Overview
Beijing, China's vast and history-rich capital, pairs imperial palaces and ancient temples with a fast-moving modern metropolis. It is a major draw for UK travellers on business, sightseeing tours or family visits, and one of the country's principal gateways — served by the long-established Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Whether you're bound for the Great Wall or a business meeting in the central business district, comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to Beijing simple.
Best time to fly to Beijing
Beijing has four distinct seasons. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the most pleasant, with mild, clear days that suit sightseeing. Summers are hot and humid, while winters turn cold and dry. Fares tend to ease outside the summer holidays and the Chinese New Year period, so travelling in the shoulder months usually stretches your budget further — check the price charts on this page for your dates.
Airlines and routes
British Airways and Air China operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Beijing, typically taking around ten to eleven hours. From other UK cities and for often better value, one-stop options connect through major hubs — Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Finnair (via Helsinki), KLM (via Amsterdam) and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) all serve Beijing. Travellers from Manchester generally connect through one of these hubs. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Beijing
Beijing rewards visitors with some of the world's most famous landmarks, all within reach of the city:
- The Great Wall of China: the Mutianyu and Badaling sections lie a short drive from the city and are unmissable.
- The Forbidden City: the sprawling imperial palace complex at the heart of old Beijing.
- Tiananmen Square: one of the largest public squares in the world, ringed by landmark buildings.
- Temple of Heaven: a serene UNESCO-listed temple set in a much-loved park.
- Summer Palace: a graceful lakeside retreat of gardens, pavilions and bridges.
At Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Beijing Capital sits about 25 km north-east of the city centre and is one of Asia's busiest airports, with extensive duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs and dining. The Capital Airport Express metro line links the terminals to the city's subway network, and licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available. (Note that some flights also use the newer Beijing Daxing airport, so check which one your ticket shows.)
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Beijing
- Book roughly 6–12 weeks ahead for long-haul value — last-minute fares to Beijing are usually higher.
- Avoid the summer peak and Chinese New Year; the shoulder months bring noticeably lower prices.
- Be flexible with your dates — midweek departures are often cheaper than weekends.
- Compare direct and one-stop routes; a single connection can save a good deal on the fare.
Travel essentials
- Most UK travellers need a visa for China — apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre before you travel (some short transit visa-free schemes exist, so check current rules).
- The local currency is the Chinese yuan / renminbi (CNY); mobile payment apps are widely used, so plan ahead for cash and cards.
- Beijing is 8 hours ahead of the UK, so allow a little time to adjust to the time difference.
