Cheap flights to Beijing, China from $386

Beijing has been the economic, political and cultural capital of China for more than 700 years. While there has never been any shortage of travellers (business or leisure) taking cheap flights to Beijing, the Olympics in 2008 showcased the city in spectacular style. Beijing has rocketed up – much like those famous fireworks during the opening ceremony – the must-visit lists.

Beijing sprawls more than Shanghai or Hong Kong – Tiananmen Square alone is big enough to accommodate one million people – but luckily, most of the iconic landmarks are fairly close to each other, and if you flag, taxis are very cheap. It is laid out in a grid. At its centre is the Forbidden City (in Dongcheng District), the enormous complex, home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The beautiful Temple of Heaven in Chongwen District is south east of Tiananmen Square, and is also notable for the wonderful park that surrounds the temple.

The Olympics added many new sights to the city including the National Stadium (also known as the “Bird’s Nest”), the National Aquatics Centre (the “Water Cube”) and the CCTV site.

After the sight-seeing, sample some Beijing cuisine. An excellent place to do this is at the Wangfujing Snack Street, a night market where you can feast on tanghulu (a traditional treat, sugar-coated fruit on a stick) or baodu (quick-boiled tripe).

Beijing climate

Beijing has a monsoon-influenced climate. The summers are hot and humid and the winters are cold and dry.

Getting around Beijing

It’s not necessary to rent a car in Beijing (foreigners are allowed to rent cars now) as taxis are very cheap and the public transport system is excellent. The subway is fast, clean, punctual and cheap. The bus network is comprehensive and enormous. There are about 500 routes, but numbers 1-199 should be sufficient for getting around the city centre. 

What is good to know if travelling to Beijing?

• Local Beijingers don’t bother with the Panjiayuan Dirt Market, preferring instead to go to the Baoguosi Flea Market in Xuanwu District. The prices for antiques and Cultural Revolution items are reasonable. 
• Tipping is not expected in Beijing. 
• You can’t visit Beijing and not go to see the Great Wall. The Badaling sections are where most of the other tourists will go. If you go on an organised tour to Badaling, a visit to the Ming Tombs (a World Heritage Site) is often included. However, if you can spare the time and you have the money, go to Mutianyu. It’s about 60km northeast of Beijing. This section of the Wall is largely intact and it’s a wonderful place to hike and bike. Alternatively, there are two cable cars that will carry you to the top of Mutianyu Great Wall. 
• Beijing has some wonderful, serene parks including Yuetan Park (west Beijing). Visit in the evening and breathe in the heavily scented air. That’ll be from the pomegranate, phoenix and osmanthus trees. 
• Ritan is site of the Temple of the Sun. The altar was used for ritual sacrifices… hundreds of years ago. 
• A foot massage in Beijing can cost a fraction of what it does at home. Our favourite is at the Bodhi Therapeutic Retreat, opposite the Workers’ Stadium (north gate). The traditional foot massage takes 90 minutes. Sheer bliss.