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IQN destination photo
NAY destination photo

IQN โ†’ NAY

Which side of the plane to sit from Qingyang Airport (Qingyang) to Beijing Nanyuan Airport (Beijing)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the dramatic Loess Plateau erosion patterns and the ancient fortifications of the Great Wall as the flight approaches the mountains surrounding Beijing.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
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Loess Plateau Gullies

Intricate, deep erosion patterns and terraced hills typical of eastern Gansu and northern Shaanxi provinces.

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Yellow River Bend

Distant views of the Ordos Loop where the Yellow River carves through the arid landscape of the north.

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Lรผliang Mountain Range

Rugged peaks of western Shanxi province, featuring steep ridges and narrow valleys.

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The Great Wall

Sections of the Ming-era Great Wall snaking across the ridges of the Taihang and Yan Mountains during descent.

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Guanting Reservoir

A massive body of water on the outskirts of Beijing, serving as a landmark for the final approach.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare. The best views of the Loess Plateau occur in the first 30 minutes. During the descent into Beijing, keep your eyes peeled for the Great Wall; it is most visible in autumn or winter when vegetation is sparse and the air is clearer.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
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Fen River Valley

The fertile agricultural heartland of Shanxi province, dotted with industrial hubs and ancient settlements.

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Taihang Mountains

The eastern edge of the Loess Plateau where the mountains drop sharply toward the North China Plain.

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Hebei Urban Centers

Views of industrial cities like Baoding and the rapid urbanization surrounding the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei megalopolis.

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Beijing Suburbs

Dense residential grids and infrastructure as the plane aligns with the southern approach corridors.

The right side is excellent for catching the sunrise on early morning departures. While it offers a great look at the Taihang Mountains' eastern face, visibility can sometimes be obscured by haze over the North China Plain. Choose this side if you prefer seeing the transition from mountains to flat, urbanized plains.

Top Activities in Beijing
Route Information

Distance: 889 km (552 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 29 min

Departure: IQN (35.799702, 107.602997)

Arrival: NAY (39.78279876708984, 116.38800048828124)

Route Type: Domestic

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