Flights to Beijing

Need to Know About Beijing

For a unique experience, make your way to China’s capital, Beijing. Formerly known as Peking, China’s capital city is one of the oldest sites in the world, with human habitation dating back 230,000 years ago. Presently, Beijing is a hub of politics, business, technology, and architecture. This city is the third most populous city in the world. It offers a blend of modern culture and traditional Eastern spirituality, giving tourists plenty of excursions and activities for all types of travellers. If you are looking for a historical, cultural, and adventurous holiday, look no further than Beijing, China.

No matter which New Zealand city you’re travelling from, you’ll have no trouble finding reasonable airfares to Beijing. Each day, there are more than 65 flights from Auckland to Beijing, 50 from Christchurch, 45 from Wellington, and about 30 from Queenstown. You can find nonstop flights from Auckland to Beijing, and the other airports include a stopover in another city. You can get to Beijing in 13 hours from Auckland, 16 hours from Wellington and Christchurch, and less than 17 hours from Queenstown. Some of the most popular airlines offering cheap airfares to Beijing include Qantas, Air China, Sichuan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia, and Cathay Pacific.

Are you ready to start planning your adventure with cheap flights to Beijing? Webjet compares cheap airfares to Beijing from all different airlines to help you find the best flight deals. Book your cheap flights to Beijing, China with Webjet, and then use our guide to get inspired on how to make the most of your holiday in this exciting, historical city.

When is the Best Time to Book Flights to Beijing?

The best times to book airfares to Beijing are from March to May and September to October. During these times of year, the temperatures are mild, ranging from -1 to 26 degrees. In addition to avoiding the sweltering summer heat, you will miss peak tourist season, when attractions are at their busiest.

If you don’t mind bundling up, the cheapest time to book hotels in Beijing is between the months of November and February. However, visiting during the holidays might spike rates and crowds, so be wary. Chinese New Year in mid-February might be overcrowded, but it would also make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Daytime temperatures should stay above 0 degrees, but nighttime weather will drop as low as -9, so make sure you pack layers.

Travelling to Beijing Airports

There are two major airports in Beijing, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY). You might have flights from either of these hubs, as both airports accommodate international flights.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Considered the major Beijing airport, Beijing Capital International Airport is located approximately 32 km outside of the city centre. It is the busiest airport in Asia and second busiest in the world for passenger traffic.

The easiest way to get to downtown Beijing is by the Airport Express line, which departs from Terminal 2 and 3. This means of transportation should take you approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

For cheap travel to the city centre, consider taking the Beijing Airport Shuttle Bus. This option is the most convenient for travellers without a lot of luggage.

The most flexible way to get directly to your hotel is by taking a taxi. There are taxi ports outside Terminals 1, 2, and 3. A taxi costs approximately 120 Chinese Yuan (about $26).

Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY)

This airport is situated only 13 km outside the city centre. It is much less busy than the other airports in China, but still receives a substantial amount of passenger traffic. There are two terminals in Beijing Nanyuan Airport, the new terminal and the old terminal.

The cheapest way to get to and from downtown Beijing is completely free. If you show your flight ticket, you can take the airport bus to Xidan Civil Aviation Building for no cost. This form of travel usually takes over an hour. This building is located in the city centre, so you may be able to walk to your hotel from there. You can also catch the subway to locations all over the city.

For a higher cost, you can take a taxi from the airport to your hotel in downtown Beijing. This will cost approximately 100 Yuan and takes approximately half an hour.

What to do in Beijing

Forbidden City

This palace complex in central Beijing is one of the most historic sites in the city. This palace served as the home to Chinese royalty from the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century to the Qing Dynasty in the early 20th century. Now known as the Palace Museum, this area is open to visitors looking to view traditional Chinese architecture and immerse themselves in the country’s vast history.

Tiananmen Square

In the centre of Beijing is this historical city square, located in close proximity to the Forbidden City. Known as one of the largest city squares in the world, Tiananmen Square hosted some of the most famous events in Chinese history. Some popular sites within the square include the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China.

The Great Wall of China

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular attractions in China. Built in 220-206 BC to protect China against raiders and invaders, this structure has been maintained and renovated throughout the years. The Great Wall extends for 21,196 km through China and is even rumoured to be spotted from space. You can hike up to the wall or take a bus that leads you directly to the Wall.

Donghuamen Night Market

One of the most popular spots for tourists and locals alike is the Donghuamen Night Market, which includes a variety of food stalls. You can try some local, unique delicacies, including scorpions, silk worms, centipedes, or fried crickets if you are in an adventurous mood. For those less daring eaters, you can try a variety of traditional foods, like dumplings and spring rolls.

Houhai Bar Street

If you are looking for an exciting night, take a trip to the bar street in the famous area of Houhai. With the beautiful surroundings of the Shichahai Lake narrow street alleys, known as hutongs, this nightlife district offers a blend of picturesque scenery and rambunctious activities. Listen to live music, sing karaoke, and order a wide variety of snacks and beverages.

Temple of Heaven

This stunning complex of religious structures is located in central Beijing. Built in the 15th century, several Chinese dynasties designated this area as their primary place of worship. Originally a place for Chinese heaven worship, these spiritual buildings are now regarded as spots for Taoist worship. Enter the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar for a glance at Chinese spirituality.

Getting Around Beijing

Beijing is a massive city, so you may need to navigate the city’s public transportation during your stay. The Beijing subway system is one of the largest in the world. It has signage in Chinese as well as English to accommodate tourists. The subway can be crowded during peak rush hours, but they run frequently enough to ensure productive travel at all times of day.

Thousands of bus routes make it convenient and cheap to get around the city. However, the signs and schedules are only written in Chinese, so you might need to ask for assistance or search your travel route online.

It isn’t easy to hail a taxi during rush hour, but in off-peak hours, you should have no trouble finding a cab. Drivers typically use a flat rate, plus a fare determined by mileage.