Flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a dynamic capital where imperial landmarks meet broad boulevards, creative districts, and leafy parks. You will find striking historic sites alongside a fast-evolving skyline, giving every visit a sense of both heritage and forward movement.

What to expect
The city is organised around wide avenues, ring roads, and distinct neighbourhoods, from hutong alleyways to modern business districts. You can expect busy streets, efficient public transport, and many museums and cultural venues that are easy to reach in a single day of exploring.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a city break and a starting point for wider journeys across northern China. With its extensive rail and air connections, you can use the city as a base to explore nearby sections of the Great Wall and other regional destinations.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by monumental architecture and important cultural institutions.

Great Wall near Beijing

Take a day trip to a restored section of the Great Wall, where you can follow mountain ridges and wide stone ramparts.

Summer Palace

Explore lakeside pavilions, winding pathways, and ornamental bridges set within expansive landscaped grounds.

Temple of Heaven Park

Stroll through a historic complex surrounded by manicured parkland that is popular with locals enjoying outdoor activities.

798 Art District

Browse galleries, design shops, and creative studios housed in repurposed industrial buildings and tree-lined lanes.

Beihai and Houhai Lakes

Walk or cycle around connected lakes, stopping at waterside cafés and viewpoints over traditional courtyard neighbourhoods.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing has an extensive metro network that is usually the fastest way to move between major sights and business districts. Taxis and app-based rides are widely available for door-to-door trips, while walking or cycling in central neighbourhoods helps you enjoy the city at a slower pace.

Local life & culture
In traditional hutong areas you will see courtyard homes, narrow lanes, and small community shops that show a more intimate side of the city. Modern districts feature contemporary architecture, large cultural venues, and lively public spaces where residents gather for performances and events.

Where to unwind
Beijing’s large parks and lakes offer peaceful corners away from busy roads, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. You can find quiet gardens, shaded walking paths, and open lawns, which make it easy to pause between sightseeing or after a day of meetings.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can sample classic northern dishes in simple eateries and long-running neighbourhood restaurants across the city. Busy streets and compact food areas are good places to try comforting noodles, dumplings, and grilled snacks in a relaxed setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and newer commercial districts bring together a wide range of regional and international cuisines under one roof. Many venues offer sharing plates and smaller portions, so you can order several dishes to taste different flavours during one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, you will find refined restaurants and hotel dining rooms with carefully designed menus and attentive table service. Some venues offer elevated views over the city skyline, historic rooftops, or lakes, adding a memorable backdrop to your meal.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s main shopping areas feature large malls that combine fashion, lifestyle brands, cinemas, and casual dining. These centres are popular meeting points, giving you a convenient place to shop, relax, and enjoy a meal in between other activities.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and dedicated markets showcase local labels, accessories, and decorative pieces. Districts known for creative studios and design shops are ideal if you are looking for distinctive items, from clothing and ceramics to art prints and homeware.

Evening retail scene
After dark, commercial streets and some markets stay active with illuminated storefronts and extended opening hours. Many areas are easy to reach by metro or taxi, allowing you to combine evening shopping with a relaxed walk and a late meal nearby.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring (chun) – March to May – shoulder season
Spring in Beijing is generally mild, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). Trees and parks begin to turn green, and clear days create good conditions for walking and outdoor sightseeing.

Summer (xia) – June to August – peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, typically 25–30°C (77–86°F), with occasional higher peaks. Longer daylight hours give you more time to explore parks, lakes, and evening markets, while many attractions extend their visiting hours.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) – September to February – low season
Autumn is usually crisp and cool, around 10–18°C (50–64°F), with many visitors enjoying comfortable walking weather and colourful foliage. Winter can be cold, often below 5°C (41°F), but clear days, quieter attractions, and festive city decorations offer a different perspective on Beijing.

Frequently Asked Questions