Loading map...
NKG → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Nanjing Lukou Airport (Nanjing) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of Nanjing's urban layout shortly after takeoff and the dramatic mountain ranges surrounding the North China Plain, including distant views of the sacred Mount Tai.
Nanjing Cityscape
Aerial view of the ancient capital, the Purple Mountain, and the dense urban sprawl of the Hexi district.
Mount Tai (Taishan)
On clear days, see one of China's most sacred mountains rising from the Shandong plains to the west.
Yellow River Crossing
Witness the iconic 'Mother River' of China as it meanders through the landscape near Jinan.
North China Plain Villages
A patchwork quilt of agricultural fields and traditional village clusters characteristic of the region.
Beijing Western Hills
The rugged Xishan range provides a stunning backdrop as the plane begins its final descent into the capital.
Sit on the left for a sunset view on evening flights. During the descent into PEK, look out for the Great Wall winding through the mountains to the northwest of the city. Use a morning flight to avoid the frequent afternoon haze over the North China Plain for the sharpest views of the Yellow River.
Yangtze River Bridge
A spectacular view of the wide Yangtze River and the massive infrastructure connecting North and South China.
Hongze Lake
One of China's largest freshwater lakes, appearing as a vast silver mirror to the east.
Tianjin Metropolis
The massive urban skyline of Tianjin and its bustling port area are often visible during the mid-to-late flight stage.
Bohai Bay Coastline
Distant views of the Bohai Sea and the industrial coastline as the flight path parallels the shore.
Beijing Suburbs
Views of the rapidly developing Tongzhou district and the Grand Canal terminal during the approach.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. It provides better views of the water systems of the Grand Canal and the sprawling industrial growth of the Tianjin-Beijing corridor. Keep an eye out for the distinctive circular layouts of some modern suburban developments near Beijing.
Distance: 949 km (590 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min
Departure: NKG (31.742000579833984, 118.86199951171876)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.