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FNJ destination photo
PEK destination photo

FNJPEK

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌉

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏢

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.

Top Activities in Beijing
Route Information

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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