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FNJ → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (Pyongyang) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for the historic Yalu River border crossing, the rugged mountain landscapes of Liaoning, and potential views of the Great Wall during the approach into Beijing.
Yalu River Border
The winding river marks the international boundary between Sinuiju, North Korea, and Dandong, China.
Dandong City
Spot the contrast between the North Korean side and the high-rise buildings of the Chinese border city.
Liaoning Mountains
Fly over the rugged, forested peaks of the Qianshan mountain range in Northeast China.
The Great Wall
On clear days during the descent into PEK, look for the stone fortifications snaking across the ridges of the Yan Mountains.
Beijing Capital Approach
Views of the Olympic Park and the massive urban sprawl as the plane aligns with the PEK runways.
This side is essential for viewing the Yalu River crossing, which occurs roughly mid-way through the flight. If the plane approaches PEK from the north, the Great Wall is best seen about 15-20 minutes before landing. Late afternoon flights offer dramatic lighting over the Liaoning mountains.
Pyongyang Skyline
Catch a glimpse of the Ryugyong Hotel and the Daedong River shortly after takeoff from Sunan.
West Sea Barrage
View the massive 8-kilometer long dam system near Nampo that separates the Daedong River from the Yellow Sea.
Bohai Gulf
Watch for heavy maritime traffic and cargo ships entering the busy shipping lanes of Northern China.
Tianjin Binhai Area
As the plane nears Beijing, look south to see the sprawling industrial ports and salt pans of Tianjin.
Choose this side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. The Nampo Barrage is visible very early in the flight, usually within 10-15 minutes of departure. Keep an eye out for the distinct geometric shapes of coastal salt farms near the Chinese coast.
Distance: 783 km (487 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 18 min
Departure: FNJ (39.224098, 125.669998)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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