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LED → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for the most iconic landmarks, including the Ural Mountains, the Siberian river systems, and the dramatic landscape transition into the Gobi Desert and the Great Wall.
Search flights from LED to PEK
Ural Mountains
The ancient, low-lying range that marks the geographic border between Europe and Asia.
Yenisei River
One of the world's greatest river systems, visible as you cross into Central Siberia.
Lake Baikal
The deepest lake on Earth; its southern tip or eastern shores often appear on the horizon.
Gobi Desert
Stunning golden sands and rocky plateaus as the plane crosses the Mongolian border.
The Great Wall
Visible on the ridges of the mountains north of Beijing during the approach to PEK.
This is the prime side for landmark spotting. The Ural Mountains appear roughly 2 hours into the flight. As you approach China, the terrain changes dramatically from forest to desert. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready about 20-30 minutes before landing to spot the Great Wall winding along the mountain ridges.
Book Hotels in BeijingLake Ladoga
Visible shortly after takeoff from St. Petersburg, it is the largest lake in Europe.
Siberian Taiga
An endless expanse of coniferous forest stretching across the northern horizon.
Ob River
Views of the massive winding river and its complex wetlands in Western Siberia.
Aurora Borealis
High probability of seeing the Northern Lights during winter night flights looking north.
Yanshan Mountains
Rugged northern peaks visible as the flight begins its final descent into Beijing.
Sit on this side for the best chance of spotting the Aurora Borealis during the long night segments in winter. Shortly after takeoff, look out for the shimmering waters of Lake Ladoga. During the mid-flight, the view is dominated by the vast, repetitive beauty of the northern forest zones.
Get eSIMs for Russia
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 6,057 km (3,764 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 8 min
Departure: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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