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HET → NAY
Which side of the plane to sit from Baita International Airport (Hohhot) to Beijing Nanyuan Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for spotting iconic landmarks including the Great Wall segments and the expansive Guanting Reservoir during the descent into the Beijing area.
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Daqing Mountains
Impressive rugged ridges visible shortly after takeoff north of the flight path.
Daihai Lake
A beautiful high-altitude lake located in Liangcheng County visible during the first half of the trip.
The Great Wall
Clearly visible snake-like stone structures traversing the mountains near the Zhangjiakou border.
Guanting Reservoir
A massive blue reservoir that marks the transition from the mountains to the Beijing plain.
Olympic Green Area
Distant views of the Bird's Nest and Olympic landmarks if the approach path curves from the north.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight while capturing the best shadows on the Great Wall. Be particularly attentive about 20-30 minutes into the flight when the plane crosses the jagged peaks of the Yan Mountains; this is the prime time for Great Wall spotting. In winter, the snow-dusted mountains create a high-contrast view of the wall's fortifications.
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Inner Mongolia Plateau
Sweeping views of the semi-arid high-altitude terrain and unique agricultural patterns.
Sanggan River Valley
The winding path of the historic river cutting through the loess hills of Hebei Province.
Taihang Mountains
The northernmost peaks of this major Chinese mountain range visible to the southwest.
Western Hills
The lush, forested Mentougou and Fangshan districts visible during the final descent phase.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or sunset flights, as the sun sets over the Taihang Mountains, casting a golden glow over the landscape. During the final approach to the southern Beijing area, look for the industrial evolution and urban expansion of the Daxing and Mentougou districts. It is generally a quieter side for viewing, focusing more on natural geography than specific historical monuments.
Book Hotels in BeijingDistance: 405 km (252 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 41 min
Departure: HET (40.851398, 111.823997)
Arrival: NAY (39.78279876708984, 116.38800048828124)
Route Type: Domestic
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