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HRI → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (Mattala) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic geological transition from the Bay of Bengal into the high-altitude peaks of Southwest China and the winding Mekong River.
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Andaman Sea Horizon
Distal views of the Andaman archipelago and spectacular sunrise or sunset colors over the water.
Irrawaddy Delta
The complex network of river tributaries and fertile plains of Myanmar's coastline.
Mekong River
A breathtaking view of the Mekong River as it snakes through deep mountain valleys in Southeast Asia.
Hengduan Mountains
Dramatic views of high-altitude ridges and snow-dusted peaks as the flight enters Chinese airspace.
North China Plain
The transformation of the landscape into an endless patchwork of agricultural fields and industrial clusters before landing.
The right side is essential for spotting the deep river gorges of the Mekong and Salween. If flying during the late afternoon, this side provides a stunning sunset over the mountains of Sichuan and Shaanxi. Keep your camera ready for the sudden change from tropical green to the high-altitude browns and whites of the Chinese interior.
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Sri Lankan Southern Coast
Aerial views of the pristine beaches and salt pans near Hambantota shortly after takeoff.
Bay of Bengal
A vast expanse of deep blue water, occasionally dotted with cargo ships on international shipping lanes.
Thai Highlands
The rugged, forest-covered ridges of Northern Thailand and the border regions near the Golden Triangle.
Kunming & Dianchi Lake
The sprawling urban landscape of Kunming paired with the massive crescent-shaped Dianchi Lake in Yunnan.
Yangtze River Gorges
The winding path of the Yangtze as it carves through the dramatic limestone topography of Central China.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare and enjoy softer lighting over the Chinese plateau. It offers better views of the urban expansion of provincial capitals in Yunnan and Henan during the descent.
Get eSIMs for Sri Lanka
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 5,156 km (3,204 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 4 min
Departure: HRI (6.284467, 81.124128)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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