Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a dynamic capital where imperial landmarks, broad boulevards, and creative districts sit side by side. You can explore centuries of history in the morning, then discover modern galleries, cafés, and performance spaces in the afternoon.

What to expect
The city is structured around grand avenues and ring roads, with distinct neighbourhoods from the palace-filled centre to lively hutong lanes. Wide public squares, expansive parks, and contemporary business districts give Beijing a sense of scale and energy that you feel as soon as you arrive.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for wider journeys in northern China. Efficient rail links and domestic flights connect you to major cities and scenic regions, making it easy to combine the capital with mountain landscapes or coastal stops.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest city squares, framed by monumental public buildings and broad ceremonial avenues.

Great Wall near Beijing

Take a day trip to well-preserved sections of the Great Wall, where stone ramparts trace dramatic ridgelines and valleys.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside paths, bridges, and pavilions in this expansive historic garden retreat on the city’s north-western edge.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore a large park of old cypress trees, open lawns, and striking ceremonial buildings laid out along a central axis.

Hutong alleys

Wander traditional lanes lined with courtyard homes, small cafés, and boutique shops for a close-up view of local life.

798 Art District

Discover galleries, design studios, and outdoor sculptures in a former industrial area turned contemporary art hub.

Beihai and Houhai lakes

Relax by the water, rent a boat, or follow lakeside paths that lead between historic gardens and lively café streets.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
The metro is the fastest way to cross Beijing, linking key sights, train stations, and business areas. Taxis and ride-hailing apps help with shorter hops, especially at night or between metro lines. In compact areas, walking and cycling are pleasant ways to see more detail.

Local life & culture
In the early morning, parks fill with locals exercising, chatting, and enjoying the open space before the day begins. Neighbourhood streets range from quiet hutong alleys to lively shopping avenues, each with their own tempo. Cultural venues host performances, exhibitions, and events throughout the week.

Where to unwind
Beijing offers many green spaces where you can pause between sightseeing stops. Large parks and lakeside promenades are especially atmospheric in the late afternoon and early evening, when the light softens and temperatures feel more comfortable. Tree-lined streets and courtyards provide shaded corners to rest in warmer months.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You will find local snacks and classic northern dishes in busy streets and small neighbourhood eateries. Areas around older markets and hutong lanes are good places to sample freshly cooked bites and warming noodle or dumpling dishes that suit cooler evenings.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and newer commercial districts offer convenient places to eat between activities. Food courts and mid-range restaurants serve a wide mix of regional and international flavours, so you can try several smaller plates or share dishes with your travel companions.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special night out, book tables in venues with city views, historic courtyard settings, or locations near major landmarks. Many higher-end restaurants focus on carefully presented menus and calm interiors, turning dinner into a relaxed way to reflect on your day in Beijing.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions under one roof. They are comfortable places to browse, pick up everyday essentials, and pause for a drink or meal between shops.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and commercial streets are where you can look for handicrafts, accessories, and design pieces. Districts with older low-rise buildings often hide workshops and boutiques among the lanes, giving you a chance to find distinctive items as you explore.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some shopping streets stay bright and busy, with window displays and streetlights reflecting on pavements. Certain market areas also extend into the evening, creating a lively atmosphere for a post-dinner stroll. Public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach these districts and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures from around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Parks and tree-lined avenues start to green, creating pleasant conditions for city walks and day trips without peak-season crowds.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer is warm to hot, typically between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with occasional higher spikes. Longer daylight hours are ideal for exploring outdoor sights and lakeside parks, and many cultural events and performances are scheduled during these months.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is often clear and crisp, ranging from about 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and is known for comfortable sightseeing conditions. Winters are cold, frequently below 0°C (32°F), but the city feels atmospheric with quieter attractions, bright blue skies, and fewer visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions