₆₁₉

With a history as compelling as it is long, Beijing is a city with a huge personality. The history of China’s capital goes back at least 3,000 years, with the city seeing the rise and fall of multiple dynasties and their emperors.

While there is a colourful and fascinating history behind Beijing, stories of the past are not all the city has to offer. Beijing has one of the most futuristic skylines in the world as one of the most powerful financial centres in the world. Buildings such as the CCTV Building, China Zun and Beijing Television Centre.

June to August offers hot weather and sees a high level of tourism, whereas the winter months tend to be dry and cold. Tourists can expect a warm welcome from Beijing, but prepare yourself to move with purpose when walking through the city. Beijing residents are used to moving around the city at speed, and their system of queueing involves a lot more pushing in than you may be used to!

5 Things You Need to Know About Beijing

There is so much to learn about this incredible city, but why not start with a few basics?

Time Difference: UTC +8 hours
Currency: Chinese Yuan (¥)
Native Language: Mandarin Chinese
Weather: As Beijing is in the north of China, you can expect cold winters. However, the summer months can be very hot and wet. Spring and autumn tend to be the most pleasant times to visit with mild weather.
Sales Tax: 17%

Flying to Beijing From Canada

Flying from Canada to Beijing is a simple journey, here’s everything you need to know about the journey.

Flight Times

You can find direct flights to Beijing which last anywhere from 10 to 14 hours depending on where you’re flying from.

Direct flights leave from cities such as Vancouver and Toronto, but if you fly from cities such as Montreal and Calgary, you may need to take an indirect route.

Entry Requirements

You will need a visa to visit Beijing for a trip of up to 30 days, but if you plan to stay for longer, there are tourist visas for longer trips. You will need to have a minimum of six months after the expiry date of your visa on your passport. It’s also important to remember that you will be required to carry your passport with you at all times while you are in China. You will need it for everything from buying train tickets to getting into some tourist sites.

Airlines That Fly to Beijing

These airlines offer direct flights from Canada to Beijing:

- Air China
- Air Canada
- Hainan

The Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Beijing’s main airport is close to the centre of Beijing so it doesn’t take long to get into the city. The easiest way to get into downtown Beijing is on the Airport Express line which takes roughly 20 minutes. You can catch the train from Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 every 15 minutes, costing roughly 25¥ ($4.72).

10 Beijing Must-Dos

There is so much to see and do in Beijing, you may have trouble fitting it in! Try starting with this top 10:

- The Great Wall of China
- Forbidden City
- Tian’anmen Square
- Temple of Heaven Park
- Summer Palace
- Lama Temple
- 798 Art District
- Beihai Park
- Confucius Temple
- Beijing Olympic Park

Book Cheap Flights to Beijing With Globehunters

Beijing is a fantastic destination for your next trip, and best of all, you can find great deals on flights, hotels and car hire with us, so you can focus on having an incredible experience.