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MAD → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers a superior view of the dramatic Siberian wilderness, the ancient Ural Mountains, and the stunning crescent of Lake Baikal, all while avoiding the harsh glare of the southern sun during the eastbound journey.
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The Pyrenees
Early in the flight, catch views of the rugged mountain border between Spain and France.
Ural Mountains
Cross the traditional geographic boundary that separates the European and Asian continents.
Siberian Taiga
Look down upon the world's largest coniferous forest, a vast expanse of emerald green or deep snow.
Lake Baikal
The absolute highlight; the world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake is often visible as a massive blue curve.
Mongolian Steppe
Observe the endless, rolling grasslands and remote nomadic settlements of the Mongolian plateau.
Selecting the left side (port) is strategic for avoiding direct sunlight on this eastbound route, which makes for better photography. The view of Lake Baikal typically occurs about 8-9 hours into the flight; check the moving map frequently as you approach the Russian-Mongolian border. In winter, the lake's intricate ice patterns are breathtaking.
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Get eSIMs for ChinaThe Alps
Depending on the specific airway, enjoy distant views of the snow-capped Swiss and Austrian Alps.
Central European Cities
Spot the sprawling urban grids of cities like Munich, Warsaw, or Kyiv depending on the corridor.
Gobi Desert
Witness the stark, beautiful transition into the vast arid basins of southern Mongolia and northern China.
The Great Wall
During the descent into Beijing, keep a sharp eye out for the ancient stone fortifications snaking over the mountain ridges.
Beijing Suburbs
The final approach offers a view of the rapid urbanization and massive infrastructure of the Chinese capital.
The right side (starboard) will face south, meaning you may need to keep your window shade down for parts of the day to avoid heat and glare. However, this side is often better for spotting the Great Wall of China during the descent into PEK, especially if the aircraft approaches from the northwest. Have your camera ready about 20-30 minutes before landing.
Book Hotels in BeijingDistance: 9,205 km (5,720 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 50 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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