Flights from Jakarta (CGK) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends imperial grandeur with a fast-paced modern skyline, offering you ancient landmarks alongside innovative architecture. Wide boulevards, leafy hutong lanes, and lively public squares give the city a dynamic but grounded character.

What to expect
You will move between vast historic complexes, creative districts, and residential neighbourhoods that feel like small villages within the city. The central axis around Tiananmen, the lakes of Shichahai, and the business districts of Guomao and Wangjing each reveal a different side of Beijing life.

Plan your trip
Beijing is a rewarding destination on its own and a natural starting point for exploring northern China. From here you can access sections of the Great Wall, nearby mountain landscapes, and high-speed rail links to other major cities, making it a strong base for a wider journey.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental buildings and a constant flow of visitors and locals.

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling

Take a day trip to these restored stretches of the Great Wall for sweeping views across hills and valleys.

Summer Palace

Explore lakeside pavilions, long covered walkways, and wooded hillsides in this vast imperial garden retreat.

Temple of Heaven Park

Admire striking circular halls and enjoy open green spaces where residents gather for exercise and music.

Shichahai Lakes and hutongs

Stroll beside interconnected lakes and narrow alleys lined with courtyards, small cafés, and traditional courtyard houses.

798 Art District

Wander through former factory buildings now filled with galleries, design shops, and contemporary art installations.

Jingshan Park

Climb the central hill for a classic elevated view over the Forbidden City and Beijing’s central skyline.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s extensive metro network is usually the most efficient way to cover longer distances, especially during busy times. Taxis and ride-hailing services work well for late evenings or when travelling in groups. For short hops, walking or cycling through hutongs gives a more intimate feel for the city.

Local life & culture
Public parks, lakeside promenades, and neighbourhood squares are where you will notice daily routines unfold, from morning exercise to evening strolls. Older districts preserve traditional courtyard layouts, while newer areas showcase bold design and creative spaces that reflect the city’s evolving identity.

Where to unwind
You can relax around the city’s lakes, in expansive parks, or on tree-lined university campuses that offer quieter corners. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly pleasant, with softer light and a calmer pace, making these good times for gentle walks and photography.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for hearty northern-style dishes, with neighbourhood eateries and simple shops serving comforting noodles, dumplings, and grilled skewers. Around residential streets and busy junctions you will find casual spots ideal for relaxed, unhurried meals.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and modern districts offer a wide mix of regional Chinese cuisines and international flavours under one roof. Many venues encourage sharing dishes, so you can sample several flavours in a single sitting, which is convenient for groups and families.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, you can choose restaurants with views over historic lakes, central city avenues, or illuminated landmarks. Higher-floor venues and hotel restaurants often pair thoughtful cuisine with broad city vistas, creating a memorable setting for a celebratory meal.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Beijing has large shopping centres featuring international brands, local labels, cinemas, and cafés, making them popular places to meet friends or take a break from sightseeing. Many are connected directly to metro stations, which makes visiting them straightforward.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and older neighbourhoods are good places to look for traditional crafts, textiles, and contemporary design pieces. Areas such as 798 Art District, Nanluoguxiang, and Qianmen combine shops with characterful architecture and pedestrian-friendly lanes.

Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping streets and selected pedestrian zones stay lively, with bright signage and extended opening hours. Some areas mix shops, snack stalls, and entertainment, so you can browse, dine, and unwind in one place, with public transport making the journey back simple.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun tian) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is generally mild, with temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). Trees and parks come back to life, making it a pleasant time for walking around historic sites and lakeside areas with fewer crowds than peak summer.

Summer (xia tian) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, often between 25–32°C (77–90°F), with longer daylight hours for full sightseeing days. This is a popular period for families and outdoor activities, especially for trips to the Great Wall and evening strolls around the city’s lakes.

Autumn and winter (qiu tian & dong tian) – September to February, low season
Autumn, from September to October, is typically clear and comfortable, around 10–22°C (50–72°F), with crisp air and colourful foliage. Winter months can be cold, sometimes below 0°C (32°F), but bring a calm atmosphere, quieter attractions, and beautifully sharp views on clear days.

Frequently Asked Questions