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PEK destination photo
CSX destination photo

PEKCSX

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the Taihang Mountain range during the first half of the flight and provides the most dramatic views of Dongting Lake and the Xiang River during the descent into Changsha.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏟️

Olympic Park

A bird's-eye view of the 'Bird's Nest' stadium and the Water Cube if the flight path tracks over central Beijing.

⛰️

Taihang Mountains

Stunning views of the rugged mountain ridge that separates the North China Plain from the Loess Plateau.

🚢

Yangtze River

A direct overhead view of the massive Yangtze River as it flows through the Hubei basin.

💧

Dongting Lake

One of China's largest freshwater lakes, visible as a vast expanse of water and wetlands shortly before landing.

🏔️

Yuelu Mountain

The iconic green mountain of Changsha, visible on the western bank of the river during the final approach.

🌊

Xiang River

The primary waterway of Hunan, winding through the heart of Changsha city during the low-altitude descent.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to enjoy a sunset over the mountains. It also provides the best perspective of the geographic transition from the flat plains of the north to the hilly 'Land of Fish and Rice' in the south. Look out for the massive bridge networks spanning the Yangtze and Xiang rivers.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏙️

Beijing CBD

Clear views of the China Zun and the central business district skyscrapers shortly after takeoff from PEK.

🌾

Hebei Farmlands

The geometric patterns of the North China Plain, showcasing the agricultural heartland of the country.

🌊

Yellow River Crossing

The distinctive silty, golden-brown waters of the Huanghe as it meanders through Henan province.

🏙️

Wuhan Urban Area

A distant view of the sprawling 'Three Cities of Wuhan' and the East Lake area during the mid-flight phase.

⛰️

Mufu Mountains

The transition into the greener, more rugged terrain of northern Hunan province as the plane begins its descent.

For morning flights, the left side will face the sun, which can cause significant glare and make photography difficult. However, it is the better side for seeing the sunrise if you are on the earliest morning departure. Keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to avoid the intense heat of the high-altitude sun.

Top Activities in Changcha
Route Information

Distance: 1,358 km (844 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 49 min

Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)

Arrival: CSX (28.189199447600004, 113.220001221)

Route Type: Domestic

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