Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a city where imperial history and bold modern architecture sit side by side, offering you a mix of grand landmarks, leafy hutong lanes, and dynamic business districts. You will find world-famous sights within reach of lively neighbourhoods and calm parks.

What to expect
The city is structured around broad avenues, ring roads, and historic neighbourhoods that still retain their traditional courtyard homes. Districts such as Dongcheng, Chaoyang, and Xicheng each offer a different rhythm, from cultural institutions and museums to contemporary galleries and buzzing nightlife.

Plan your trip
Beijing works well as both a stand-alone city break and a starting point for exploring northern China. High-speed rail and domestic flights connect you to other major cities and scenic regions, making it easy to combine the capital with mountain landscapes, coastal areas, or historic towns.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, framed by grand buildings and monuments that reflect the city’s national significance.

Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)

Take a day trip to the surrounding hills to walk along restored sections of the Great Wall and enjoy sweeping countryside views.

Summer Palace

Explore lakes, pavilions, and shaded walkways in this former royal retreat known for its landscaped gardens and hilltop vistas.

Temple of Heaven Park

Discover striking historical halls set within a vast park where locals gather to exercise, socialise, and enjoy open green space.

Hutong neighbourhoods

Stroll through narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes, small shops, and cafés that reveal everyday life in old Beijing.

798 Art District

Wander converted factory spaces now filled with galleries, design studios, and contemporary art installations in a creative quarter.

Beihai and Houhai lakes

Relax by the water with a lakeside walk or boat ride, then explore the nearby streets filled with cosy bars and cafés.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s extensive metro network is usually the quickest way to cover longer distances, with clear signage and frequent services. Taxis and app-based rides are useful for point-to-point journeys, especially in the evening. For shorter distances, walking within a single district helps you discover smaller streets and hidden corners.

Local life & culture
You will notice a blend of long-time residents and younger professionals sharing streets lined with both traditional courtyards and modern towers. Public parks and lakes are popular for morning and evening exercise, while cultural venues host performances, exhibitions, and talks throughout the week. Neighbourhoods shift in character from quiet residential blocks to lively nightlife clusters within a few streets.

Where to unwind
Beijing offers many places to slow your pace, from large parks dotted with old trees to lakeside promenades ideal for gentle walks. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant for enjoying outdoor paths and viewpoints. In cooler months, indoor teahouses and spa facilities provide a calm retreat from the city’s busy roads.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for hearty northern flavours, with classic dishes available in busy streets, small eateries, and long-running neighbourhood spots. Areas near Dongcheng and Xicheng offer many simple restaurants where you can enjoy dumplings, noodles, and roasted meats in a relaxed setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping and business districts in Chaoyang and around Sanlitun bring together a wide range of restaurants and cafés. You can easily mix familiar international flavours with regional Chinese cuisines in a single day, with smaller portions and shared plates making it easy to sample several dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, you can dine in restaurants overlooking city landmarks, skyline views, or tranquil lakes. High-rise venues and carefully restored courtyard spaces both offer atmospheric settings, especially at sunset or after dark when the city lights come on and the streets outside grow livelier.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s major shopping centres bring global brands, lifestyle stores, and dining together in one place. In central and eastern districts, you will find large malls that combine fashion, homeware, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment, making them easy spots to spend an afternoon.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller finds, look to traditional shopping streets and creative quarters where you can browse souvenirs, handicrafts, and contemporary local labels. Districts such as Wangfujing, Nanluoguxiang, and the 798 Art District showcase everything from decorative items to design-focused boutiques.

Evening retail scene
After dark, key shopping streets glow with illuminated signs and busy pavements, while some markets and malls extend their opening hours. It is a good time to enjoy a relaxed stroll, pick up last-minute gifts, or stop for a late snack, with public transport and taxis making these areas straightforward to reach.

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 gradually become greener, and outdoor sightseeing is comfortable with lighter layers. It is a good time for walking the city’s historic sites before peak visitor numbers arrive.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, with averages of 24–30°C (75–86°F) and occasional higher peaks. Longer daylight hours make it easy to fit in several sights in one day, and evenings are lively around lakes and open-air venues. Many travellers choose this period for family holidays.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is often clear and dry, with pleasant temperatures of 10–20°C (50–68°F) and crisp air, ideal for walking parks and historic complexes. Winters are cold, with averages around -5–5°C (23–41°F), but city sights are quieter, and you can experience Beijing’s parks, streets, and landmarks in a calmer atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions