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BFJ destination photo
NAY destination photo

BFJNAY

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides an exceptional vantage point for viewing the rugged transitions between the Guizhou Karst peaks, the formidable Qinling Mountain divide, and the dramatic western cliffs of the Taihang Range as you approach the capital.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
⛰️

Guizhou Karst Topography

Unique 'forest' of limestone peaks and deep valleys surrounding the Bijie area immediately after takeoff.

🏔️

Qinling Mountain Range

The massive geographic boundary between North and South China, featuring snow-capped peaks in winter and dense green ridges in summer.

🏜️

Loess Plateau Edges

View the distinct terraced landscapes and yellow-hued earth characteristic of Shaanxi and western Henan provinces.

🌄

Taihang Mountains Escarpment

Dramatic cliffs where the mountains drop off into the North China Plain, visible during the descent towards the Beijing region.

🌆

Western Hills of Beijing

On final approach, see the 'Xishan' mountains that shelter the capital, often offering clear views of suburban expansion.

Book an afternoon flight to see the Qinling Mountains bathed in golden hour light. The left side is also superior for avoiding direct sun glare when flying north-northeast. Ensure you have a window seat clear of the wing for the best view of the deep Karst ravines shortly after departure from BFJ.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🏞️

Three Gorges Hinterland

Distant views of the rugged mountains bordering the Yangtze River basin to the east during the early cruise phase.

🌊

Yellow River Crossing

The iconic 'Mother River' of China, appearing as a wide, winding brown ribbon cutting through the Henan plains.

🌾

North China Plain

An endless patchwork of agricultural fields and high-density rural settlements stretching toward the horizon.

🏘️

Hebei Urban Corridors

Watch the rapid urban development and industrial clusters of cities like Zhengzhou and Shijiazhuang passing to the east.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to witness a sunrise over the plains. Look for the Yellow River mid-way through the flight; it is particularly striking when the sun reflects off the water. Note that Nanyuan Airport (though now largely replaced by Daxing) sits in a heavily controlled airspace, so keep an eye out for interesting military or logistics aircraft if landing in this southern corridor.

Top Activities in Beijing
Route Information

Distance: 1,718 km (1,068 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 17 min

Departure: BFJ (27.267065999999996, 105.472097)

Arrival: NAY (39.78279876708984, 116.38800048828124)

Route Type: Domestic

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