Flights from Milan (MXP) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Where ancient history meets a dynamic capital

Beijing is a city where imperial palaces, grand avenues, and modern skylines sit side by side. Wide boulevards open onto quiet alleyways, while shimmering glass towers overlook vast public squares and historic neighbourhoods. You feel the scale of the city, yet pockets of calm are always close by.

As the capital of China, Beijing is a centre of culture, creativity, and innovation. Museums, theatres, and galleries share space with bustling food streets, leafy parks, and contemporary design districts. Whether you are visiting for business, culture, or a new city break, you will find a destination that rewards curious travellers.

From here, you can easily reach world-famous stretches of the Great Wall, explore grand imperial gardens, and discover how the city is constantly reinventing itself. Each visit reveals a new layer of stories, flavours, and experiences.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Experience the scale of one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and important landmarks.

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Take a day trip to this scenic section of the Great Wall, known for its restored watchtowers and sweeping mountain views.

Summer Palace

Stroll beside lakes and pavilions in this grand former royal retreat, set among rolling hills and landscaped gardens.

798 Art District

Explore contemporary art galleries, design shops, and cafés in a former industrial zone turned creative hub.

Experience Beijing’s culture and city life

Beijing rewards you when you slow down and explore on foot. Start in one of the historic hutong neighbourhoods, where narrow alleyways reveal courtyard homes, small cafés, and intimate teahouses. Joining a guided walking or cycling tour helps you understand how daily life fits into these traditional streets, with plenty of stops to taste local snacks along the way.

For a different view of the city, spend a morning in one of Beijing’s parks. Locals gather to practise tai chi, play chess, or dance, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Later in the day, you can attend an acrobatics or Peking opera performance to experience the city’s long-performing arts traditions in a modern theatre setting.

If you enjoy exploring further afield, consider a trip to the Great Wall or the surrounding countryside. Dedicated tours from the city make it easy to reach lesser-known sections, offering quieter paths and impressive landscapes. Returning in the evening, you will see Beijing’s skyline light up, with rooftop bars and riverside promenades inviting you to unwind.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing’s dining scene is as varied as its skyline. You can enjoy everything from street-side stalls serving freshly made noodles to refined restaurants specialising in regional Chinese cuisines. The city is especially known for its roasted duck, carved at your table and enjoyed with thin pancakes and crisp vegetables.

Beyond its signature dishes, Beijing is a place to discover a wide range of flavours. Neighbourhood eateries offer dumplings, hotpots, grilled skewers, and seasonal vegetables, often in lively, sociable settings. International restaurants and creative bistros add to the mix, giving you many choices for both casual meals and special occasions.

Cafés and dessert shops are popular throughout the day, with modern coffee houses sitting alongside traditional teahouses. In the evening, head to areas such as Sanlitun or Gulou for relaxed dining streets, where you can combine dinner with a stroll through boutiques, bars, and late-opening shops.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Shopping in Beijing ranges from contemporary malls to characterful market streets. Large shopping districts offer international brands, lifestyle stores, and cinemas, all in one place. In these areas, you will also find design-led bookshops, technology stores, and stylish cafés that make it easy to spend an afternoon browsing.

For something more local, explore markets and boutique-lined streets where you can look for handicrafts, ceramics, textiles, and decorative items. Many neighbourhoods have small studios or independent stores showcasing contemporary Chinese design, ideal if you are looking for distinctive souvenirs or gifts.

In the evenings, pedestrian shopping streets become lively with lights and window displays. You can combine your shopping with snacks from nearby food stalls, or step into a quiet side street for a more relaxed atmosphere. Whatever your style, Beijing offers plenty of options to bring a piece of the city home.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May, around 10–22°C / 50–72°F, shoulder season) brings gradually warming days, blossoming parks, and clear, fresh air. It is a pleasant time for walking the city’s wide avenues and historic districts, with lighter crowds than mid-summer and comfortable conditions for day trips.

Summer (June to August, roughly 22–31°C / 72–88°F, peak season) is warm and lively, with long daylight hours and many outdoor events. It is ideal for evening strolls around lakes and bustling food streets, and for families combining city sightseeing with excursions to the Great Wall and surrounding countryside.

Autumn and early winter (September to November, about 8–20°C / 46–68°F, shoulder season) offer crisp, cool air and colourful foliage, especially in the city’s parks and hilltop viewpoints. Later in the season, temperatures drop, but clear days and quieter attractions make it rewarding for photography and unhurried exploration.

Mid-winter (December to February, around -7–4°C / 19–39°F, low season) is cold, with dry air and bright, clear skies on many days. If you dress warmly, you can enjoy peaceful visits to major sights, atmospheric walks in historic districts, and a very different perspective on the city’s broad boulevards and open squares.

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