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CAN → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Guangzhou) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a comprehensive geographic tour of China's interior, featuring the lush Nanling ranges, the expansive Yangtze River, and the striking vertical cliffs of the Taihang Mountains during the final descent.
Nanling Mountains
Lush, subtropical mountain ranges defining the border between Guangdong and Hunan provinces.
Yangtze River
A massive silver ribbon visible as the flight crosses the middle reaches near Hubei.
Taihang Mountains
Dramatic ridges and deep canyons that mark the edge of the North China Plain.
North China Plain
A vast patchwork of agricultural fields that changes colors significantly with the seasons.
Western Hills
The historic 'Xishan' peaks that provide a scenic backdrop to the Beijing metropolitan area.
Book an 'A' seat for the best panoramic mountain views. Morning flights between 08:00 and 11:00 are recommended as the air is typically clearer before afternoon haze develops over the plains. In winter, keep your camera ready for snow-dusted peaks in the Taihang range about 30-40 minutes before landing.
Pearl River Delta
The dense, shimmering urban sprawl of Guangzhou and Dongguan immediately after takeoff.
Poyang Lake
Depending on the specific airway, China's largest freshwater lake may be visible to the east.
Yellow River
The iconic silt-heavy river is easily identified by its unique ochre color against the landscape.
Tianjin Skyline
The massive port city and its skyscrapers are often visible during the eastern approach to Beijing.
Beijing CBD
If the wind dictates a northern landing, you will see the iconic China Zun tower and CBD cluster.
The 'F' or 'K' window seats are ideal for late afternoon flights to avoid the harsh western sun glare. Look for the distinct yellow hue of the Yellow River approximately two-thirds of the way through the flight. If the approach path curves from the east, you can often see the distant glimmer of the Bohai Sea.
Distance: 1,881 km (1,169 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 30 min
Departure: CAN (23.39240074157715, 113.29900360107422)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: Domestic
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