Flights from Kochi (COK) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a city where grand imperial avenues, tranquil hutong alleyways, and bold contemporary architecture sit side by side. You will find wide boulevards, leafy parks, and a skyline dotted with striking landmarks that reflect the city’s long history and modern ambition.

What to expect
The city is organised around its historic centre, with broad ring roads connecting key districts, cultural sites, and business hubs. Busy commercial neighbourhoods, creative zones, and quieter residential lanes each offer a different pace, while efficient transport keeps the city moving steadily throughout the day.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone destination and a starting point for exploring other parts of northern and central China. With its extensive rail and air links, you can combine time in the capital with side trips to nearby cities and scenic areas, building a varied itinerary around your interests.

Top sights in Beijing

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Walk along well-preserved ramparts and towers, enjoying sweeping mountain views and a quieter stretch of this world-famous fortification.

Forbidden City

Explore a vast former imperial palace complex, with ornate halls, courtyards, and intricate details that tell centuries of dynastic history.

Tiananmen Square

Stroll across one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by grand civic buildings and monumental architecture.

Summer Palace

Wander lakeside walkways, pavilions, and landscaped hills in this expansive historic retreat on the edge of the city.

798 Art District

Discover galleries, design shops, and outdoor installations housed in converted industrial spaces in this creative neighbourhood.

Beihai Park

Relax by the water, hire a boat, or walk shaded paths in one of Beijing’s most scenic central parks.

Shichahai and the hutongs

Explore narrow alleyways around connected lakes, where traditional courtyard homes sit close to small cafés and local shops.

Olympic Green

Visit the modern sports complex with its distinctive stadiums, open plazas, and broad promenades ideal for an evening walk.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s metro network is the fastest way to move between major districts and attractions, with clear signage and frequent trains. Taxis and app-based rides are useful for late evenings or areas further from stations, while walking is ideal within compact quarters like the hutongs for your final stretch.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Beijing balances busy workdays with time spent in parks, community squares, and neighbourhood streets. You will notice residents practising morning exercises, meeting friends outdoors, and gathering in local venues, giving you many chances to observe the city’s social rhythm up close.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as the Summer Palace, Beihai Park, and smaller neighbourhood parks offer calm corners away from traffic. Visit early in the morning for soft light and quieter paths, or around sunset when the air cools and the city’s landmarks are gently illuminated.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Food streets and older neighbourhoods are where you can try classic Beijing snacks and signature dishes, from crisp roasted meats to handmade noodles. Areas around traditional alleyways and local markets are especially good for tasting everyday favourites in a lively setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and contemporary districts offer an easy mix of cafés, bakeries, and informal restaurants serving regional Chinese dishes and international flavours. Menus often feature smaller plates and shared dishes, so you can sample a variety of tastes in one sitting with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For something more memorable, consider restaurants around historic lakes, modern high-rises, or riverside promenades, where views add to the occasion. Many venues pair refined interpretations of local cuisine with city panoramas, turning a relaxed meal into a highlight of your time in Beijing.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Beijing is dotted with large shopping centres that combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining. These complexes are popular places to meet friends, browse, and take a break between sightseeing stops in climate-controlled comfort.

Markets & local crafts
If you enjoy browsing for unique pieces, explore streets and smaller centres known for handicrafts, tea, homeware, and design items. Districts such as Panjiayuan, Nanluoguxiang, and 798 Art District are good places to look for creative souvenirs and local labels.

Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping areas and selected streets remain lively, with bright lights, extended opening hours, and plenty of places to pause for a drink or snack. Many of these districts are served by multiple metro lines, making them straightforward to reach and return from in the evening.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). Parks fill with blossoms and greenery, and outdoor sightseeing becomes comfortable, especially in the mornings and late afternoons.

Summer (xia tian) – June to August, peak season
Summer is warm to hot, with average temperatures often between 24–30°C (75–86°F). Longer daylight hours allow for extended exploring, and evenings around lakes, parks, and outdoor squares can feel particularly lively and atmospheric.

Autumn and winter (qiu tian & dong tian) – September to February, low season
Autumn is cool and crisp, with 10–20°C (50–68°F) temperatures and clear skies ideal for city views, while winter can be cold, often below 5°C (41°F). These months see fewer crowds at major sights, giving you more space and time at key landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions