Photo: Richard Smith, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Beijing, China
China's political and cultural capital, and a major long-haul gateway into East Asia.
Beijing's imperial-era sites — the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the nearby Great Wall — sit alongside a modern, sprawling capital built for the 2008 Olympics and beyond. Its airports serve as major connecting points between Europe, North America, and the rest of Asia.
Best time to visit
September–October and April–May offer the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures, avoiding both summer heat and winter cold.
Top attractions
- •The Forbidden City, the former imperial palace at the heart of the city
- •The Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling, a day trip from downtown
- •Tiananmen Square and the surrounding government district
- •The Temple of Heaven and its surrounding park
- •The Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat on Kunming Lake
Practical tips
- •The Airport Express subway line connects Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to the city's Line 2 and Line 10 subway network.
- •A VPN and offline maps are worth arranging before arrival — many Western apps and sites aren't accessible without one.
- •A visa is required for most nationalities to enter mainland China — check current visa-free transit rules, which have expanded in recent years but come with conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What airport serves Beijing?
Beijing's main airport is Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
September–October and April–May offer the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures, avoiding both summer heat and winter cold.
Is Beijing a good place to meet someone flying from a different city?
China's political and cultural capital, and a major long-haul gateway into East Asia.
Meeting someone in Beijing?
Compare real arrival times from two origins and find the airport where you’ll land closest together.
Find a meeting city