Beijing, China

Beijing concentrates Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City along the imperial axis, the Great Wall accessible at Mutianyu and Jinshanling, the 798 art district, and the Summer Palace's Kunming Lake to the northwest.

Highlights

When to Visit

Sep-Oct

Crisp dry autumn with Forbidden City at peak photographic clarity, Great Wall accessible without summer haze, and the Fragrant Hills maples turning red in late October.

Apr-May

Spring flowers across the Summer Palace, Forbidden City pleasant before summer crowds peak, and the Great Wall walking comfortable on cooler days.

Jun-Aug

Hot summer with Beijing at 35°C and pollution heavy, but the Mutianyu Great Wall stays accessible and Houhai lake bars at peak with summer evening crowds.

Nov-Mar

Cold dry winter at -5°C with snow occasionally dusting the Forbidden City roofs, Spring Festival/Chinese New Year in late January-February, and Beijing pollution worst.