Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Beijing, where history and modern life meet

Beijing is a city of contrasts, where ancient architecture stands beside glass towers and wide avenues. As the capital of China, it combines grand public spaces, intimate old lanes, and a fast-paced, creative urban scene. You can move in minutes from peaceful courtyards to busy shopping streets and striking contemporary art districts.

The city rewards unhurried exploration. Stroll through leafy parks at dawn, when locals gather to exercise, or wander the old hutong neighbourhoods with their low-rise homes and hidden cafés. As evening falls, neon lights, lively food streets, and performance venues give Beijing a different energy, inviting you to discover new sides of the city each day.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through the vast courtyards and ornate halls of this former imperial palace, now a major museum in the heart of Beijing.

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Experience sweeping mountain views as you explore one of the best-preserved and most accessible sections of the Great Wall near Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the worlds largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and a powerful sense of national history.

Summer Palace

Enjoy lakeside walks, pavilions, and landscaped gardens in this former imperial retreat on the citys north-western edge.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, street art, cafés, and boutiques in a former industrial complex turned creative hub.

Experience Beijing up close

Join a guided walk through the hutong neighbourhoods to see traditional courtyard homes and everyday local life. Many tours include stops at teahouses, small museums, and rooftop viewpoints that reveal how the old city layout still shapes modern Beijing.

For a different perspective, spend time in the citys parks. Early mornings in places such as Jingshan Park or the lakes around Shichahai are filled with groups exercising, practising music, or social dancing. Later in the day, hire a bicycle or take a slow cruise on the lakes to enjoy the scenery at an easy pace.

If you prefer structured sightseeing, day trips to the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and other city landmarks can be combined with food or photography tours. Local guides can help you navigate busy areas, find the best viewpoints, and understand the stories behind the cityscapes you see.

A taste of Beijing

Beijings dining scene spans family-run eateries, bustling food streets, and refined restaurants. The city is known for dishes that highlight roasting, braising, and handmade noodles, with flavours ranging from mild and aromatic to bold and spicy.

Signature dishes include Peking duck, served with crisp skin, pancakes, and condiments, as well as hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, and hearty hotpots ideal for cooler evenings. In many neighbourhoods you will find casual spots where you can watch chefs preparing noodles or grilling skewers to order.

In modern districts and near major commercial areas, international restaurants, cafés, and dessert shops sit alongside local favourites. This mix makes it easy to try regional Chinese cuisines, contemporary fusion menus, and lighter options during a longer stay.

Retail therapy in Beijing

From sleek malls to narrow market streets, Beijing offers many ways to shop. Around Wangfujing and Xidan, you will find multi-storey shopping centres, department stores, and international brands, often connected by underground walkways and food courts.

If you are looking for local products, explore markets and specialist streets where you can find items such as silk, tea, ceramics, and modern design pieces. Independent boutiques and studios in areas like the 798 Art District showcase contemporary fashion, accessories, and homeware created by local designers.

Large commercial complexes in Chaoyang and other business districts bring together fashion, home goods, lifestyle brands, and entertainment under one roof. These areas are also popular evening venues, thanks to their many restaurants, cinemas, and rooftop bars.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May) is a shoulder season, with average temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Parks fill with blossoms and fresh greenery, and clear days are ideal for exploring outdoor sights like the Great Wall with milder crowds.

Summer (June to August) is peak season, with warm weather from around 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Longer daylight hours suit full-day excursions, evening walks around the citys lakes, and rooftop dining, while indoor museums and malls provide comfortable breaks from the heat.

Autumn (September to early November) is a shoulder season, bringing comfortable days around 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F). The citys trees turn shades of gold and red, creating striking scenes in parks and at the Summer Palace, and making this a popular time for photography.

Winter (late November to February) is a low season, with crisp days from about -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Clear skies, quieter attractions, and the chance of light snow around historic sites give the city a calm atmosphere, especially appealing if you enjoy peaceful city walks and cosy dining indoors.

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