Beijing holidays

How to reach Beijing

• Flight time: Direct flights to Beijing from London take around 10 hours. From other UK airports, the journey usually involves a layover, adding a couple of hours to your total travel time.

• Transfer time: Once you land at Beijing Capital International Airport, the Airport Express train to the city centre takes 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi ride is about 40–80 minutes, depending on the traffic.

• Price: The Airport Express train costs ¥30 (£3.25), while a taxi ride into the city will set you back roughly ¥80–¥100 (£8.75–£11), depending on your destination.

Best time to visit Beijing

Beijing is cold in winter, hot in summer, with the winds making things even more extreme, but spring and autumn are mild. Here’s what to expect throughout the year:

• April to May is one of the most pleasant times to visit. Temperatures peak at 21 to 27°C, making it ideal for sightseeing. Spring flowers bloom and rainfall is minimal. However, it can be windy, with sand blowing in from the northwestern desert.

• June to August is the peak summer season, with hot and humid weather. Expect highs of 30 to 32°C, thunderstorms and heavy rain. The Great Wall and other major attractions are often crowded during this time.

• September to October is a good time to visit Beijing as the city is cooler, with high temperatures at a more manageable 20 to 26°C and little rain. Autumn also brings golden leaves, especially in places like the Summer Palace.

• December to March is Beijing’s winter, when temperatures hover around 0°C and can drop as low as -10°C, with chilling winds coming in from the Mongolian plains. However, little rainfall and 5–6 hours of sunshine daily make this an excellent time to experience Beijing’s winter attractions, such as ice skating on Houhai Lake.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Mandarin is China’s official language and is spoken in Beijing. However, you’ll find English signage throughout the city, and it's also spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases to help with everyday communication is a good idea.

• Local habits and customs: Beijing locals generally value politeness and modesty, and showing respect is important. However, don’t be surprised if you’re stared at – Westerners are still a bit of a novelty in some areas. Be prepared for queues and busy spaces, especially at major tourist attractions. Tipping is not expected, except in high-end hotels or with tour guides.

• Health and safety: As in any large city, keep an eye on your belongings, take care on the roads and be on guard for pickpockets and scams. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so stick to bottled water. Healthcare is excellent, but it's best to arrange travel insurance that covers any medical expenses before you go. Beijing's air pollution can be an issue, especially in winter, so it’s wise to check the air quality index if you're going out.

• Currency: China's currency is the yuan (¥), or renminbi. ATMs are widely available in the city, and major credit or debit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants. However, cash is still preferred in smaller shops and markets.

• Getting around: Beijing’s subway and bus systems are cheap and efficient ways to get around, but neither are super easy to use if you don’t speak Chinese, although the subway is better. You can also use ride-hailing apps like DiDi, though these may require some knowledge of Mandarin. Taxis are affordable, but ensure your destination is written in Chinese to avoid confusion.

• Electricity and plug types: Mainland China uses 220V with Type A, C and I plugs. UK travellers will need an adapter.

• Time zone: Despite China's size, the whole country operates on China Standard Time (CST), 8 hours ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens need a visa to enter China. Be sure to apply online well in advance. Then, you will need to go to the Chinese embassy or a visa centre (London, Manchester or Edinburgh). You will need proof of onward travel and a booking for accommodation.

Best things to do in Beijing

Beijing has been China’s capital for over 1,000 years and is a vast city with an incredible amount to offer visitors. From ancient history, such as the awe-inspiring Great Wall and the Forbidden City, to futuristic architecture and modern shopping in the city’s newer districts, holidays to Beijing offer many unforgettable experiences.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Jingshan Park: Climb to the spectacular vantage point on top of the park's artificial hill for panoramic views of the Forbidden City and the surrounding city.

• Tiananmen Square: One of the world's largest and most famous public squares, Tiananmen Square is the symbolic heart of modern China. Surrounded by landmarks such as the Mausoleum of Mao, Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People, it’s also the gateway to the Forbidden City.

The best districts

• Hutongs: Beijing’s traditional alleys can be explored in areas like Dongcheng and Xicheng. These charming, narrow lanes are lined with ancient courtyard homes, local tea shops and museums where you can learn about the city’s past.

• Sanlitun: If you’re looking for a more contemporary side of Beijing, head to Sanlitun. Known for its high-end shopping, trendy cafés and dining options, and the best nightlife in China, this district offers a lively atmosphere around the clock.

• 798 Art District: Once a factory complex, this area is now Beijing’s premier art hub, featuring galleries, contemporary art exhibits and quirky cafés. It’s a great place for modern art and creative spaces.

Historical monuments

• The Forbidden City: Beijing’s most iconic attraction, this sprawling palace complex was once the home of China’s emperors. It would take several days to explore all its vast halls, courtyards, grand temples, museums and galleries, with each corner revealing intricate carvings, beautiful tiles and fascinating historical artefacts.

• The Summer Palace: This grand imperial garden is one of the best places to visit in Beijing. Spend a few hours wandering the beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with lakes, pagodas and scenic walking paths. Climb Longevity Hill for great views over Kunming Lake.

• Temple of Heaven: Another must-see sight in Beijing, this masterpiece of architecture is considered the classic Ming-dynasty building; for some, it is even more appealing than the Forbidden City. It is set in the peaceful Tiantan Park, a favourite spot for tai chi, singing, playing traditional Chinese instruments and people-watching.

Day trips in the area

• The Great Wall: Just north of the city centre, the Great Wall is one of China's most impressive sights. Badaling is one of the best-preserved and most accessible sections, while Mutianyu is particularly popular for its views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, especially during autumn when the foliage turns a brilliant red and gold.

• The Ming Tombs: Located about 50km from Beijing's centre, this complex of imperial tombs from the Ming Dynasty is an enjoyable day trip into some of the nicest countryside around the city. Set in a tranquil valley surrounded by mountains, it’s actually easily accessible by subway.

Activities for families in Beijing

Whether you’re visiting with young children or teenagers, Beijing holidays offer plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

• Interactive museums: The China Science and Technology Museum is an excellent spot for curious minds, offering interactive exhibits that spark interest in science.

• Parks and gardens: Families will love a day out in Beijing's parks: close to the Forbidden City, Jingshan and Beihai are two of the finest in China, while Tiananmen Square is surrounded on both sides by Zhongshan Park and the grounds of the Workers’ Cultural Palace.

Free things to do in Beijing

For those looking to explore the city on a budget, Beijing has plenty of free events and activities that won’t cost a penny.

• Events: Beijing hosts several cultural festivals and events throughout the year. Visit during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) or Mid-Autumn Festival to experience lively parades, performances and traditional Chinese celebrations such as fireworks, dragon dances and lantern displays.

• Museums: The National Museum of China, located in Tiananmen Square, is one of the largest museums in the world. It offers free entry and a chance to explore China's rich history and culture, with exhibitions on everything from ancient Chinese art to the Communist Revolution.

• Galleries: Many of the city's art galleries offer free entry for historical and cultural displays and cutting-edge modern art.

Local dishes in Beijing

One of the great delights of holidays to Beijing is experiencing the city’s rich culinary scene. From street food stalls to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll find an astounding variety of flavours, textures and cooking styles that reflect Beijing’s long history and culture.

Some typical dishes

• Peking duck: This iconic dish is a must-try when visiting Beijing. The crispy skin and tender meat are served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce and sliced cucumbers or spring onions.

• Zhajiangmian: A popular noodle dish featuring thick wheat noodles topped with a savoury soybean paste, minced pork and fresh vegetables.

• Jiaozi (dumplings): These tasty dumplings, typically filled with pork, beef or vegetables, are a staple in Chinese cuisine, particularly during the Lunar New Year.

Street food

• Jianbing: A savoury Chinese crêpe filled with egg, coriander and crispy wonton pieces, Jianbing is perfect for a warming breakfast or a quick bite on the go.

• Chuan’r: These barbecued meat skewers are sold all over Beijing, especially in night markets. Lamb is the most common meat, but you can also try chicken, beef or tofu.

• Tanghulu: These candied fruit skewers are a sweet street food treat. Hawthorn berries are most traditional, but you’ll also find strawberries, grapes and other fruits coated in crunchy sugar.

Local drinks

• Tea: Famously drunk throughout China, tea accompanies meals in restaurants or is served in teahouses. The most common varieties are red and green or flavours like jasmine, and it’s always drunk without sugar and milk.

• Baijiu: A traditional Chinese spirit and the world's biggest-selling liquor, baijiu is very strong (35–60 percent) and has a distinct taste. It’s often served at banquets and celebrations.