Flights from Darwin (DRW) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends imperial landmarks, grand boulevards, and creative neighbourhoods into a city that feels both historic and forward-looking. You can explore vast palace complexes, leafy lakeside parks, and contemporary art spaces, all within an easy metro ride of one another.

What to expect
The city is structured around wide avenues, ring roads, and a dense metro network, with distinct districts from Hutong alleyways to sleek business zones. Expect a fast-paced yet orderly rhythm, with quieter pockets in traditional courtyards, lakeside promenades, and landscaped parks scattered throughout the centre.

Plan your trip
Beijing is a natural starting point for exploring northern China, with high-speed rail and domestic flights radiating across the country. Build time into your stay for both iconic landmarks and relaxed neighbourhood wandering, so you can experience the city as more than a checklist of sights.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Stand in one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and wide open space.

Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)

Take a day trip to a restored section of the Great Wall, with sweeping views of forested hills and valleys.

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and shaded walkways in this landscaped retreat on Beijing’s north-western edge.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore classical architecture and open lawns where locals gather for music, dancing, and gentle exercise.

798 Art District

Browse galleries, design shops, and cafés in converted factory buildings that form Beijing’s key contemporary art hub.

Shichahai and the Hutongs

Wander around lakes and narrow lanes lined with courtyards, small bars, and local snack shops.

Jingshan Park

Climb the central hill for a panoramic view over the Forbidden City and Beijing’s skyline, especially at sunset.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s metro is the most efficient way to cover longer distances, linking major sights, train stations, and business districts. For shorter hops, licensed taxis and app-based ride services are widely available. In compact neighbourhoods, walking lets you explore side streets and hidden courtyards at a relaxed pace.

Local life & culture
Daily life plays out in parks, lanes, and community squares, where residents meet to chat, play music, or exercise together. Older neighbourhoods showcase traditional courtyard housing, while newer districts highlight glass-fronted offices and design-led public spaces. You will notice a strong sense of routine, with mornings and evenings particularly lively.

Where to unwind
Parks and lakes offer calm spaces to slow down after a day of sightseeing, with tree-lined paths ideal for gentle strolls. In cooler months, cosy teahouses provide a quiet retreat, while in warmer weather, outdoor terraces by the water are popular. Even central areas often have pocket parks where you can pause and reset.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for bold flavours, with snacks and classic dishes available from small shops and local eateries across the city. Areas around traditional lanes and older commercial streets are especially good for sampling noodles, dumplings, and grilled skewers.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and office zones house a wide mix of cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants, making it easy to find a quick meal between activities. Many venues offer compact portions or shared plates, so you can try several different dishes in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For something memorable, look for restaurants with views over city lakes, historic rooftops, or contemporary skylines. Hotel dining rooms and refined standalone venues often pair seasonal menus with thoughtful interiors. Booking ahead is recommended if you are planning a special evening out.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s major shopping centres combine international brands, homegrown designers, and dining in one place. Large complexes often include cinemas and family-friendly entertainment, turning an afternoon of shopping into a broader day out.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and clusters of boutiques are ideal for browsing clothing, accessories, and decorative pieces by local makers. Districts known for design, art, and creative start-ups often have a mix of galleries, independent shops, and casual cafés to explore.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated facades and lively commercial streets give the city a different energy. Some shopping areas stay busy well into the evening, when cooler air makes walking between stores more comfortable. Public transport and taxis make it straightforward to return to your hotel when you are ready to call it a night.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (chun)
From March to May, average temperatures range from about 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F), with clear, mild days ideal for walking between sights. Parks fill with blossoms and fresh greenery, making this a popular shoulder season for outdoor exploration.

Summer in Beijing (xia tian)
June to August brings warm to hot weather, typically 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F), with occasional higher peaks and short showers. Long daylight hours and school holidays make this a peak season, with a lively atmosphere at major attractions and evening strolls around lakes.

Autumn and winter in Beijing (qiu tian and dong tian)
From September to November, autumn offers crisp, dry days of around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), a classic shoulder season with colourful foliage at parks and nearby hills. December to February is low season, with temperatures often between -5°C and 5°C (23°F to 41°F), rewarding you with quieter sights and clear, bright days.

Frequently Asked Questions