Flights to Beijing

The capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, is the country's cultural, political and economic centre, located in the northern region close to Tianjin within the Hebei Province. As one of the six ancient cities in China, it has been a focal point for centuries. Trips to Beijing reveal a fusion of the old and new, and the city has a wide variety of fascinating sights and attractions; from iconic palaces and temples to the expanse of Tiananmen Square and the colossal Great Wall of China, while dazzling skyscrapers and buzzing shopping malls show Beijing's modern edge.

Beijing is a sprawling metropolis split into various districts. For a taste of Beijing's history, head to the Dong Cheng district and discover historical landmarks including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Shopaholics can head to the shopping malls and markets around Wang Fu Jing and Chong Wen districts. Nearby, the central business district is formed of upmarket hotels and towering skyscrapers. One of the other highlights of any visit to Beijing is dining, ranging from traditional Chinese dishes to modern haute cuisine.

When visiting Beijing, be sure to:

• Visit the imperial palaces of the Forbidden City, which is over 500 years old
• Walk around the vast Tiananmen Square and visit Mao's mausoleum
• Uncover the intricacies of typical Taoist architecture in action at the Temple of Heaven
• Spend a day at the Great Wall of China, one of China's most emblematic sights
• Taste delicious Beijing (Peking) roast duck
• Sample crayfish and hot pot along the atmospheric Guijie (Ghost Street) in the Dongzhimennei Dajie
• Hit the street markets and shopping malls around Wang Fu Jing and Chong Wen
• Visit the imperial gardens of the Summer Palace
• See the narrow lanes and traditional houses of the Hutongs
• Watch a Beijing Opera, one of China's cultural treasures
• Embrace the nightlife around the Tianqiao area, or head to bars in the San Li Tun district, popular with ex-pats