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HLD → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Dongshan Airport (Hailar) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the sprawling Inner Mongolian steppes, the volcanic landscapes near Arxan, and a more dramatic perspective of the Yan Mountains during the descent into Beijing.
Xilingol Steppe
Expansive vistas of the Mongolian plateau, offering a sense of immense scale and isolation.
Arxan Volcanic Field
Potentially visible crater lakes and unique geological formations if the flight path tracks slightly west.
Ulanqab Wind Farms
Massive arrays of white wind turbines dotting the plateau, representing Inner Mongolia's green energy hub.
Yan Mountains Peaks
Dramatic, jagged rock formations and steep valleys as the aircraft crosses the mountain barrier into the Beijing basin.
Beijing City Panorama
Depending on the wind direction and runway usage, you may get a sweeping view of the Olympic Green and the city's tall skyline.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunset on late afternoon flights, casting long shadows over the grasslands. It offers the most consistent 'big sky' views typical of Inner Mongolia. Keep your camera ready as you cross the mountain range north of Beijing, as the terrain transition is abrupt and visually stunning. Use a polarizing filter if possible to cut through the frequent atmospheric haze over the North China Plain.
Hulunbuir Grasslands
Vast, undulating emerald plains that stretch to the horizon, dotted with grazing livestock and winding river systems.
Greater Khingan Mountains
The eastern slopes of this significant mountain range, featuring dense birch and larch forests.
Miyun Reservoir
The largest reservoir in North China, appearing as a deep blue jewel amidst the mountains north of Beijing.
Gubeikou Great Wall
Visible as a thin, snaking line along the mountain ridges during the final descent phase into PEK.
Sit on the left for the best chance to spot the Great Wall and the Miyun Reservoir during the approach. For morning flights, this side will be shaded, providing better conditions for photography without glare. Watch for the change from the flat grasslands to the rugged peaks of the Yan Mountains about 40 minutes before landing.
Distance: 1,046 km (650 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: HLD (49.2050018311, 119.824996948)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: Domestic
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