Loading map...
GYD → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Heydar Aliyev International Airport (Baku) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular front-row seat to the dramatic Tian Shan mountain range and the colorful desert basins of Central Asia.
Search flights from GYD to PEK
Kopet Dag Range
Rugged mountain ridges forming the natural border between Turkmenistan and Iran.
Kyzylkum Desert
The 'Red Sand' desert of Uzbekistan, featuring vast dunes and ancient riverbeds.
Tian Shan Mountains
The 'Heavenly Mountains' offer breathtaking views of 7,000-meter glacier-capped peaks.
Khan Tengri Peak
A distinctive marble-pyramid peak that is one of the most beautiful summits in the world.
Loess Plateau
Intricate, terrace-like erosion patterns in the yellow earth of central China.
This is the 'scenic side' for mountain lovers. The passage over the Tian Shan is the highlight; ensure you are awake approximately 3-4 hours into the flight. If it is a night flight arriving in Beijing at dawn, the sunrise over the Gobi Desert on this side is world-class. Use a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze when photographing the peaks.
Book Hotels in Beijing
Caspian Sea Crossing
Vast turquoise waters immediately after takeoff from Baku, showing the industrial offshore rigs.
Mangystau Plateau
Unique white chalk cliffs and depressions in western Kazakhstan visible shortly after the sea crossing.
The Kazakh Steppe
A seemingly endless expanse of golden-brown plains stretching to the northern horizon.
Lake Balkhash
One of Asia's largest lakes, notable for its distinct crescent shape and varying water salinity.
Northern Great Wall
Remote, unrestored sections of the Great Wall visible as the flight enters the Hebei province.
Sit toward the back of the wing to capture the curvature of the Caspian coast. If flying during the day, this side avoids the direct, harsh southern sun, making it better for photography of the desert textures. Watch for the dramatic transition from the steppe to the industrial sprawl of northern Chinese cities.
Get eSIMs for Azerbaijan
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 5,503 km (3,419 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 28 min
Departure: GYD (40.46749877929688, 50.04669952392578)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.