Flights from Manila (MNL) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends imperial landmarks, grand avenues, and creative districts into a city that feels both historic and forward-looking. You can walk between centuries, from ornate palaces and tranquil lakes to gleaming towers and lively hutong lanes.

What to expect
The city is built on a generous scale, with wide roads, spacious parks, and distinct neighbourhoods that each have a different mood. Central areas are well planned and easy to navigate, while older alleyways reveal intimate courtyards, small cafés, and local life unfolding at a slower pace.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring northern China. With efficient rail and air links, you can connect from the capital to coastal cities, mountain landscapes, and nearby historic towns during the same trip.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

Explore vast courtyards, intricate halls, and imposing gates in this former imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Stroll across one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by grand government buildings and cultural institutions.

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling

Take a day trip to walk restored sections of the Great Wall, with sweeping mountain views and well-marked trails.

Summer Palace

Wander lakeside paths, pavilions, and long painted corridors in this landscaped retreat on the city’s edge.

Temple of Heaven Park

Admire distinctive circular halls and spacious parkland where residents gather for music, games, and morning exercise.

798 Art District

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

Beijing hutongs

Explore traditional alleyway neighbourhoods lined with courtyards, small shops, and intimate teahouses on foot or by bicycle.

Olympic Green

Visit the striking National Stadium and National Aquatics Centre, and enjoy open spaces designed for walking and photography.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s metro network is the most efficient way to cover longer distances, with clear signage and frequent trains. Taxis and app-based rides are widely available for door-to-door convenience, while cycling in selected areas offers a slower, more scenic way to explore. On foot, underpasses help you cross wide roads safely.

Local life & culture
You will notice a steady rhythm to the day, from early-morning exercise in parks to evening gatherings in residential squares. Creative pockets such as 798 Art District and trendy hutong streets showcase independent boutiques, galleries, and performance spaces. Traditional courtyard homes sit alongside modern apartment blocks, illustrating the city’s evolving character.

Where to unwind
Beijing’s parks provide calm spaces to pause between busy sights, with lakes, willow trees, and shaded paths. Around Houhai and Qianhai lakes you can enjoy waterside walks, especially in the late afternoon and early evening. Further out, the hills and reservoirs on the city’s edge are popular for weekend walks and fresh air.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for dishes such as roast duck, handmade noodles, and filled buns, which you will find in traditional eateries and lively streets. Neighbourhoods near the hutongs and around Houhai offer small shops and snack stalls where you can try local flavours in a relaxed setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and mixed-use complexes across the city host contemporary cafés, family-friendly restaurants, and international chains. Menus often mix regional Chinese dishes with global favourites, so everyone in your group can find something they like. Smaller plates and sharing portions make it easy to sample several dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider restaurants that overlook city landmarks or are set in restored courtyard houses. Many venues near central business districts feature skyline views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Around the lakes, terraces and upper floors give you a pleasant outlook over the water while you dine.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s modern malls combine international labels, local brands, cinemas, and dining, making them convenient places to spend an afternoon. Large complexes often connect directly to metro stations, so you can move easily between districts. Many include open plazas and indoor atriums where families and friends meet.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and older commercial streets are good places to look for crafts, textiles, and distinctive souvenirs. Neighbourhoods such as Dashilan and areas near the hutongs have long-standing shops that focus on traditional items and contemporary design pieces. Side streets often hide independent studios and tiny galleries.

Evening retail scene
After dark, commercial streets and pedestrian zones light up with illuminated facades and window displays. Areas with a mix of shops, cafés, and entertainment feel particularly lively in the evenings, with many outlets staying open late. Well-connected public transport makes it straightforward to reach these districts and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring breeze season (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Beijing brings gradually warmer days, with average temperatures from 10–20°C (50–68°F). Trees and parklands begin to turn green, making it a pleasant time for walking city streets and visiting historic gardens.

Summer sun season (June to August, peak season)
Summer is warm to hot, with average temperatures from 24–30°C (75–86°F) and occasional higher peaks. Longer daylight hours give you more time to explore landmarks and outdoor attractions, and many cultural events and performances take place during this period.

Crisp autumn and winter season (September to February, low season)
Autumn starts mild, around 15–20°C (59–68°F), before cooling into winter, when averages can fall below 0–5°C (32–41°F). Clear days in autumn are ideal for views from hilltop parks and nearby sections of the Great Wall, while winter offers a quieter atmosphere and a different side of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions