Flights from Amsterdam (AMS) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a dynamic capital where imperial landmarks stand beside modern architecture and creative districts. You can walk through vast historic squares, tree-lined hutong alleys, and contemporary art zones in a single day, all while sensing the city’s role at the heart of China’s story.

What to expect
The city is built on a grand scale, with wide avenues, impressive ring roads, and distinct neighbourhoods that each offer a different pace of life. You will find serene parks, bold skyscrapers, and cultural institutions that anchor Beijing as a centre for arts, design, and performance.

Plan your trip
Beijing is a strong base for discovering the wider region, from sections of the Great Wall to nearby historic towns and scenic mountain areas. With extensive rail and air links, you can easily combine the capital with other Chinese cities, making it a convenient starting point for a longer journey.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Explore the former imperial palace complex, with grand courtyards, ornate halls, and intricate architectural details at the heart of the city.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by important civic buildings and monuments, and feel the scale of Beijing’s central axis.

Great Wall near Beijing

Take a day trip to walk restored sections of the Great Wall in the nearby hills, enjoying sweeping views and centuries of history.

Summer Palace

Stroll through lakeside gardens, pavilions, and covered walkways in this expansive royal retreat north-west of the city centre.

Temple of Heaven Park

Wander through this vast park complex, admired for its striking circular hall and open lawns that attract locals for leisure and exercise.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary art galleries, design shops, and cafés set in converted industrial buildings in one of Beijing’s most creative quarters.

Beijing hutong lanes

Walk or cycle through narrow historic lanes lined with traditional courtyard homes, small boutiques, and relaxed neighbourhood cafés.

Olympic Green and Bird’s Nest

Explore the landscaped Olympic Green and admire the distinctive Bird’s Nest stadium and nearby modern sports venues.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s metro is the fastest way to cross the city, linking major sights, business districts, and stations. For shorter distances, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful, while cycling offers a slow, scenic way to explore hutong areas and parks at your own pace.

Local life & culture
You will notice a strong contrast between old and new, from quiet residential courtyards to lively commercial streets and cultural centres. Residents make regular use of parks and community spaces, and you will often see people gathering outdoors to chat, play games, or exercise in the early morning and evening.

Where to unwind
The city offers many calm spots, from lakeside pathways around Houhai and Qianhai to tree-shaded corners of major parks. Early mornings and late afternoons are pleasant times to walk, sit by the water, or find a quiet bench, giving you space to relax after a day of urban exploration.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for rich northern flavours, with snacks such as filled pancakes, savoury buns, and skewers often found in busy local streets. Neighbourhoods with traditional markets, small eateries, and late-opening food lanes give you many opportunities to sample everyday favourites.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and new commercial areas house many casual restaurants, fast options, and cafés offering both local dishes and international menus. With sharing-style plates and varied portion sizes, you can try several different flavours in one sitting, whether you prefer quick bites or a relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, you can book restaurants with views over city landmarks, lakes, or carefully lit skylines. Some venues occupy restored historic buildings, while others sit atop modern towers, giving you a memorable setting to enjoy Beijing’s atmosphere alongside refined cuisine.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping malls and lifestyle centres dot central Beijing, bringing together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining under one roof. These complexes are popular meeting points, where you can combine shopping with a relaxed meal and a walk through spacious indoor atriums.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the main avenues, smaller markets and specialty streets are good places to find handicrafts, homeware, and everyday fashion. Districts such as Wangfujing, Nanluoguxiang, and Panjiayuan are known for small shops and stalls where you can browse for souvenirs and creative local designs.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, illuminated shopping streets and lively plazas become particularly inviting for a stroll and some window shopping. Many stores stay open late, and outdoor areas are often busy with people meeting friends or enjoying snacks. Public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach these night-time retail areas.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is mild and gradually warming, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). Trees and parks start to turn green, and the clear, bright days are well suited to outdoor sightseeing and walking between historic sites.

Summer (xia tian) – June to August, peak season
Summer is hot and often humid, with average temperatures of 25–30°C (77–86°F). Longer daylight hours make it easy to fit more into each day, from early morning park walks to evening visits to lakeside areas and lively commercial districts.

Autumn and winter (qiu tian & dong tian) – September to February, low season
Autumn brings cooler, crisp days and average temperatures of 10–18°C (50–64°F), with many visitors enjoying the clear skies. Winter is cold, often below 0–5°C (32–41°F), but offers a quieter, atmospheric view of the city’s grand avenues and historic architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions