Cheap flights To Beijing (CN-BJ) from $172

From the historic allure of the Forbidden City to the grandeur of the Great Wall, Beijing�s attractions draw history buffs and cultural travelers from around the world. Travelers can book cheap flights to Beijing, hotel accommodations, and attraction tickets on Orbitz.com and set off fully prepared to explore this emerging megacity.

Flying into Beijing

International travelers arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, which is located about twenty miles northeast of downtown Beijing. This airport is the second busiest in the world and the busiest in Asia with regard to passenger transport, and it is the hub airport for Air China, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines.

Getting to Beijing

Most visitors opt to take a taxi into the city, which typically costs from 100 to 150 renminbi depending on the specific destination. Legitimate taxis are metered and can be found at the taxi queue near the arrivals gate at each terminal. Taxi drivers in Beijing generally do not speak English, so it is advisable to have a card with the hotel address written in Chinese characters. Another option is to take the Airport Express line of the Beijing subway system, which costs 25 renminbi and has stops at two locations in eastern Beijing. Airport buses are also available to take passengers from the airport to specific bus terminals in town. However, it can be difficult to transfer from an airport bus to a local bus with luggage in tow, especially for travelers who do not speak or read Mandarin Chinese. Car rental is also available, but China does not recognize international driver�s licenses, so drivers must obtain a Chinese driver�s license before renting a car.

Beijing Climate and Weather

Because it is located near the edge of the Gobi desert, Beijing tends to experience cold, dry winters and hot summers with occasional storms. Summer highs average between 85 to 87degrees Fahrenheit and rarely dip below the mid-60s. Rain storms are most prevalent in July and August, so bring rain gear during those months. Winter temperatures hover around freezing, with daytime highs reaching the mid-30s and lows dipping into the teens. Sandstorms occasionally hit Beijing in the spring.

Fun in Beijing

The historical attractions of Beijing are a major draw for travelers from around the world. Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, Lama Temple, and the Temple of Heaven are on most visitors� must-see lists. For a glimpse of Beijing that many others don�t see, check out the ruins of the Old Summer Palace or take a walk through a traditional hutong neighborhood. Architecture buffs will enjoy visiting the National Stadium, which is locally referred to as the Bird�s Nest, as well as the ultra-modern CCTV headquarters and the egg-shaped National Theater. Learn more about the contemporary Chinese art scene at the 798 Art District, the Chaochangdi district, and the world-famous Red Gate Gallery, which is housed in a Ming-era watchtower. Spring and fall are the low seasons for travel in Beijing, so lodging and airfare prices tend to be lower during these times. Avoid traveling within China during the two-week Chinese New Year celebration period because transportation is crowded and expensive during this time.

Planning a Trip to Beijing

Whether you have always dreamed of walking on the Great Wall or want to see what is happening in modern, changeable China, a trip to Beijing can get you in touch with the ancient past and rapidly advancing future of this Asian superpower. With cheap flights to Beijing from Orbitz.com, you can start your own Asian adventure in the capital city of China.