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Flights to Beijing: A perfect blend of history and culture
Beijing is a city of contrasts, where imperial palaces meet futuristic skyscrapers. Whether you're walking along the Great Wall of China or tasting authentic Peking duck, Beijing provides an adventurous city break. Start your solo adventure watching tai chi in the Temple of Heaven, then wander through Beijing's historic alleyways. If you love shopping, dive into Silk Street or Wangfujing Night Market for souvenirs and mouth-watering street food. History buffs can explore Tiananmen Square, while adventure seekers can hike along Mutianyu, one of the most scenic sections of the Great Wall.
Get ready for an adventure in China's capital with deals on hotels and flights to Beijing.
Beijing at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 10 hours 5 minutes
Main airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Population: 22.5 Million
Language: Mandarin
Currency: Chinese yuan
Time zone: China Standard Time (GMT+8)
Flights to Beijing from the UK
If you're ready to explore Beijing, several UK cities offer direct flights to Beijing, making your journey smooth and stress-free. The most popular route is from London to Beijing, with direct flights from Heathrow (LHR) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). British Airways operates Beijing flights regularly, along with airlines like Air China and Hainan Airlines. The flight takes around 10 hours, so grab a good book, queue up a movie and get ready for adventure.
If you're flying from Manchester, Edinburgh or Birmingham, you'll have a short layover in cities like Amsterdam, Paris or Dubai before reaching Beijing. Once you land, hop on the Airport Express train or a taxi, and you'll be in the heart of Beijing in under an hour.
The best time to visit Beijing
Beijing is a year-round destination, but choosing the right time depends on whether you want perfect weather, fewer crowds or festival vibes. From March to May (spring), Beijing is at its most beautiful. The cherry blossoms bloom, and the city parks are full of flowers. You can explore the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace without sweating buckets.
September to November (autumn) is another amazing time to visit, with clear blue skies, crisp air and pleasant temperatures. The Great Wall is extra stunning, surrounded by red and golden autumn leaves. Plus, hotels in Beijing are less crowded than in the summer months.
June to August (summer) is Beijing's hottest and busiest season. Expect temperatures over 30°C, humidity and lots of tourists. However, it's a great time for experiencing vibrant street life, night markets and the lively atmosphere. Beijing hotels are expensive during this time, but you can book early to get great deals.
December to February (winter) is cold but magical, with temperatures dropping to -10°C. The upside? Fewer crowds, festive decorations and even snow at the Great Wall. If you love winter wonderlands and steamy hot pot dinners, this could be your time to visit.
Top attractions to visit in Beijing
The Great Wall of China
No trip to Beijing is complete without walking along the Great Wall of China. Just an hour or two from the city, this wall stretches for miles, offering breathtaking views of mountains and valleys. The Mutianyu section is a fantastic choice for visitors. It's less crowded, well-preserved and even has a toboggan ride down. If you want a wilder adventure, head to Jinshanling, where the wall remains in its rugged, original form.
The Forbidden City
Step into Imperial China at the Forbidden City, a massive palace complex that once housed emperors for over 500 years. With golden rooftops, intricate carvings and vast courtyards, this UNESCO-listed site feels like stepping back in time. Wander through majestic halls, hidden gardens and the grand Meridian Gate while learning about the Ming and Qing dynasties. Make sure to visit Jingshan Park, where you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City's endless rooftops.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is not just a stunning piece of architecture. It's also a spiritual masterpiece where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Its circular blue-tiled roof and intricate wooden design make it one of China's most beautiful temples. Come early in the morning, and you'll see locals practising tai chi and flying kites in the surrounding park. The atmosphere is peaceful yet lively, making it a perfect spot to experience authentic Beijing life.
Wangfujing Street and night markets
For a taste of Beijing's buzzing street life, head to Wangfujing Street, the city's most famous shopping and food hub. Here, you'll find modern malls, quirky souvenir shops and exciting night markets. You could try scorpion skewers, fried starfish or traditional Peking duck at the famous Wangfujing Snack Street. If shopping is your thing, browse high-end stores and local boutiques.
FAQs about Beijing holidays
Q: What is the best month to visit Beijing?
A: The best month to visit Beijing is October. You will enjoy the autumn weather with golden leaves and blue skies. With comfortable weather, it is perfect for sightseeing and exploring the Great Wall, Summer Palace and Forbidden City. Plus, it's after the Golden Week holiday (early October), so the crowds start thinning out.
Q: How many days are enough for Beijing?
A: Four to five days is enough to experience Beijing's top attractions without rushing. Spend a day exploring the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Jingshan Park, then head to the Great Wall (Mutianyu or Jinshanling) for a full-day adventure. Discover the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace for a taste of local culture. If you have extra time, dive into the street food scene or catch a traditional Peking opera show.
Q: Can you do Beijing in 3 days?
A: Yes. Three days in Beijing lets you see the city's top sights with a well-planned itinerary. Start with Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park on the first day. On the second day, take a day trip to the Great Wall (Mutianyu section). On the last day, explore the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and Beijing's historic alleyways.
Q: Which part of Beijing is best to stay in?
A: Wangfujing is perfect for first-time visitors, with restaurants, shopping and easy access to major attractions. Qianmen and Tiananmen Square offer a historic atmosphere and central location, while Sanlitun and Chaoyang are the best for nightlife, bars and modern vibes. For a traditional experience, stay in a hutong guest house near Nanluoguxiang.
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