Beijing blends imperial landmarks, wide boulevards, and creative districts into one compelling capital. You find grand palaces, atmospheric hutongs, and world-class museums in a city that feels both historic and forward-looking.
Discover Beijing
Discover Beijing
Why visit Beijing?
What to expect
Expect monumental squares, ring roads, and a skyline dotted with bold contemporary architecture. Traditional courtyards sit beside modern malls, while parks, lakes, and lively neighbourhood streets give the city a surprising sense of space.
Plan your trip
Beijing works well for a short city break or as the gateway to explore northern China and the Great Wall. Plan time for its major sights, then add day trips or rail journeys onward to nearby historic cities.
Top sights in Beijing
Forbidden City
Walk through vast courtyards, ornate gates, and richly painted halls 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 government buildings and museums, and watch the daily ebb and flow of city life.
Temple of Heaven Park
Explore the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and stroll through tree-lined avenues where locals practise music, dance, and tai chi.
Summer Palace
Escape to lakes, pavilions, and covered walkways in this former royal retreat, with hilltop views back towards the modern city.
Great Wall near Beijing
Take a day trip to walk along restored sections of the Great Wall, enjoying sweeping mountain views and centuries of history.
798 Art District
Wander converted factory spaces filled with galleries, design shops, and cafés in Beijing s best-known contemporary art district.
Beijing hutongs
Explore narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes, small shops, and local cafés that show a more intimate side of the city.
Experience Beijing s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use Beijing s extensive metro network for fast, affordable travel between major sights, with signs in English at most stations. For shorter hops, taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available, while walking or cycling through hutong areas offers a slower final stretch.
Local life & culture
You see city life unfold in parks at dawn, in hutong alleyways during the day, and around lively squares in the evening. Traditional opera, contemporary theatre, live music, and art exhibitions give you many ways to connect with both classic and modern culture.
Where to unwind
Head to parks such as Beihai Park or around the Shichahai lakes for tranquil water views and shaded pathways, especially in the late afternoon. In cooler months, choose a traditional teahouse or spa for a quiet break from the busy streets.
A taste of Beijing
Street food & local specialties
Look for roast duck, hearty noodle dishes, and local snacks such as jianbing pancakes in older neighbourhoods and near busy markets. Hutong lanes hide small eateries where you can try homely Beijing-style cooking.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping and business districts cluster casual restaurants, food courts, and cafés serving regional Chinese dishes alongside international favourites. Portions are often good for sharing, so you can sample several flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, book a table at restaurants with city views or courtyard settings that light up beautifully after dark. Many fine dining spots offer creative takes on classic dishes paired with considered wine and tea lists.
Retail therapy in Beijing
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Beijing is dotted with large malls where you find international brands, cinemas, and lifestyle stores in one place. These hubs double as social spaces, with cafés and restaurants for a relaxed shopping break.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out streets and markets known for handicrafts, calligraphy, ceramics, and souvenirs to bring home a piece of the city. Creative neighbourhoods mix independent labels, design studios, and vintage shops in walkable clusters.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls stay busy with locals and visitors browsing, dining, and strolling. Metro and taxi connections make it easy to reach these areas in the evening.
Best time to visit Beijing
Spring (April to May) is a shoulder season, with mild days around 15–25°C (59–77°F) and blooming parks, though occasional breezy days are possible. Summer (June to August) is peak season, bringing hot, often humid weather with temperatures commonly between 25–32°C (77–90°F) and frequent visitors at major sights. Autumn (September to October) is a shoulder season, offering comfortable temperatures of about 10–22°C (50–72°F), clearer skies, and colourful foliage. Winter (November to March) is low season, with dry, cold air and temperatures often between -5–5°C (23–41°F), but quieter attractions and crisp, clear days.