Flights from Frankfurt (FRA) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a city where grand imperial architecture meets fast-paced modern life, giving you historic landmarks, green parks, and glittering skylines in one visit. You can explore centuries of history in the morning, then end the day in lively contemporary districts.

What to expect
You will find broad avenues, atmospheric hutong alleyways, and wide public squares, all connected by an extensive metro system. Modern art zones, leafy lakeside areas, and shopping streets provide plenty of variety, whether you prefer museums, cafés, or quiet walks.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys combining nearby sections of the Great Wall and other regional sites. It also serves as a gateway to explore more of northern and central China, with convenient rail and air connections onward.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Walk through a vast complex of courtyards and halls that once housed emperors, surrounded by ornate gates and red-walled passageways.

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by grand public buildings and monuments.

Great Wall near Beijing

Take a day trip to restored sections of the Great Wall, where stone ramparts follow dramatic ridgelines and offer sweeping views.

Summer Palace

Stroll around lakes, pavilions, and tree-lined walkways in a former imperial retreat on the edge of the city.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore an expansive park known for its striking circular halls, open lawns, and groups of residents enjoying music and exercise.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, design shops, and cafés set inside converted industrial warehouses.

Back lakes (Shichahai)

Walk or cycle around connected lakes bordered by willow trees, waterside bars, and historic courtyard homes.

Nanluoguxiang

Wander a popular hutong street lined with boutiques, snack stalls, and renovated courtyard houses.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s metro is the quickest way to move between major sights, business districts, and railway stations, with clear signage in multiple languages. Taxis and app-based rides help for late evenings or less-connected areas, while cycling in designated lanes offers a slower, scenic way to explore hutong neighbourhoods.

Local life & culture
In residential hutong lanes you can see daily life unfold, from morning exercises in small squares to groups chatting along low grey-brick courtyards. Cultural venues, theatres, and art districts host performances and exhibitions that highlight both traditional and contemporary creativity.

Where to unwind
Large parks and lakes such as those around the Summer Palace and Beihai Park offer shaded paths, paddle boats, and quiet viewpoints. Early mornings and late afternoons are pleasant times to visit, when the light softens and the city’s pace feels calmer around the water.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can sample classic northern dishes and snacks in busy food streets and compact neighbourhoods, where vendors serve everything from steamed buns to grilled skewers. Areas near traditional hutong lanes are especially good for trying long-standing local favourites in simple surroundings.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and modern malls group together a wide range of restaurants, from noodle houses to contemporary Asian and international concepts. Menus often feature sharing plates and smaller dishes, making it easy to try several flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, you will find elegant dining rooms in restored courtyard buildings and high-rise venues overlooking the city skyline. Around the central lakes and in select hotels, many restaurants pair refined menus with views of water, gardens, or illuminated landmarks after dark.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Beijing offers large malls with international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining floors, creating convenient one-stop lifestyle hubs. These air-conditioned centres are popular meeting points, especially in business and embassy districts.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and dedicated markets showcase handicrafts, artwork, and design pieces, with several long-standing shopping areas specialising in traditional items. Districts known for hutong lanes also hold boutique stores where you can find clothing, accessories, and homeware by local labels.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, commercial streets and plazas light up with colourful façades, animated screens, and extended opening hours. Pedestrian-friendly promenades invite you to combine a walk, some shopping, and a late meal, with metro lines and buses making these busy areas straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures around 12–20°C (54–68°F). Blossoms appear in parks and around lakes, and clearer skies make it a pleasant time for outdoor sightseeing and Great Wall excursions.

Summer (xiatian) – June to August, peak season
Summer is warm to hot, with averages of 24–30°C (75–86°F) and higher during heatwaves. Longer daylight hours allow for extended exploring, while shaded parks, lakeside areas, and evening walks in lively districts help you enjoy the season comfortably.

Autumn and winter (qiutian & dongtian) – September to February, low season
Autumn is often dry and cool, around 10–18°C (50–64°F), with crisp air that many visitors enjoy for city walks and day trips. Winters can be cold, near or below 0°C (32°F), but clear days, quieter attractions, and atmospheric cityscapes give the season a distinctive charm.

Frequently Asked Questions