Flights from Siem Reap (SAI) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends imperial landmarks, broad boulevards, and contemporary culture into a vivid urban experience. You can explore grand historic sites, leafy courtyards, and modern districts that showcase China’s creative and technological energy.

What to expect
The city is organised around wide ring roads and diverse neighbourhoods, from historic hutong lanes to polished business districts. Expect a fast-paced rhythm, efficient transport, and a mix of serene parks, bustling shopping streets, and renowned museums and galleries.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a short city break and a starting point for exploring wider northern China. Its extensive rail and air connections make it a convenient gateway to other major cities and scenic regions, while still offering enough local highlights to fill a full itinerary.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by grand ceremonial buildings and important cultural institutions.

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling

Take a day trip to climb restored sections of the Great Wall, with sweeping mountain views and historic watchtowers.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside paths, pavilions, and landscaped gardens that once served as an imperial retreat from the city heat.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore impressive historic structures set within a large park where locals gather for exercise and social activities.

Beijing hutong lanes

Wander narrow lanes lined with traditional courtyard homes, boutique shops, and small cafés that reveal an older side of the city.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary art galleries, design shops, and creative spaces housed in former industrial warehouses.

Jingshan Park

Climb the central hill in this park for one of the best panoramic views over the Forbidden City and central Beijing.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s metro network is the most efficient way to cover longer distances, especially along the main east–west and north–south corridors. Taxis and app-based rides are useful for late evenings or shorter hops, while walking within compact neighbourhoods lets you appreciate local details.

Local life & culture
In the mornings you may find parks filled with people practising exercises, dancing, or playing music, while hutong alleyways reveal quieter residential life. Creative districts and university areas bring a younger energy, with independent galleries, small venues, and cultural events reflecting the city’s evolving identity.

Where to unwind
Large green spaces such as the Summer Palace and Olympic Forest Park offer room to relax beside lakes, lawns, and tree-lined paths. City parks are pleasant for gentle strolls around late afternoon, when the light softens and the skyline begins to glow, offering a calm contrast to busy streets.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local snacks such as stuffed buns, noodles, and skewers in busy neighbourhood food streets and smaller eateries. Different districts are known for their own styles, so exploring by area is a good way to discover the city’s everyday flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Beijing’s shopping centres and mixed-use developments gather a wide choice of Chinese regional cuisines and international options under one roof. Menus often feature shareable plates, allowing you to try several dishes in one meal, from comforting classics to lighter contemporary interpretations.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider restaurants near historic lakes, in well-restored courtyard houses, or in upper floors overlooking city avenues. Dining with views of illuminated landmarks or peaceful water creates a relaxed setting to reflect on your day in Beijing.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in Beijing bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one place. These multi-level complexes are popular meeting points, offering air‑conditioned comfort in summer and a convenient mix of services year-round.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller boutiques and local labels, explore areas known for creative studios, independent shops, and handicrafts. Neighbourhood streets in older districts often hide workshops and family-run stores where you can find ceramics, textiles, and design pieces with a distinctly Beijing character.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some commercial streets and plazas are lit with bright signage and lively storefronts that stay open into the evening. You can combine a walk, a little shopping, and a late meal in one outing, with public transport and taxis making these districts easy to reach.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring warmth (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Beijing sees temperatures rising from around 10–20°C (50–68°F), with dry, increasingly mild days. Trees and parks begin to turn green, making it a pleasant time for city walks and visiting major landmarks with generally comfortable conditions.

Summer glow (June to August, peak season)
Summer brings warm to hot weather, typically 25–32°C (77–90°F), with longer daylight hours. This is a popular time for family trips and Great Wall excursions, and many parks and lakes feel lively well into the evening.

Autumn and winter clarity (September to February, low season)
Autumn is often clear and cool, around 10–20°C (50–68°F), with colourful foliage in parks and at out-of-town scenic spots. Winter can be cold, from -5–5°C (23–41°F), but the crisp air and quieter attractions create a calm atmosphere for museum visits and city walks.

Frequently Asked Questions