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CIH → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Changzhi Airport (Changzhi) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the rugged Taihang Mountain range and the dramatic transition from the Loess Plateau to the North China Plain, including views of the Western Hills near Beijing.
Taihang Mountains
Spectacular views of the craggy peaks and deep canyons of the Taihang range shortly after departing Changzhi.
Loess Plateau Edges
Unique terraced landscapes and yellow-soil erosion patterns typical of the Shanxi and Hebei border regions.
Western Hills (Xishan)
As the plane approaches Beijing, look for the lush, forested peaks that serve as the city's natural western barrier.
Great Wall Fragments
Occasional sightings of ancient stone fortifications winding along the ridgelines near the Mentougou and Badaling districts.
Guanting Reservoir
A large body of water often visible to the northwest during the final descent patterns into PEK.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is superior for mountain photography. Watch for the dramatic drop-off where the mountains meet the flat plains near Baoding.
North China Plain
An endless patchwork of agricultural fields and industrial clusters stretching toward the Bohai Sea.
Xiongan New Area
Depending on the specific flight corridor, you may see the massive development and grid-like urban planning of China's newest city.
Baiyangdian Lake
The largest freshwater lake in Northern China, recognizable by its complex network of reeds and water channels.
Beijing Skyline
On clear days during the southern approach, the CBD skyscrapers (including China Zun) are visible in the distance to the east.
Choose the right side for late afternoon flights to catch the golden hour light reflecting off the North China Plain. It is the better side for viewing the urban sprawl of Beijing and its southern satellite cities during the approach.
Distance: 522 km (324 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 52 min
Departure: CIH (36.247501, 113.125999)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: Domestic
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