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CIH → NAY
Which side of the plane to sit from Changzhi Airport (Changzhi) to Beijing Nanyuan Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers a more dynamic landscape, featuring the rugged transition from the Loess Plateau into the Taihang Mountains, followed by the dramatic descent into the North China Plain with views of Beijing's Western Hills.
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Taihang Mountains
Breathtaking views of the jagged peaks and deep canyons of the Taihang range shortly after takeoff.
Loess Plateau
Observe the unique terraced farming and yellow-earth topography characteristic of the Shanxi region.
Baoding City
A clear view of this historic central Hebei city as the plane begins its gradual descent.
Western Hills (Xishan)
The natural mountain barrier protecting Beijing from the west, often visible during the final approach phase.
Great Wall Fragments
On exceptionally clear days, distant sightings of the Ming-era stone fortifications are possible in the northwest horizon.
For morning flights, the left side is shielded from direct glare, providing better photography conditions for the mountain ranges. Look out specifically for the 'Taihang Dragon' formation—the long ridges that define the edge of the North China Plain. Seasonal snow on the peaks in winter adds significant contrast to the landscape.
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North China Plain
An endless patchwork of agricultural fields and industrial clusters stretching toward the Bohai Sea.
Daxing International Airport
A spectacular aerial view of the 'Starfish' terminal, one of the world's largest and most modern airport structures.
Langfang Urban Area
The rapidly developing corridor between Beijing and Tianjin, showcasing massive residential developments.
Yongding River
The historic waterway of the capital, snaking through the southern suburbs towards the city center.
The right side is the prime spot for viewing Beijing Daxing International (PKX). As Nanyuan is located just north of Daxing, planes often fly directly over or parallel to the massive terminal. Have your camera ready about 15 minutes before landing. In the late afternoon, the golden hour light illuminates the fields of Hebei beautifully.
Book Hotels in BeijingDistance: 486 km (302 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 49 min
Departure: CIH (36.247501, 113.125999)
Arrival: NAY (39.78279876708984, 116.38800048828124)
Route Type: Domestic
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