Anyone here doesn’t know Beijing? This capital city of China is the world’s most populous national capital city and China’s second largest city after Shanghai. Beijing is a global city and one of the world’s leading centers for culture, business and economics, education, science and technology, as well as tourism. As one of the most significant tourist destinations in the world, Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, parks, gardens, tombs, walls and gates. When you visit Beijing, expect wealthy cultural assets and adventures throughout the city.

However, the beauty of Beijing can’t only be obtained upon your arrival to this city, but also as your flight progresses. You’ll view the diverse landscapes of China from above, such as mountains, rivers, valleys, the most iconic landmark The Great Wall of China, and various city architectures. If flying to Beijing is included in your next bucket list, check out several details below to prepare yourself!

Beijing’s Aerial Hubs

If you’re international tourists, your airplane will land on either one of 2 major airports serving Beijing, they are:

1. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Located northeast of the city center, Beijing Capital International Airport is the main international airport serving Beijing in the People's Republic of China. A hub for Air China and Hainan Airlines, this airport is the world’s busiest airport and the largest air hub in China, with 3 terminals: the first serves domestic flights, while the others are for both domestic and international flights. Passengers can find various available amenities, such as restaurants and cafes, duty-free shops, currency exchange, medical services, etc.

2. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Beijing Daxing International Airport is the second largest airport in China after Beijing Capital International Airport. It’s designed to serve the Chinese capital and the neighboring areas of Hebei and Tianjin. It also offers a range of facilities for passengers, like lounges, baby and children areas, lost and found, services for people with disabilities, traditional Chinese gardens, and more.

Optimal Timing for Trips to Beijing

The optimal timing to visit Beijing actually depends on the travelers’ preferences, including what to do and where to go. Nevertheless, March to May and September to October can be considered the best time for trips to this city. March to May is the period of spring, when the weather’s mild and pleasant. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities, like hiking and cycling. You can also catch cherry blossoms, as the flowers start blooming during this season. 

Another perfect time to visit Beijing is during the autumn season, taking place in September to October, where the weather’s dry, cool, but sunny. Performing outdoor activities, like city sightseeing and exploring The Great Wall of China are also recommended during this period.

Hotel Options Close to Beijing’s Airports

You must be tired upon your arrival in Beijing, so it’s advisable to look for nearby accommodations to stay in. Below are some of them–check them out carefully!

1. Crowne Plaza BEIJING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, an IHG Hotel

Check-in and check-out times: from 2 pm, before 12 pm

Crowne Plaza Beijing International airport is the world-class hotel located across Beijing Capital International Airport, suitable for both business and leisure travelers. It provides various amenities, like on-site pools, meeting facilities, and dining experience with authentic Cantonese and Sichuan cuisines.

2. Ramada by Wyndham Beijing Airport

Check-in and check-out times: from 2 pm to 12 am, before 2 pm

You only need a couple minutes to reach Ramada by Wyndham Beijing Airport from Beijing Capital International Airport. This hotel has a welcoming atmosphere for dine-in, work-out, and businesses because it offers a well-equipped fitness and business center, comfortable rooms, and enjoyable restaurants serving Western and Chinese favorites.

3. Fairfield by Marriott Beijing Daxing Airport

Check-in and check-out times: from 3 pm, before 12 pm

Located in the multi-use complex consisting of a hotel, conference center, commercial offices, and a retail center, staying in Fairfield by Marriott will give you much more convenience. Besides more than 100 well-equipped rooms and suites, this hotel features a restaurant with an array of foods, the self-service laundry, garden, and market during the stay. A fitness center is also available for your exercise routines while traveling.

Top Attractions in Beijing

Your trips to Beijing won’t be satisfying without taking a look at several Beijing’s top attractions below:

1. The Great Wall of China

Address: Huairou District, China, 101406

Business hours: 9 am to 4.30 pm daily

As one of the modern 7 wonders of the world and a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, The Great Wall of China is unfathomably long and takes months to walk the entire length. However, some particular parts, like Mutianyu, Badaling Simatai, and Jinshanling offer half/full-day tracks. Additionally, you are also allowed to camp in the available areas; and do other activities, such as paragliding and taking cable cars to avoid the hassle of climbing the walls and take advantage of viewing the stunning Chinese landscapes.

2. Summer Palace

Address: Qinglong Qiao E Street, Haidian, Beijing, China

Business hours: 6.30 am to 6 pm daily

Another UNESCO World Heritage site and popular attraction in Beijing is Summer Palace. Also recognized as The Museum of Royal Gardens, Summer Palace is the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China. Composed mainly of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, it houses over 3000 man-made ancient structures, like pavilions, towers, bridges, etc. This is exactly the place where all of the country’s charms lie.

3. Forbidden City

Address: 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, 100009

Business hours: 8.30 am to 4.30 pm daily

Your interest for history feels incomplete if you miss a chance to visit the best-preserved example of traditional imperial architecture in China, The Forbidden City. There are over 900 buildings across the palace complex, so prioritize exploring some of the main buildings, like The Hall of Supreme Harmony and Preserving Harmony, The Palace of Heavenly Purity, and The Six Eastern and Six Western Palaces. If you want to capture this exquisite masterpiece, head to Jianshan Park to get the best panoramic views of the palace and perfect point for photography.

Essential Preparations for Trips to Beijing

Everyone experiences the first-time in everything, including going on trips to other places, like Beijing, but don’t worry, we’ve compiled some tips below to visit this city:

• Prepare alternative methods to connect to the internet. Since the internet's very restricted in Beijing, make sure to bring alternative options of maps and local pages to find travel recommendations. Besides, install VPN to at least have some chances to use your regular apps and websites.
• Familiarize yourself with the city’s payment methods. It’s uncommon to pay with credit cards in Beijing, so make sure to bring a Mastercard or Visa; or carry some cash for subway tickets, admission fees, and restaurants’/shops’ payments.
• Try local cuisines. Peking duck, dumplings, noodles, and street food snacks are worth a try while you’re in Beijing, so allocate time to savor them, visit traditional dinings to get the taste of the local culture.
• Prepare for the weather. Pack essential clothes based on the season of your visit, since Beijing experiences temperature fluctuations, especially during the spring and autumn.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water especially during hot weather and when engaging in outdoor activities.

Tips for Securing Budget-Friendly Flights to Beijing

You can start arranging budget plans for travels and cut some expenses by looking for budget-friendly flights. Here are the tips:

• Be flexible with dates. You can keep an eye on the flight rates fluctuations if you have flexible travel dates. Reserving the tickets as the prices drop can curtail travel expenditures. Remember to travel during off-peak or shoulder seasons for cheaper airfares.
• Sign up for alerts. Turn on the price alerts on your Traveloka account to get notified via emails whenever the prices decrease.
• Opt for budget airlines. Research some budget airlines to Beijing in order to obtain cost-effective flights.
• Check nearby airports. Consider flying to the alternative airports near Beijing, like Tianjin Binhai International Airport or Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport because flights to these airports may be cheaper. Then, take ground transports to reach Beijing.
• Monitor sales and promotions. This is the most obvious way for you to get cheaper flights to Beijing. Keep updated to deals, sales, and promotions on Traveloka for more money-saving trips.

Get the best deals on flight tickets to Beijing through Traveloka now! For your accommodations and travel activity tickets, this hassle-free app is also available for you. Pack your bags, travel well, and have a blast!