Q: When is it the best time to visit Beijing?

Answers:

The best time to travel in Beijing is in spring and autumn, especially from late March to May, and September to mid-October.

Travel to Beijing in spring

Spring (March to May) in Beijing is always short. When we prepare to enjoy a beautiful and comfortable spring after enduring the long winter of Beijing, we always come to realize that spring is almost gone and summer is coming.

Hiking is a good choice if you plan to travel to Beijing in spring, destinations in the following can be arranged in your Beijing spring hiking tour:

Beijing Botanical Garden – breathe fresh air as well as appreciate spring flower blossoms

Beijing Yuyuantan Park – the cherry blossoms in this park are famous

Mutianyu Great Wall – one of the top choices in Beijing hiking itineraries

Travel to Beijing in summer

Summer (June to August) is considered peak season, when hotels typically raise their rates and the Great Wall groans under the weight of marching tourists.

The sites in summer should be considered about to avoid the summer heat. So the places we recommend are the Summer Palace, Houhai area and Beidaihe Beach Resort.

Travel to Beijing in autumn

The autumn months between September and November have the best weather and fewer tourists. Without the disturbance of the summer heat and winter coldness, people can always enjoy the most comfortable autumn to breathe the clean air, look at the blue sky and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities.

The harvest season in Beijing may let tourists feel joyful, so the following must-do activities are listed for your reference:

Beijing Fragrant Hill Red Leaves Festival - The period is from mid-October to mid-November which is the best time to view red leaves there.

Great Wall Hiking - one of the top choices in Beijing hiking itineraries

Picking fresh fruits in the suburban areas

Travel to Beijing in winter

In winter, you'll have Beijing to yourself and many hotels will offer substantial discounts - just remember it's icy outside.

If you are lucky enough, you can see the snow scene in Beijing. Besides the snow scenery in Beijing, you can also:

Go skiing in the Beijing suburban areas

Great Wall Jinshanling section climbing

Travel to Beijing during Spring Festival

Everywhere is booked-out during the Chinese New Year (usually in January or February). But it is definitely a totally different experience for foreign tourists. If you choose Beijing during the spring festival travel time, make sure that:

You can book a hotel room, more than 3 – 4 months advanced booking

Afford comparatively more expensive travel fees than during the usual time

Have a realization that streets will be much crowded

Tips for tour guides should be higher