Flights from Hangzhou (HGH) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing blends imperial landmarks, wide boulevards, and dynamic modern districts into a city that feels both historic and forward-looking. You can explore grand avenues, quiet hutong alleys, and contemporary arts and business quarters all in a single day.

What to expect
The city is structured around broad ring roads, with key areas such as Tiananmen and Wangfujing at the heart, and contemporary hubs like Sanlitun and the Central Business District to the east. Expect a fast-paced yet orderly rhythm, with efficient transport and a skyline that continues to evolve.

Plan your trip
Beijing is a natural starting point for journeys across northern and western China, with extensive rail links and domestic flights. Plan time to see major sights, then use the city as a gateway to nearby sections of the Great Wall and to 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, surrounded by monumental buildings and wide open spaces.

Summer Palace

Stroll lakeside promenades, pavilions, and landscaped hills in this expansive former royal retreat in north-west Beijing.

Great Wall near Beijing

Take a day trip to well-restored stretches of the Great Wall, where you can follow ramparts over dramatic ridgelines.

798 Art District

Explore converted factory spaces filled with galleries, design shops, and contemporary art installations.

Beihai Park

Enjoy landscaped gardens and lakeside paths just west of the Forbidden City, with traditional pavilions and viewpoints.

Houhai and the hutongs

Walk or cycle around the lakes and surrounding alleyways, where traditional courtyards sit alongside modern cafés and bars.

Olympic Park

See the striking Bird’s Nest stadium and Water Cube, set within a spacious modern park in the city’s north.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s extensive metro network is usually the fastest way to move between major districts and attractions. Taxis and ride-hailing services help you cover the last stretch, especially in the evenings. In central areas, walking short distances between neighbouring sights is often very practical.

Local life & culture
In older neighbourhoods, you can still see daily life unfolding in narrow streets, with residents gathering in small squares and parks. Modern districts feature wide pavements, contemporary architecture, and a growing arts and café culture, reflecting the city’s evolving creative and business scenes.

Where to unwind
Parks and lakes such as Chaoyang Park, Beihai, and the Olympic Green offer open space for a gentle stroll or a quiet break from city traffic. Early mornings and late afternoons are pleasant times to visit, when temperatures are milder and the light softens over the skyline.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local snacks, noodles, and grilled skewers in traditional neighbourhoods and dedicated food streets across the city. Look out for lively lanes where small eateries sit side by side, making it easy to try a few different dishes in one visit.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping and lifestyle districts, including Wangfujing, Sanlitun, and areas around major malls, offer many casual restaurants and cafés. Menus often combine local flavours with wider Asian and international influences, and smaller portions or shared plates make it simple to explore a variety of tastes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider restaurants with views of historic rooftops, lakeside settings, or panoramas over the modern skyline. Many hotels and high-rise buildings feature upper-floor dining rooms and lounges where you can pair refined menus with far-reaching city views.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls and lifestyle centres in areas like Wangfujing, Xidan, and the Central Business District bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one place. They are convenient spots to combine shopping with a relaxed meal or a short break between sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and market-style areas around older neighbourhoods are good places to look for crafts, design pieces, and locally inspired souvenirs. Districts that blend creative studios, independent boutiques, and gallery spaces can be particularly rewarding if you are interested in contemporary Chinese design.

Evening retail scene
After dark, major shopping streets and lifestyle areas glow with bright signage and window displays, creating a lively atmosphere for an evening stroll. Many malls and districts stay open into the night, and you can usually reach them easily by metro or other public transport.

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). Parks and tree-lined streets start to turn green, making it a pleasant time for walking and sightseeing with fewer crowds than midsummer.

Summer (xia) – June to August, peak season
Summer brings warm to hot weather, often between 25–32°C (77–90°F), with longer daylight hours. This is a lively period with many visitors, and the extended evenings are ideal for exploring outdoor lakeside areas and city viewpoints.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) – September to February, low season
Autumn is crisp and clear, typically 10–22°C (50–72°F), while winter can be cold, often below 5°C (41°F) but generally dry. These seasons offer bright skies and quieter attractions, rewarding you with atmospheric views of historic landmarks and cityscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions