Affordable flights to Beijing

Your journey to Beijing brings you to a major global power centre that balances ancient roots with rapid modernisation. As the political and cultural heart of the region, this city is a primary destination for international travellers seeking to understand the foundations of east Asian history.

The urban landscape is defined by its grand scale, from the expansive Forbidden City and the nearby Temple of Heaven to the sprawling grounds of the Summer Palace. In the central districts, traditional Hutong alleys provide a contrast to the geometric layout of Tiananmen Square.

Visitors find a city where historical preservation meets a fast-paced contemporary lifestyle. Whether you are exploring the Great Wall on the outskirts or navigating the culinary scene in the city centre, the destination is shaped by its immense architectural scale and layers of imperial history.

High season in Beijing

The high season runs through September and October, often referred to locally as the "golden autumn". During this period, the city experiences mild temperatures and clear skies, providing a crisp atmosphere for exploring the outdoors. You will see the landscape change as the trees across the city turn bright shades of yellow and red. The air feels fresh as you step off your flight at Beijing Capital International Airport, greeting you with the most comfortable weather of the year.

Life moves at an energetic pace during these months, especially around the National Day holidays. Social life spills out into the streets, with residents and visitors gathering in the narrow alleys of the Hutongs or walking along the Great Wall. The city has a festive spirit, and the parks are filled with people enjoying the late afternoon light. This season defines the city through its balance of clear, bright days and a lively, communal public life.

Low season in Beijing

The low season arrives with the cold winds of December and lasts until February. Temperatures often drop well below freezing, and a quiet stillness settles over the city's grand monuments. When you land during these months, you might see the Forbidden City covered in a layer of white snow, creating a stark and silent beauty. The dry, biting cold encourages a slower pace of life, with locals retreating into heated indoor spaces.

Despite the chill, the city feels intimate and peaceful during the winter months. You can experience the traditional celebrations of the Lunar New Year, where red lanterns brighten the grey winter streets and temple fairs fill the air with the scent of street food. Outdoor life shifts to the frozen lakes, such as Houhai, where people gather for ice skating and traditional ice-sledding. This period offers a calm, reflective side of the city that is very different from the summer crowds.

As you descend towards the capital, the sprawling grid of Beijing reveals a city where ancient history sits alongside modern ambition. Stepping off the plane, you are met with an energy that bridges centuries, inviting you to explore everything from quiet backstreets to vast imperial plazas.

The Forbidden City
This massive palace complex is the silent heart of the city, where rows of yellow-tiled roofs and red walls tell stories of imperial rule. Walking through its expansive courtyards allows you to feel the sheer scale of the power that once governed the Middle Kingdom.

The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Located a short distance from the urban centre, this section of the wall snakes across steep, forested ridges. It offers a chance to touch ancient stones and look out over a landscape that has been defended for generations.

The Summer Palace
Centred around the Kunming Lake, this royal retreat is a masterpiece of garden design and classical architecture. You can wander along the Long Corridor to see thousands of hand-painted scenes that capture the artistic spirit of the Qing dynasty.

Temple of Heaven
This park is where the sky meets the earth, defined by the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. In the early morning, the grounds come alive with residents practising tai chi and calligraphy, offering a glimpse into the daily rhythms of the city.

The Hutongs
These narrow, grey-brick alleys represent the soul of old Beijing, winding between traditional courtyard houses. Exploring these lanes reveals a slower side of life, where the scent of street food and the sound of bicycle bells create an intimate atmosphere.

798 Art District
Once a complex of state-owned factories, this area has been transformed into a hub for contemporary creativity and industrial aesthetics. The soaring ceilings of the old workshops now house galleries and studios that showcase the city’s modern, edgy identity.

Tiananmen Square
This vast public space is the symbolic centre of the modern nation, bordered by imposing museums and monuments. Standing in the square provides a sense of the monumental scale and historical weight that defines the capital.

Planning your next escape to Beijing? To secure the best flight deals for your journey, try to stay flexible with your travel dates and book your seats well in advance. Members of Opodo Prime can also enjoy added benefits that make frequent travel more rewarding, ensuring every part of your trip to Beijing Capital International Airport is as smooth as possible.