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HMI destination photo
PEK destination photo

HMIPEK

Our Recommendation
8.8

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏔️

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.

Top Activities in Beijing
Route Information

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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