Population
21.5 million
Province
Beijing
Region
North China
Best Time
Sep - Oct
Language
Mandarin Chinese
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
The capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world. Beijing is a treasure trove of ancient history, home to the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Temple of Heaven. As the political and cultural heart of China, it seamlessly blends imperial grandeur with modern innovation.
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall stretches across northern China and is best accessed from Beijing via the Badaling, Mutianyu, or Jinshanling sections. Each section offers a different experience, from restored walkways to wild, unrestored ruins surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
The world's largest palace complex, the Forbidden City served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its 980 surviving buildings house an extraordinary collection of art and artefacts spanning 600 years of Chinese history.
The symbolic heart of modern China and one of the largest public squares in the world. Flanked by the National Museum, the Great Hall of the People, and Mao's Mausoleum, it is a powerful starting point for exploring Beijing's political and cultural landmarks.
An imperial garden masterpiece covering 2.9 square kilometres, the Summer Palace combines the grandeur of imperial architecture with the beauty of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the preferred summer retreat of the Qing emperors.
A masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture where emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. The iconic circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is one of the most photographed structures in Beijing.
A thriving contemporary art hub housed in repurposed military factory buildings from the 1950s. Galleries, studios, cafes, and independent shops make this the creative heart of Beijing's modern art scene.
Beijing enjoys excellent transport links to Shanghai and Xi'an and Chengdu. High-speed rail is usually the most comfortable and time-efficient option for distances under 1,000 km, while domestic flights serve longer routes with frequent, affordable schedules. Booking through Trip.com or the 12306 app is recommended for train tickets.
| Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail | 4.5 hours | $80-$150 |
| Flight | 2 hours | $60-$200 |
| Overnight Sleeper Train | 12 hours | $30-$70 |
| Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail | 4.5-6 hours | $75-$130 |
| Flight | 2 hours | $50-$180 |
| Overnight Sleeper Train | 11-12 hours | $25-$60 |
| Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail | 7-8 hours | $120-$200 |
| Flight | 2.5 hours | $80-$250 |
| Overnight Sleeper Train | 24-28 hours | $50-$100 |
Budget: Hostels and budget hotels from $15-40/night
Mid-Range: 3-4 star hotels from $50-120/night
Luxury: 5-star hotels and resorts from $150+/night
Compare prices and book your stay in Beijing with trusted partners.
Beijing's culinary scene revolves around hearty northern staples like dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and the world-famous Peking duck.
main-dish$$$Beijing's most famous culinary masterpiece, Peking Duck features a whole duck roasted until the skin is perfectly thin and crispy while the meat remains succulent. Traditionally served sliced at the table, it is wrapped in thin pancakes with hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumber. The art of preparing this dish has been refined for over 600 years.
snack$China's most beloved comfort food, jiaozi are crescent-shaped dumplings filled with seasoned minced pork and vegetables, then boiled, steamed, or pan-fried. Making dumplings together is a cherished family tradition, especially during Chinese New Year when they symbolize wealth due to their resemblance to ancient gold ingots. Served with a dipping sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil.
dessert$A beloved northern Chinese street snack of fruits skewered on bamboo sticks and coated in a crackly shell of hardened sugar syrup. Traditional tanghulu uses hawthorn berries, but modern versions feature strawberries, grapes, tangerines, and other fruits. The satisfying crack of the sugar shell giving way to tart fruit inside has made this treat an enduring winter favorite.
snack$Flaky, crispy flatbreads made by rolling and folding dough with rendered lard or oil and chopped scallions to create dozens of thin, shatteringly crisp layers. Pan-fried on a griddle until golden and fragrant, scallion pancakes are one of China's most popular street breakfast items. The mesmerizing spiral layers and savory aroma make them irresistible at any time of day.
teahotThe most widely consumed tea in China, green tea is prized for its fresh, grassy flavor and numerous health benefits. Famous varieties include Longjing (Dragon Well) from Hangzhou, Biluochun from Suzhou, and Huangshan Maofeng from Anhui. Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation, preserving its delicate flavor and bright green color. It has been a cornerstone of Chinese culture for over 3,000 years.
teahotA partially oxidized tea that falls between green and black tea, oolong offers a complex spectrum of flavors from floral and creamy to roasted and woody. Tieguanyin from Fujian and Da Hong Pao from the Wuyi Mountains are among the most celebrated oolongs. The traditional gongfu tea ceremony, especially popular in Fujian and Guangdong, is built around the careful preparation of oolong tea.
teahotA unique fermented tea from Yunnan Province that improves with age, much like fine wine. Pu-erh undergoes a microbial fermentation process that gives it a deep, earthy, and smooth flavor. Aged pu-erh cakes can command thousands of dollars and are prized by collectors. It is traditionally valued for its digestive benefits and is often served after heavy meals.
The best time to visit North China is September through October, when the autumn skies are clear and the temperature is pleasant. Summers can be sweltering with occasional sandstorms, while winters are bitterly cold and dry. The golden autumn foliage around Beijing and the Great Wall makes this the most photogenic season.
Sep - Oct
Peak season
Higher prices and crowds, but the best weather and conditions for sightseeing.
Off season
Lower prices and fewer tourists, but weather may be less favourable for outdoor activities.
Southwest ChinaBuilt dramatically across steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is one of China's most visually striking cities. Famous for its mouth-numbing hot pot, neon-lit night skyline, and serving as the starting point for Yangtze River cruises through the Three Gorges, this mountainous megacity offers an unforgettable urban experience unlike anywhere else in China.
East ChinaChina's largest city and a global financial hub, Shanghai dazzles visitors with its futuristic skyline along the Pudong waterfront and the colonial-era architecture of the Bund. Known for its vibrant nightlife, world-class dining, and rich art scene, Shanghai represents the cutting edge of modern China.
Southwest ChinaThe laid-back capital of Sichuan Province is famous worldwide for its giant panda breeding centers and fiery Sichuan cuisine. Chengdu is known as the land of abundance, offering a slower pace of life with its teahouse culture, mahjong traditions, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes including Jiuzhaigou Valley.
Find hotels, activities, and travel tips for Beijing in China.