China's capital city sits at the intersection of ancient empire and modern ambition. The Forbidden City remains one of humanity's most impressive constructions. The Great Wall exceeds every expectation. Traditional hutong neighborhoods offer glimpses of old Beijing even as glass towers reshape the skyline. Beijing rewards patience. The scale is vast; distances are long. But the payoffs include experiences found nowhere else: standing where emperors ruled for five centuries, walking walls built to defend civilizations, eating Peking duck prepared by masters. Flight deals to Beijing appear regularly, and while China requires planning, the rewards justify every effort.
Best Time to Fly to Beijing
Peak Season
April through May and September through October offer ideal weather with clear skies and mild temperatures. October Golden Week (National Day) brings massive domestic crowds.
Off Season (Best Deals)
December through February is cold and dry but less crowded. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid with occasional heavy rain. Both periods offer lower prices.
Spring (April to May) brings pleasant 50-75°F but dust storms occasionally. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid at 75-95°F. Fall (September to October) is ideal at 50-75°F with clear skies. Winter (December to February) is cold at 15-40°F but sunny.
💡Book 2-3 months ahead for spring/fall. Avoid Golden Week (October 1-7) and Chinese New Year completely unless prepared for extreme crowds.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Beijing
Cheapest Months
January, February, November
Most Expensive
October Golden Week, Chinese New Year, May Day
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Must-Try Foods in Beijing
Peking Duck
Beijing's signature dish features crispy-skinned duck sliced tableside, wrapped in thin pancakes with scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce. Da Dong and Quanjude are famous; Siji Minfu offers excellent quality at lower prices. The skin should shatter; the meat should be tender.
$30-80
Jianbing (Chinese Crepe)
This breakfast street food layers crispy wonton, egg, scallions, cilantro, and sauces on a thin crepe. Watch vendors work their magic on circular griddles throughout the city. It's cheap, filling, and delicious. Every Beijinger has their favorite cart.
$1-3
Zhajiangmian (Noodles with Meat Sauce)
These thick wheat noodles come topped with fermented soybean meat sauce and fresh vegetables you mix together. It's Beijing's comfort food, found at local restaurants throughout the city. The sauce is savory and rich; the noodles are chewy and substantial.
$3-8
Top Attractions in Beijing
Forbidden City
The imperial palace for 500 years contains 9,999 rooms across 180 acres. The scale is overwhelming; plan at least half a day. Enter from the south (Tiananmen) and exit north toward Jingshan Park for rooftop views. Book tickets online in advance; they sell out.
Great Wall at Mutianyu
This restored section offers the classic Wall experience without Badaling's crowds. The cable car up and toboggan down add fun. Allocate a full day for the trip from Beijing. Early morning arrival means fewer people and better photos. The views are genuinely awe-inspiring.
Hutong Neighborhoods
These traditional alleyway neighborhoods preserve old Beijing's character. Explore by foot or rickshaw around Nanluoguxiang or the Drum Tower area. Duck into courtyards, find hidden bars and cafes, and watch daily life continue as it has for centuries.
Daily Costs in Beijing
Beijing offers good value. Street food and local restaurants are cheap, public transport is excellent, and entrance fees are reasonable. Peking duck restaurants and upscale venues match Western prices.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$25-50
Mid-Range
$70-150
Airbnb
$40-90
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$2-6
Restaurant
$10-30
Coffee
$4-6
Transport
Local Transport
$0.30-1/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$50-100
Getting Around Beijing
From the Airport
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK): Airport Express train to Dongzhimen ($4, 25 minutes) connects to subway. Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX): Daxing Airport Express connects to downtown ($7, 20-40 minutes). Taxis cost $25-40.
Getting Around
Beijing's subway is extensive, cheap, and efficient; it reaches most tourist areas. Taxis are affordable; use Didi for convenience and fair pricing. The city is vast; don't underestimate distances. Biking works in certain areas but traffic is intimidating.
Tips
- •Get a Beijing Transit Card or use Alipay/WeChat Pay for seamless subway travel.
- •Download Didi before arrival. It works like Uber but is essential in China where Uber doesn't operate.
Where to Stay in Beijing
Dongcheng (near Tiananmen/Wangfujing)
Central location near the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Wangfujing shopping street. Good metro access and many hotels. It's touristy but convenient for first-time visitors wanting easy access to major sights.
Sanlitun
Beijing's foreigner-friendly nightlife hub with bars, clubs, and international restaurants. The Taikoo Li shopping complex anchors the area. It's modern, Westernized, and active late into the night. Workers Village nearby offers edgier options.
Gulou (Drum Tower) Area
The historic area around the Drum and Bell Towers preserves hutong character with trendy cafes, bars, and shops hidden in traditional courtyards. It's walkable, atmospheric, and offers the best blend of old and new Beijing.
Smart Travel Tips for Beijing
FAQs About Flights to Beijing
Beijing is moderate. Street food costs $2-6, restaurant meals $10-30, and decent hotels $70-150. Public transport is very cheap. Budget $50-80 per day for comfortable travel. Peking duck dinners and tourist traps are exceptions.
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