Loading map...
NAY → WUA
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Nanyuan Airport (Beijing) to Wuhai Airport (Wuhai)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the Great Wall of China shortly after takeoff and provides a stunning panoramic view of Wuhai Lake and the Yellow River during the final descent.
Great Wall Sections
Look for the Badaling and Juyongguan sections snaking over the mountain ridges north of Beijing shortly after takeoff.
Yin Mountains
The dramatic, dark peaks of the Yinshan range provide a constant northern horizon for much of the flight.
Hohhot and Baotou
The urban sprawls of Inner Mongolia's major cities are often visible depending on the specific flight corridor.
Wuhai Lake
A massive reservoir on the Yellow River that appears like a turquoise gem against the desert sands on final approach.
Ulan Buh Desert
Stunning golden sand dunes that meet the edge of the Yellow River right before landing at Wuhai.
The right side is the prime choice for this route. For the best photos of the Great Wall, keep your camera ready within the first 10-15 minutes of departure. During winter, the Yin Mountains are often snow-capped, providing a stark contrast to the golden deserts visible during the descent into Wuhai.
Taihang Mountains
Aerial views of the rugged northern peaks of the Taihang range as the plane leaves the Beijing basin.
Ordos Plateau
The high-altitude landscape of the Ordos region, showcasing unique geological formations and arid plateaus.
Yellow River Bends
Glances of the southern sections of the Great Bend of the Yellow River as it snakes through Inner Mongolia.
Industrial Hubs
Visible coal mining operations and energy infrastructure characteristic of the Ordos Basin's economy.
Choose the left side for morning flights to minimize sun glare while observing the terrain. This side is particularly interesting for those wanting to see the transition from the fertile North China Plain to the high-altitude desert plateaus of the west.
Distance: 819 km (509 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: NAY (39.78279876708984, 116.38800048828124)
Arrival: WUA (39.7934, 106.7993)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.