Loading map...
MLE → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Malé International Airport (Male) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for its dramatic transition from the azure Indian Ocean to the rugged, high-altitude terrain of Western China and the unique geological formations of the Loess Plateau.
Search flights from MLE to PEK
Indian Ocean
Deep azure waters and remote atolls visible shortly after takeoff from Malé.
Hengduan Mountains
Stunning snow-capped peaks and deep gorges as the flight enters Southwest China.
Sichuan Basin
The mist-covered valleys and lush green terrain of central China's agricultural heartland.
Loess Plateau
Unique yellow-earth landscapes featuring intricate erosion patterns and terraced hills.
Taihang Mountains
The rugged mountain range that marks the edge of the North China Plain before the descent.
Select a seat well away from the wing to fully capture the dramatic mountain transitions. For daytime flights, the sun usually remains on the right side, providing excellent front-lighting for the landscapes on the left. Keep your camera ready about 90 minutes before landing for the Loess Plateau's textures.
Get eSIMs for Maldives
Get eSIMs for China
Andaman Islands
A chain of tropical islands visible during the transit across the Bay of Bengal.
Yangtze River Crossing
A bird's-eye view of Asia's longest river as it winds through the eastern plains.
Grand Canal
Segments of the historic waterway visible among the dense agriculture of the North China Plain.
Tianjin Skyline
The sprawling modern architecture of Northern China's major port city during the approach.
Bohai Bay
Vast shipping lanes and coastal industrial zones visible on the final descent into Beijing.
The right side is ideal for sunrise views on overnight flights. While the terrain is flatter than the left, the geometric patterns of the North China Plain and the urban sprawl are fascinating. Be prepared for some sun glare during the middle of a northbound daytime flight.
Book Hotels in BeijingDistance: 5,871 km (3,648 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 54 min
Departure: MLE (4.1918301582336435, 73.52909851074219)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.