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ORD → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this transpolar route, offering a spectacular view of Lake Baikal, the rugged Siberian mountains, and a higher probability of spotting segments of the Great Wall during the descent into Beijing.
Search flights from ORD to PEK
Chicago Loop
Depending on departure patterns, look for the iconic Willis Tower and the dense skyscraper cluster of downtown Chicago.
Lake Baikal
The 'Pearl of Siberia,' this ancient and incredibly deep crescent-shaped lake is a major geographic highlight visible for several minutes.
Stanovoy Range
Rugged, snow-capped peaks in Eastern Russia that provide dramatic terrain views before entering Chinese airspace.
Great Wall of China
As the plane descends into Beijing, the mountainous regions to the north often reveal the winding fortifications of the Great Wall.
North China Plain
A view of the massive urban expansion and industrial development surrounding the Beijing metropolitan area.
Request a seat behind the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of Lake Baikal. During the final 30 minutes of the flight, stay alert for the Great Wall as the plane maneuvers through the mountains north of PEK. Morning arrivals provide the best shadows for highlighting mountain ridges and historical structures.
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Lake Michigan Shoreline
Aerial views of the Chicago coastline and the deep blue expanse of the Great Lakes immediately after takeoff.
Hudson Bay Ice
Vast stretches of subarctic waters and shifting ice sheets as the flight traverses Northern Canada.
Arctic Polar Cap
The surreal, cracked landscape of the high Arctic ice pack during the most northern segment of the Great Circle route.
Central Siberian Plateau
Dense, endless expanses of evergreen taiga forests and winding river systems across the Russian interior.
Gobi Desert
The striking transition from the Siberian forest to the arid, golden sands and rocky outcrops of Southern Mongolia.
The left side is ideal for observing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) during the dark winter months over the Arctic. For day flights, the lighting is more consistent for photography of the polar ice. Use a window map to identify the transition from the Canadian Shield to the Arctic tundra.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 10,562 km (6,563 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 26 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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