Flights from Xiamen (XMN) to Beijing (BJS)

About Beijing

Discover Beijing

Why visit Beijing?
Beijing is a dynamic capital where centuries of history sit alongside bold modern architecture and creative neighbourhoods. You can explore imperial landmarks, leafy hutong lanes, and wide boulevards, all within a city that continues to reinvent itself.

What to expect
The city is organised around grand avenues and ring roads, with distinct districts for culture, business, and shopping. Central areas feel busy and energetic, while older hutong quarters offer a slower rhythm with courtyards, cafés, and boutiques tucked down side streets.

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, while day trips let you reach countryside escapes and iconic sections of the Great Wall.

Top sights in Beijing

Forbidden City

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

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world’s largest city squares, framed by imposing public buildings and important cultural institutions.

Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling)

Take a day trip to stroll along well-preserved ramparts with sweeping views over forested hills.

Summer Palace

Enjoy lakeside pavilions, ornate bridges, and shaded walkways in this historic royal retreat on Beijing’s outskirts.

Temple of Heaven Park

Explore beautiful historic halls set in a vast park where locals gather for music, games, and gentle exercise.

798 Art District

Discover contemporary galleries, design shops, and cafés in a former factory zone turned creative neighbourhood.

Beihai and Qianhai Lakes

Stroll or rent a boat around connected lakes, then relax in nearby hutong streets filled with small bars and teahouses.

Jingshan Park

Climb the central hill for one of the best panoramic views over the Forbidden City and central Beijing.

Experience Beijing’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Beijing’s extensive metro network is usually the fastest way to cover longer distances, with clear signage and frequent services. Taxis and app-based ride services help for door-to-door trips, while walking or cycling short stretches between nearby sights lets you see the city at street level.

Local life & culture
In residential hutong areas you will see a more relaxed side of Beijing, with residents chatting in courtyards, playing board games, or practicing music in small parks. Cultural venues host regular performances, exhibitions, and talks, reflecting a blend of long-standing traditions and contemporary creativity.

Where to unwind
City parks and lakefront areas offer calm spaces to escape the busy streets, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Wider green belts and landscaped riverside paths invite gentle walks or runs, while tea houses and quieter cafés provide an indoor retreat on colder or warmer days.

A taste of Beijing

Street food & local specialties
Beijing is known for hearty northern-style dishes, warming noodles, and a wide variety of dumplings. Traditional neighbourhoods and busy local streets are ideal for trying everyday snacks, quick breakfasts, and comforting evening bowls of noodles.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and newer commercial areas are packed with casual eateries, from simple counter-service spots to stylish mid-range restaurants. Menus often encourage sharing, so you can order several small plates to sample different flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, you can dine in venues overlooking city landmarks or skyline views, especially around central business districts and lakeside neighbourhoods. Many hotels also feature refined restaurants that showcase regional Chinese cuisines alongside international menus.

Retail therapy in Beijing

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing’s major malls combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and plentiful dining. These complexes are popular meeting places, offering everything from fashion and electronics to homeware in bright, climate-controlled spaces.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and dedicated market areas are where you can look for handicrafts, design pieces, and creative labels. Districts known for galleries or historic streets often have clusters of independent shops, making it easy to browse for keepsakes as you explore.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and lively food-and-retail zones create a colourful atmosphere. Many malls and commercial areas stay open into the evening, and public transport links make it straightforward to travel back to your hotel once you have finished shopping.

Best time to visit Beijing

Spring in Beijing (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F). Trees and parks start to turn green, and outdoor sightseeing becomes more comfortable, although evenings can still feel cool.

Summer in Beijing (June to August, peak season)
Summer is hot and often humid, with average temperatures of 25–30°C (77–86°F). Longer daylight hours are ideal for evening walks around lakes and parks, and many outdoor events and performances take place during these months.

Autumn and winter in Beijing (September to February, low season)
Autumn is clear and crisp, typically around 10–20°C (50–68°F), and is appreciated for comfortable sightseeing. Winters are cold, often below 0°C (32°F), but clear skies and quieter attractions can make landmark visits feel more relaxed.

Frequently Asked Questions