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NAO → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Nanchong Airport (Nanchong) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more dramatic transition from the lush Sichuan Basin to the rugged Qinling Mountains and the unique topography of the Loess Plateau, followed by the striking cliffs of the Taihang range.
Qinling Mountains
Cross the majestic natural boundary between North and South China, featuring sharp ridges and deep valleys.
Loess Plateau
Witness the incredible yellow-earth landscapes and intricate terrace farming patterns of Shaanxi province.
Yellow River Crossing
Spot the iconic muddy waters of the Yellow River as it snakes through the arid northern terrain.
Taihang Mountains
View the steep eastern edge of the Loess Plateau, known for its vertical rock faces and deep canyons.
Beijing Western Hills
As you descend into the capital, the 'Xishan' mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the urban sprawl.
Book an early morning flight for soft lighting on the mountains. In autumn, the visibility is highest, making the contrast between the green Sichuan basin and the brown Loess Plateau starkly beautiful. Avoid the afternoon sun which can be harsh on this side during the northbound flight.
Jialing River
Shortly after takeoff, see the winding Jialing River carving through the hilly terrain of northeastern Sichuan.
North China Plain
A vast expanse of agricultural grids and high-density rural settlements stretching to the horizon.
Shijiazhuang City
Pass over the major industrial hub of Hebei province, showcasing a massive grid-like urban layout.
Beijing Skyline
On clear days during the southern approach, catch a glimpse of the CBD and the China Zun tower to the west.
PEK Terminal 3
Get a bird's-eye view of the massive 'Dragon' terminal at Capital Airport during the final taxi or approach.
This side is excellent for evening flights to see the shimmering lights of the densely populated North China Plain. If approaching PEK from the south, this side often provides a broader view of the capital's massive urban expansion and the airport's impressive infrastructure.
Distance: 1,397 km (868 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 52 min
Departure: NAO (30.79545, 106.1626)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: Domestic
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