Beijing
Capital of China
Beijing is the capital of China, with a population of about 22 million as of 2020. The city contains extensive historical sites, including several UNESCO World Heritage locations, alongside modern architecture.
What to see
The city features a dense concentration of historical sites. Central to the city are the Forbidden City, the Beijing Central Axis, and the Temple of Heaven. Political landmarks include Tiananmen Square, Tiananmen, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Visitors can also explore the Summer Palace, the Old Summer Palace, the Ming tombs, the Yonghe Temple, the Marco Polo Bridge, Jingshan Park, and the Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site. Badaling is also situated in the area. Modern architecture is represented by the Beijing National Stadium, the CCTV Headquarters, and China Zun. Zhongnanhai is also located within the city.
When to go
The best time to visit is during the spring months of April and May or the autumn months of September and October. These periods offer moderate temperatures, ranging from 10 °C to 28 °C, and relatively low rainfall. Winters are cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Summers are hot, with daily highs reaching 32 °C, and are also the wettest months of the year, particularly July and August, which see high levels of precipitation.
Getting there
The primary entry point is Beijing Capital International Airport, located 25 km from the city.
Top sights in Beijing
Weather by month
The warmest month is June, with an average high of 32 °C. The wettest is July, with about 174 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 2 | 6 | 13 | 22 | 28 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 26 | 20 | 10 | 3 |
| Average low, °C | -9 | -6 | -1 | 7 | 14 | 20 | 22 | 21 | 15 | 7 | -2 | -7 |
| Rainfall, mm | 3 | 5 | 10 | 26 | 38 | 79 | 174 | 148 | 51 | 24 | 10 | 3 |
| Rainy days | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 17 | 15 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Beijing (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Beihai Park
- Beijing Zoo
- Capital Museum
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Beijing
- Central Radio & TV Tower
- China National Tennis Center
- China World Trade Center Tower III
- Imperial Ancestral Temple
- Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution
- National Indoor Stadium
- Niujie Mosque
- Water Cube
- Workers' Stadium
- Zhengyangmen