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PEK destination photo
CIF destination photo

PEKCIF

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most dramatic views of the Yan Mountain ridges, iconic Great Wall sections, and the vast transition into the Inner Mongolian grasslands.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🧱

Mutianyu Great Wall

Visible shortly after takeoff, this section of the wall snakes along the steep mountain ridges of Huairou.

🏔️

Yan Mountains

A rugged landscape of jagged peaks and deep valleys that form the northern protective barrier of the Beijing basin.

🌾

Inner Mongolian Plateau

The dramatic shift where the vertical mountains give way to the rolling, high-altitude grasslands of the north.

❄️

Bashang Scenic Area

A high-altitude region known for its unique 'forest-steppe' ecosystem, appearing as a patchwork of woods and meadows.

Sit on the left for the best lighting during morning flights, as the sun will illuminate the western slopes of the mountains. Keep your eyes peeled within the first 10-15 minutes for the Great Wall. In winter, this side offers stunning views of snow-capped ridges and frozen alpine lakes.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
💧

Miyun Reservoir

The massive 'Pearl of North China' is a sprawling blue expanse that serves as Beijing's primary water source.

🏯

Jinshanling Great Wall

Known for its many watchtowers, this segment is often visible as a thin line crossing the Hebei-Beijing border.

🏙️

Chifeng City View

During the descent, the right side typically offers a clear view of Chifeng's urban grid and the Xibo River.

⛰️

Red Mountains (Ulan Hada)

The distinctive red granite outcrops near Chifeng that give the city its name (Chifeng means Red Mountain).

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh western glare. This side is superior for the descent into Chifeng Airport (CIF), as the flight path usually circles the city from the east, providing a panoramic view of the skyline and the surrounding red-tinted topography.

Top Activities in Chifeng
Route Information

Distance: 309 km (192 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 31 min

Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)

Arrival: CIF (42.23500061035156, 118.90799713134766)

Route Type: Domestic

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