh air and long walks, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. In the evening, lakeside areas around Houhai offer calm waters, gentle lights, and relaxed cafes to pause between busy days of sightseeing.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Seek out roast duck, hand-pulled noodles, and filled pancakes in neighbourhoods around Dongcheng and Xicheng, as well as busy food streets that serve skewers, dumplings, and warming snacks late into the evening.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In areas such as Sanlitun and around major shopping malls, you will find an easy mix of local eateries and international restaurants, with menus that encourage sharing and sampling several dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Reserve a table at restaurants near the lakes, in restored courtyards, or in high-rise towers for views of the skyline or historic rooftops, turning dinner into a memorable part of your time in Beijing.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in Chaoyang and around Wangfujing offer international brands, local designers, cinemas, and plenty of dining options, making them easy places to combine shopping and social time.
Markets & local crafts
Browse smaller streets and markets in areas such as Nanluoguxiang, Panjiayuan, and parts of Dashilar for handicrafts, tea, paper art, and design pieces that reflect Beijing’s creative side.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and lifestyle districts light up with storefronts, cafes, and bars, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere that you can reach easily by metro or taxi.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring (April to May) is a shoulder season, with mild days around 15–25°C (59–77°F), blooming parks, and generally comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer (June to August) is the peak season, when temperatures can reach 25–32°C (77–90°F) with higher humidity and more domestic visitors. Autumn (September to October) is another shoulder season, offering clear skies, cooler air at 10–20°C (50–68°F), and colourful foliage around the city and Great Wall. Winter (November to March) is the low season, with crisp, cold days often between -5 and 5°C (23–41°F), quieter attractions, and good conditions for those who enjoy clear, cool city walks.