Looking for cheap Flights to Beijing Capital, China (PEK) airport?

Beijing, accessible via cheap flights to PEK airport (Beijing Capital International Airport), is China’s ancient and modern capital, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven, blending imperial grandeur with contemporary vibrancy. Its rich tapestry of traditional arts, modern creativity, and urban sophistication makes it a must-visit for cultural and historical exploration.

The Forbidden City, a sprawling imperial palace and the world’s largest of its kind, offers a deep dive into China’s dynastic past. The Great Wall, accessible at Badaling or Mutianyu, stands as a monumental testament to ancient engineering. The Temple of Heaven’s intricate design reflects imperial rituals, while the Summer Palace’s gardens dazzle with scenic beauty. Tiananmen Square embodies modern China’s history, and the 798 Art Zone pulses with contemporary art. Wander hutongs for a glimpse of old Beijing, savor Peking Duck, and join festivals like Chinese New Year for cultural immersion.

Enjoy authentic cuisine at local eateries, explore bustling markets, and soak in Beijing’s dynamic yet historic atmosphere. With low-cost airline deals to Beijing, travelers can experience this captivating blend of ancient legacy and modern energy, ideal for history buffs, art lovers, and urban explorers.

Why Visit Beijing, China

Beijing captivates with the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and 798 Art Zone. Savor Peking Duck, stroll hutongs, or celebrate Chinese New Year. With cheap plane tickets to Beijing, it’s perfect for historical discovery, cultural immersion, and urban adventures.

Quick Facts & Highlights

• Population: ~21.5 million (2023)
• Founded: 1045 BCE
• Area: 16,410 sq km (6,336 sq mi)
• Key Highlight: Forbidden City
• Notable Event: Chinese New Year, Jan/Feb
• Fun Fact: Hosts 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Local Treat: Peking Duck
• Landmark: Tiananmen Square

Geographic Location & Climate

Beijing, in northern China, lies 680 mi NE of Shanghai, surrounded by mountains. Its continental climate brings hot, humid summers (avg high 88°F/31°C, Jun-Aug) and cold, dry winters (Dec-Feb, 2 in snowfall). Apr-May and Sep-Oct offer ideal weather for sightseeing with discount airfare to Beijing; Jan/Feb suits Chinese New Year visitors.

Vital Statistics & Demographics In Beijing, China

Total Population

21.5 million (2023), with 2% growth since 2020, driven by urban migration.

Age Distribution

Median age 38; 15% under 18, 10% 18-24, 45% 25-44, 25% 45-64, 5% 65+.

Ethnic & Racial Composition

Han Chinese 95%, Manchu 2%, Hui 2%, Other 1%.

Gender Breakdown

Males 51%, females 49%.

Household Types & Sizes

Avg household size 3.0; 65% family, 35% non-family; 30% with children.

Population Growth Trends

4% growth since 2020, projected 22.5 million by 2028, fueled by economic opportunities.

Economy & Living Standards In Beijing, China

Major Industries & Employers

Tech, finance, tourism; top employers: China National Petroleum (Chaoyang), Alibaba (Haidian), Tencent (Haidian), Bank of China (Xicheng), State Grid (Xicheng), Lenovo (Haidian), JD.com (Chaoyang), China Mobile (Dongcheng), Baidu (Haidian), Sinopec (Chaoyang).

Employment Rate & Job Market

Unemployment 4%; jobs in tech (35%), finance, tourism; growth in AI, green tech.

Median Income & Cost of Living

Median income $12,000/yr; high cost of living; median home value $600,000.

Poverty Rate & Economic Challenges

Poverty 3%; challenges: housing costs, urban-rural disparity.

Business Environment & Investment Opportunities

Tech, tourism drive growth; opportunities in AI, cultural tourism.

Health & Wellness In Beijing, China

General Health Overview

Life expectancy 82 yrs; advanced healthcare, supported by public-private systems.

Common Health Issues

Air pollution-related issues (10%), diabetes; addressed by wellness programs.

Fitness Centers & Wellness Studios

• Powerhouse Gym, Chaoyang
• Beijing Wellness Hub, Haidian
• Yoga Space, Dongcheng
• FitLife Beijing, Xicheng
• Zen Studio, Chaoyang

Mental Health Resources

• Peking University Hospital Psychiatry, Haidian
• Beijing Wellness Clinic, Chaoyang
• MindCare China, Dongcheng
• Harmony Counselling, Xicheng
• Community Health Services, Haidian

Public Health Initiatives

Ministry of Health runs air quality improvement, diabetes prevention campaigns.

Hospitals & Clinics In Beijing, China

Top Hospitals & Emergency Services

• Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Dongcheng
• Beijing United Family Hospital, Chaoyang
• China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chaoyang
• Beijing Hospital, Xicheng
• Peking University First Hospital, Haidian

Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics

• Beijing Health Clinic, Dongcheng
• Chaoyang Medical Hub, Chaoyang
• Haidian Urgent Care, Haidian
• Xicheng QuickCare, Xicheng
• Fengtai Health Post, Fengtai

Specialty Medical Centers

• Cardiology Centre Peking Union, Dongcheng
• Beijing Eye Clinic, Chaoyang
• China Dental Clinic, Haidian
• Pediatric Clinic United Family, Chaoyang
• Neurology Centre Beijing Hospital, Xicheng

Telehealth & Remote Care Options

Peking Union, Beijing United Family offer telehealth; Beijing Wellness Clinic provides virtual counseling.

Veterinary Services & Pet Care In Beijing, China

Animal Hospitals & Emergency Vets

• Beijing Veterinary Hospital, Chaoyang
• International Center for Veterinary Services, Shunyi
• PetCare Clinic, Haidian

Pet Clinics & Routine Care

• Beijing Veterinary Hospital, Chaoyang
• International Center for Veterinary Services, Shunyi
• PetCare Clinic, Haidian
• Dongcheng Pet Clinic, Dongcheng
• Xicheng Vet Centre, Xicheng

Grooming & Boarding Facilities

• Pet Paradise, Chaoyang
• Beijing Pet Spa, Haidian
• Paws & Relax, Shunyi

Pet-Friendly Parks & Trails

• Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang
• Ritan Park, Dongcheng
• Olympic Forest Park, Haidian
• Yuanmingyuan Park, Haidian
• Temple of Heaven Park, Dongcheng

Local Government & Public Services In Beijing, China

City Hall and Administrative Offices

• Beijing Municipal Government, Xicheng
• Ministry of Culture, Dongcheng

Public Records and Licensing

• Beijing Civil Affairs Bureau, Xicheng
• Vehicle Administration Office, Chaoyang

Planning and Zoning Departments

• Beijing Urban Planning Commission, Xicheng
• Ministry of Housing, Dongcheng

Tax and Revenue Offices

• Beijing Tax Bureau, Xicheng
• Customs Service, Chaoyang

Police, Fire, and Emergency Services

• Beijing Public Security Bureau, Dongcheng
• Beijing Fire Department, Xicheng
• Emergency Medical Services, Chaoyang

Courts and Legal Aid

• Beijing High People’s Court, Xicheng
• Legal Aid Center, Dongcheng

Public Works and Utilities

• Beijing Water Authority, Xicheng
• State Grid Beijing, Chaoyang

Voter Registration and Civic Engagement

• Beijing Electoral Office, Xicheng
• Community Services Office, Chaoyang

Current Government Officials

Mayor: Yin Yong
President: Xi Jinping

Education & Libraries In Beijing, China

Public School Districts

Managed by Beijing Municipal Education Commission.

Public School Names and Full Addresses

• Beijing No. 4 High School, Xicheng
• Beijing 101 Middle School, Haidian
• Beijing Experimental School, Chaoyang
• Beijing No. 2 Middle School, Dongcheng
• Beijing Chenjinglun High School, Chaoyang

Charter and Private Schools

• Beijing International School, Chaoyang
• Western Academy of Beijing, Chaoyang
• Beijing World Youth Academy, Haidian
• Dulwich College Beijing, Shunyi
• Beijing Harrow International, Chaoyang

Colleges and Universities

• Peking University, Haidian; Majors: Law, Medicine
• Tsinghua University, Haidian; Majors: Engineering, AI
• Beijing Normal University, Haidian; Majors: Education

Public Libraries and Learning Centers

• National Library of China, Haidian
• Capital Library, Dongcheng
• Chaoyang Library, Chaoyang
• Xicheng Learning Centre, Xicheng
• Haidian Cultural Centre, Haidian

Flights & Travel Logistics In Beijing, China

Best Time to Book Flights

Book 3-4 months ahead for bargain flights to Beijing; Apr-May, Sep-Oct for economical flights; avoid Jan/Feb holidays.

Airlines That Serve Beijing, China

PEK served by Air China, China Eastern, United, Emirates.

Nearby Airports and Alternatives

PEK (20 mi from Dongcheng); alternatives: Beijing Daxing (PKX, 30 mi), Tianjin (TSN, 80 mi). Train to Tianjin ($10).

Transportation After Arrival

Car rentals at PEK (Avis, Hertz); taxis ($10-20 to Dongcheng); airport shuttle ($5).

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Pack layers, comfortable shoes; book Great Wall tours early; try Peking Duck; use metro for city travel; visit during Mid-Autumn Festival. Secure cheap travel deals to Beijing for savings.

Where to Stay In Beijing, China

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

• Beijing Downtown Backpackers, Dongcheng
• Peking Youth Hostel, Xicheng
• Happy Dragon Hostel, Chaoyang
• Leo Hostel, Dongcheng
• Beijing Drum Tower Hostel, Xicheng

Boutique Hotels and Inns

• The Orchid, Dongcheng
• Hotel Eclat, Chaoyang
• Courtyard 7, Xicheng
• Beijing Temple Hotel, Dongcheng
• Jingshan Garden Hotel, Xicheng

Luxury Hotels and Spas

• Rosewood Beijing, Chaoyang
• China World Hotel, Chaoyang
• The Peninsula Beijing, Dongcheng
• Four Seasons Beijing, Chaoyang
• Shangri-La Beijing, Haidian

Family-Friendly Lodging

• Rosewood Beijing, Chaoyang
• Four Seasons Beijing, Chaoyang
• The Peninsula Beijing, Dongcheng
• Hilton Beijing, Chaoyang
• Marriott Beijing Northeast, Chaoyang

Vacation Rentals and Extended Stays

• Airbnb Hutong Apartments, Dongcheng
• VRBO Chaoyang Condos, Chaoyang
• Haidian Vacation Homes, Haidian
• Xicheng Rentals, Xicheng
• Shunyi Villas, Shunyi

Getting Around In Beijing, China

Public Transportation Overview

Metro ($0.50-2), buses ($0.30-1), taxis ($5-15); high-speed trains available.

Car Rentals and Ride Shares

Rentals at PEK (Europcar, Sixt); taxis ($5-15); Didi rideshare available.

Walkability and Bike-Friendly Areas

Dongcheng 85/100 walkable; Chaoyang, Xicheng bike-friendly with Mobike.

Parking Tips and Local Driving Rules

Parking in Dongcheng ($1-3/hr); 60 km/h city roads; drive on the right.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Activities In Beijing, China

National Parks and Scenic Areas

Badaling National Forest Park (45 mi); Fragrant Hills Park (15 mi).

Hiking, Biking, and Nature Trails

• Great Wall Trail, Badaling
• Fragrant Hills Trail, Haidian
• Olympic Forest Park Path, Chaoyang
• Yuanmingyuan Park Trail, Haidian
• Chaoyang Park Path, Chaoyang

Wildlife Viewing

Pandas at Beijing Zoo, Xicheng; birds in Fragrant Hills Park.

Lakes, Rivers, and Water Activities

• Kunming Lake, Summer Palace; boating
• Houhai Lake, Xicheng; pedal boats
• Chaobai River, Shunyi; kayaking

Camping and RV Parks

• Badaling Campground, Yanqing
• Ming Tombs Campsite, Changping

Seasonal Outdoor Adventures

Spring (Apr-May) for hiking; winter (Jan-Feb) for ice skating at Houhai.

History & Heritage In Beijing, China

Founding and Historical Background

Founded in 1045 BCE as Ji, Beijing became China’s capital under the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Its imperial legacy, seen in the Forbidden City and hutongs, blends with modern China in Tiananmen Square and festivals like Chinese New Year.

Major Disasters and Events

Happy: Founding of PRC (Oct 1, 1949). Sad: 1976 Tangshan earthquake impact.

Recovery Efforts for Recent Disaster

Post-2020 floods: $15M invested in urban drainage, housing by 2023.

Historical Landmarks

• Forbidden City, Dongcheng; 1420
• Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng; 1651
• Temple of Heaven, Dongcheng; 1420
• Summer Palace, Haidian; 1750
• Lama Temple, Dongcheng; 1694

Museums and Cultural Centers

• Palace Museum, Dongcheng; imperial artifacts
• National Museum of China, Dongcheng; Chinese history
• Capital Museum, Xicheng; Beijing history
• 798 Art Zone, Chaoyang; contemporary art
• Beijing Cultural Heritage Center, Haidian; traditional arts

Local Folklore and Legends

Tales of dragon kings; Forbidden City ghosts; Hutong spirit stories.

Indigenous and Colonial History

Beijing’s pre-imperial roots trace to the Yan state. Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912) shaped its imperial identity, with no significant colonial history, fostering a rich cultural legacy through architecture, cuisine, and festivals.

Prominent Public and Private Personalities In Beijing, China

• Emperor Yongle: Built Forbidden City
• Mao Zedong: PRC founder
• Ai Weiwei: Contemporary artist

Arts & Culture In Beijing, China

Performing Arts Venues

• National Centre for the Performing Arts, Xicheng
• Beijing Concert Hall, Xicheng
• Mei Lanfang Theatre, Xicheng

Art Galleries and Exhibitions

• 798 Art Zone, Chaoyang
• National Art Museum, Dongcheng
• Today Art Museum, Chaoyang

Local Artists and Artisans

Calligraphers in Dongcheng; painters in 798 Art Zone; Beijing Opera performers in Xicheng.

Cultural Festivals and Events

• Chinese New Year, Dongcheng
• Mid-Autumn Festival, citywide
• Beijing International Film Festival, Chaoyang
• Temple Fair, Ditan Park

Music Scene and Live Performances

• Dusk Dawn Club, Chaoyang
• Yugong Yishan, Dongcheng
• Blue Note Beijing, Xicheng

Food & Drink In Beijing, China

Restaurants by Cuisine

• Chinese: Quanjude, Dongcheng; Peking Duck
• Traditional: Dadong, Chaoyang; Jianbing
• International: TRB Hutong, Dongcheng; French
• Fine Dining: King’s Joy, Dongcheng; Vegetarian
• Street Food: Wangfujing Snack Street, Dongcheng; Tanghulu
• Coffee Shop: Soloist Coffee, Chaoyang; Chinese coffee
• Vegetarian: Pure Lotus, Chaoyang; Plant-based
• Bakery: Peking Pie, Xicheng; Mooncakes

Farm-to-Table and Local Ingredients

Quanjude uses local duck, vegetables; Wangfujing sources regional produce.

Street Food and Casual Dining

• Wangfujing Snack Street, Dongcheng
• Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng
• Guijie Street, Chaoyang

Vegan, Vegetarian, and Dietary Options

King’s Joy offers vegan dishes; most restaurants provide gluten-free options.

Shopping & Leisure In Beijing, China

Local Boutiques and Artisan Shops

• Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng
• Liulichang Street, Xicheng
• Panjiayuan Antique Market, Chaoyang

Malls and Shopping Districts

• The Place, Chaoyang
• Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng
• Sanlitun Taikoo Li, Chaoyang

Antique Stores and Markets

• Panjiayuan Antique Market, Chaoyang
• Liulichang Antique Street, Xicheng

Souvenirs and Specialty Goods

• Wangfujing Souvenir Shops, Dongcheng
• Silk Market, Chaoyang
• Hongqiao Pearl Market, Dongcheng

Events & Entertainment In Beijing, China

Annual Festivals and Parades

• Chinese New Year, Dongcheng
• Mid-Autumn Festival, citywide
• Beijing International Film Festival, Chaoyang
• Temple Fair, Ditan Park

Farmers Markets and Local Gatherings

• Sanyuanli Market, Chaoyang
• Beijing Organic Farmers Market, Shunyi
• Dongcheng Community Market, Dongcheng

Sports Events and Recreational Leagues

• China Super League, Workers’ Stadium
• Beijing Marathon, Dongcheng
• China Open Tennis, Chaoyang

Holiday Celebrations and Seasonal Fun

• Chinese New Year, Dongcheng
• Mid-Autumn Festival, citywide
• National Day, Tiananmen Square

Nearby Destinations In Beijing, China

Popular Day Trips

• Great Wall Badaling (45 mi, 1.5 hr): Iconic wall section
• Mutianyu Great Wall (50 mi, 1.5 hr): Scenic wall hike
• Ming Tombs (30 mi, 1 hr): Imperial burial site

Hidden Gems in Beijing, China

• Cuandixia Village: Explore a preserved Ming-era village with stone courtyards and rustic charm, 55 mi from Dongcheng, 2 hr drive, Cuandixia, Mentougou District, Beijing
• Jinshanling Great Wall: Hike a less-crowded, scenic section of the Great Wall with stunning views, 80 mi from Dongcheng, 2.5 hr drive, Jinshanling, Luanping County, Hebei Province
• Beijing Botanical Garden: Discover diverse flora and serene landscapes near Fragrant Hills, 15 mi from Dongcheng, 40 min drive, Xiangshan South Road, Haidian District, Beijing
• Shidu Scenic Area: Enjoy river rafting and karst landscapes in a tranquil valley, 60 mi from Dongcheng, 2 hr drive, Shidu Town, Fangshan District, Beijing

Scenic Drives and Routes

• Badaling Expressway, Yanqing
• Jingcheng Highway, Huairou
• Xiangshan Road, Haidian

Regional Attractions Worth Visiting

• Great Wall Mutianyu, Huairou
• Ming Tombs, Changping
• Fragrant Hills Park, Haidian

Audience-Specific Guides In Beijing, China

Family Travel Tips

Visit Beijing Zoo, shop at Wangfujing, stay at Four Seasons Beijing, enjoy Chinese New Year with low-budget flights to Beijing.

Solo Traveler Highlights

Tour Palace Museum, explore 798 Art Zone, sip tea at Soloist Coffee, visit Cuandixia with discount round-trip tickets to Beijing.

Romantic Getaways

Dine at King’s Joy, stay at Rosewood Beijing, stroll Houhai Lake, visit Jinshanling with affordable plane tickets to Beijing.

Business Travel Essentials

Near PEK, meetings at China World Hotel, quick bites at Guijie Street, Wi-Fi at The Peninsula with flight bargains to Beijing.

Accessible Travel Resources

ADA-compliant Palace Museum, ramps at Tiananmen Square, accessible taxis, wheelchair-friendly Chaoyang Park paths.

Natural Resources In Beijing, China

Coal, limestone, forests. The Great Wall shapes Beijing’s identity, celebrated with temple fairs, drawing visitors with cheapest flights available to Beijing.

Ready to explore Beijing? Book budget airline tickets to Beijing, China (PEK) airport and save up to $150 with early booking. The nearest airport, Beijing Capital International (PEK), offers low-fare flights depending on departure city and season.

Article Published by farelab.com on August 27, 2025, Last Modified on October 16, 2025. Content subject to change.