Flights from Kochi (COK) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing, China’s historic capital

Beijing is a city where centuries of history blend with wide boulevards, striking modern towers, and a fast-paced urban rhythm. From broad avenues lined with traditional courtyard homes to cutting-edge art districts, each neighbourhood reveals a different side of the capital.

Beyond its monumental landmarks, Beijing offers leafy parks, lively hutong alleyways, and a thriving food scene that ranges from tiny family-run kitchens to sleek contemporary restaurants. Whether you are drawn by culture, cuisine, or business opportunities, the city rewards unhurried exploration.

As the political and cultural heart of China, Beijing also serves as a gateway to the rest of the country. High-speed rail and extensive transport links make it easy to combine your stay with visits to nearby cities or scenic countryside, while still returning each evening to the energy of the capital.

Top sights in Beijing

Great Wall of China (near Beijing)

Visit one of the most iconic sections of the Great Wall near Beijing for sweeping mountain views and an unforgettable sense of scale.

Forbidden City

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

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside promenades, pavilions, and landscaped hills in this expansive royal garden retreat on the city’s outskirts.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore beautifully landscaped grounds and elegant historic architecture while watching locals enjoy music, games, and gentle exercise.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, design shops, and cafes set within converted industrial factories in this influential creative hub.

Experience Beijing’s culture and city life

Start your day like a local in one of Beijing’s many parks, where residents practise tai chi, dance, and traditional exercises at dawn. Joining a small walking tour is an easy way to explore hutong alleyways, learn about courtyard homes, and taste regional snacks along the way.

Later, you can delve into the city’s cultural scene with visits to museums, contemporary galleries, and performance venues. Evening acrobatics shows, theatrical productions, and live music spaces give you a glimpse into both classic and modern forms of entertainment.

For a change of pace, escape to the outskirts of the city for hiking on lesser-travelled sections of the Great Wall or explore tranquil lakes and hills around the Summer Palace area. With reliable public transport and widely available ride-hailing services, you can move between historic sites, modern districts, and green spaces with ease.

A taste of Beijing

Beijing’s dining scene is rich, varied, and constantly evolving. You will find everything from long-standing restaurants serving classic roast duck to modern eateries offering creative takes on regional Chinese cuisines. Many menus highlight seasonal ingredients, handmade noodles, and carefully prepared dumplings.

Street food is an important part of everyday life, with small stalls and neighbourhood markets offering grilled skewers, savoury pancakes, and steamed buns. Trying a few snacks as you explore different districts is an easy way to experience local flavours and daily routines.

The city also caters well to international tastes. Stylish cafes, bakeries, and global restaurants are spread across central districts and business areas, making it simple to mix familiar dishes with new discoveries during your stay.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Beijing offers a wide mix of shopping experiences, from modern malls to lively markets. In central districts you will find large shopping centres featuring international brands, local designers, cinemas, and generous dining options under one roof.

If you prefer a more traditional atmosphere, explore markets and side streets where stalls sell handicrafts, tea, artworks, and everyday goods. These areas are ideal for browsing, people-watching, and picking up small keepsakes.

Boutique stores and independent shops are increasingly common in converted factory districts and regenerated neighbourhoods. Here, you can discover contemporary Chinese fashion, design objects, and homeware that reflect the creativity of the city’s younger generation.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May, shoulder season) brings gradually warming temperatures, averaging 10–20°C (50–68°F), with clear, breezy days that are pleasant for city walks. Blossoming trees and greener parks make it a comfortable time for visiting outdoor landmarks and exploring hutong neighbourhoods.

Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm and often humid, with average temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F). Longer daylight hours are ideal for extended sightseeing, evening strolls around lakes, and enjoying open-air activities, especially when combined with indoor breaks in museums and cafes.

Autumn and winter (September to February, low season) see cooler, crisp conditions, from about 5–20°C (41–68°F) in autumn to below 0–5°C (32–41°F) in mid-winter. These seasons offer quieter attractions, atmospheric views at historic sites, and a chance to experience the city’s cosy indoor dining and cultural venues.

Frequently Asked Questions