Flights from Cebu (CEB) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a grand capital where imperial landmarks, wide boulevards, and modern towers share the same skyline. You will find historic palaces and quiet hutong lanes set beside creative districts, leafy parks, and a confident, contemporary city rhythm.

What to expect
The city feels vast, with broad avenues, ring roads, and distinct neighbourhoods that each offer a different pace. Around the central axis you will see monumental architecture, while areas such as Wangfujing, Sanlitun, and the 798 Art District reveal a lively mix of shopping, design, and culture.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring northern China. From here, day trips take you to scenic stretches of the Great Wall, while the extensive rail and air network connects you onward to other major cities and regional landscapes.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

Walk through expansive courtyards, ornate gates, and grand halls that once formed the heart of imperial power in Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

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

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling

Take a day trip to these restored sections of the Great Wall for panoramic views over rolling hills and valleys.

Temple of Heaven Park

Enjoy landscaped grounds, impressive historic architecture, and a glimpse of everyday leisure life in the surrounding park.

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and shaded walkways in this historic retreat on the edge of the city.

798 Art District

Explore converted factory spaces filled with galleries, design shops, and contemporary art installations.

Beijing hutongs

Wander through narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes, small shops, and relaxed cafés.

Wangfujing and Qianmen

Combine a visit to historic streets with easy access to shops, snack stalls, and central city landmarks.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Beijing Subway is the most efficient way to cover long distances, linking key sights, business districts, and transport hubs. For shorter hops, taxis and app-based ride services are widely available, while walking around compact areas like Shichahai gives you a more intimate view.

Local life & culture
In the early morning and evening, parks and open squares fill with people exercising, dancing, or simply socialising. Creative districts bring together design studios, galleries, and performance spaces, while older neighbourhoods retain a slower pace with street-side games, small cafés, and long-time local shops.

Where to unwind
Large green spaces such as the Summer Palace, Olympic Forest Park, and city lakes offer calm corners away from traffic. Visit in the early morning for soft light and cooler air, or stay until dusk to watch the city lights appear as you walk along waterfront paths and tree-lined avenues.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local favourites in neighbourhood streets and compact food alleys, where small stalls serve freshly cooked snacks and hearty bowls. Areas near traditional residential districts are ideal for trying long-time local flavours in a relaxed atmosphere.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern malls and mixed-use complexes gather an impressive range of cuisines, from regional Chinese dishes to international comfort food. It is easy to share plates and order several small dishes, so you can try more than one flavour in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For something special, consider restaurants with views towards city landmarks or high-floor venues overlooking the skyline. Many hotels and upscale complexes host refined dining rooms where attentive service, carefully presented dishes, and wide city views create a memorable evening.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s major shopping centres bring together international fashion brands, lifestyle labels, cinemas, and eateries under one roof. Districts such as Wangfujing, Xidan, and high-end complexes in the embassy area serve as popular meeting points for both shopping and dining.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the big malls, side streets and smaller commercial areas are good places to look for local designers, handicrafts, and homeware. Neighbourhoods around Nanluoguxiang, Panjiayuan, and the 798 Art District can be rewarding if you enjoy browsing for unique pieces.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated façades and busy shopping streets give the city a lively atmosphere. Some malls stay open into the late evening, while pedestrian areas offer a mix of snack stalls and retail stores, all easily reached by subway or short taxi rides.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F) by late April. Blossoms in parks and clearer skies make it a pleasant time for city walks and outdoor sights, with a comfortable balance between visitor numbers and space.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer is warm to hot, often averaging 26–30°C (79–86°F), with occasional higher peaks and short showers. Longer daylight hours give you more time to explore parks, lakes, and evening markets, and this is a popular period for family trips and school holidays.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is generally crisp and clear, around 10–18°C (50–64°F), ideal for city views and Great Wall excursions. Winter is cold, often below 0°C (32°F), but calm, bright days and quieter attractions can make sightseeing feel spacious and atmospheric.

Frequently Asked Questions