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HMI → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Hami Airport (Hami) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the majestic Qilian Mountains, the winding Yellow River, and several distinct sections of the Great Wall of China as you descend into the North China Plain.
Qilian Mountain Range
Stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks and high-altitude glaciers that border the southern edge of the Hexi Corridor.
Yellow River Loop
See the iconic 'Mother River' of China as it carves through the Loess Plateau and forms the Great Ordos Loop.
The Great Wall
Look closely for the ancient Ming-era fortifications snaking across the ridges near Datong and the outskirts of Beijing.
Taihang Mountains
Dramatic vertical cliffs and deep valleys where the Mongolian Plateau drops off into the North China Plain.
Beijing Suburban Vistas
A panoramic view of the rapidly expanding northern districts and the Ming Tombs reservoir during the standard approach to PEK.
The right side is best for photography, especially in the afternoon when the Qilian Mountains and Taihang ridges are beautifully backlit. Keep a sharp eye out mid-flight to spot the Great Wall; it often follows the highest ridgelines and can be identified by its distinctive watchtowers.
Karlik Mountains
Witness the easternmost extension of the Tianshan Mountains with permanent glaciers visible immediately after takeoff from Hami.
Badain Jaran Desert
Gaze over the vast expanse of the Inner Mongolian desert, featuring some of the world's tallest stationary sand dunes.
Gansu Wind Farms
Fly over one of the world's largest concentrations of wind turbines stretching across the arid plains.
Yin Mountains
Rugged rocky ridges that form a natural barrier between the Mongolian Plateau and the Hetao Plain.
Zhangjiakou
View the mountain-bound city that co-hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics just before the final descent into Beijing.
Sit on the left for the best view of the Karlik glaciers during departure. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, providing clear, shadow-free views of the northern desert landscapes and the Yin Mountains.
Distance: 1,928 km (1,198 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 34 min
Departure: HMI (42.8414, 93.669197)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: Domestic
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