Loading map...

CIH destination photo
PEK destination photo

CIHPEK

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌾

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.

Top Activities in Beijing
Route Information

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

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.