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KIJ → HRB
Which side of the plane to sit from Niigata Airport (Niigata) to Taiping Airport (Harbin)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more dramatic transition from the Japanese coast across the rugged mountains of North Korea and the iconic peaks of the Changbai range.
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Sado Island
View the distinct 'S' shape of Sado Island shortly after departure from Niigata.
Hamgyong Range
The high, rugged peaks of North Korea's coastline provide a stark and beautiful terrain.
Mount Paektu
On clear days, see the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula and its volcanic crater lake.
Songhua River Basin
Vast agricultural patterns and river meanders as the plane descends into the Heilongjiang plains.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare while seeing the Korean mountains. In winter, this side offers incredible views of the snow-covered peaks of Changbai Mountain near the border. Watch for the dramatic change from the deep blue Sea of Japan to the brown and white textures of the continent.
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Sea of Japan
Enjoy the vast, deep blue expanse of the sea during the majority of the mid-flight crossing.
Russian Far East
Distant views of the Primorsky Krai coastline near Vladivostok as you head northwest.
Lake Khanka
A massive border lake between Russia and China that appears as a vast silver mirror in the afternoon.
Harbin Cityscape
Panoramic views of the 'Ice City' and the wide Songhua River during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to get soft lighting on the Russian coastline and Lake Khanka. If flying during the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival season (January-February), look for the massive frozen river surfaces and early urban lights during late afternoon arrivals.
Book Hotels in HarbinDistance: 1,363 km (847 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 49 min
Departure: KIJ (37.955898284899995, 139.121002197)
Arrival: HRB (45.6234016418457, 126.25)
Route Type: International
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