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PEK → HRB
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to Taiping Airport (Harbin)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior urban views including the skylines of Shenyang and Changchun, the vast Miyun Reservoir, and the most dramatic approach over the Songhua River into Harbin.
Miyun Reservoir
The 'Pearl of Yanshan' is clearly visible as a massive blue expanse against the brown mountains north of Beijing.
Shenyang Skyline
Mid-flight views of the dense urban center and industrial zones of Liaoning's capital city.
Changchun Urban Area
Clear views of China's automotive capital and its distinct grid-like urban planning during cruise descent.
Songhua River Meanders
The iconic winding silver ribbons of the Songhua River as the flight enters the Harbin metropolitan area.
Harbin Landmarks
On final approach, look for the unique architecture of the Harbin Opera House near the riverbanks.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun moves west, illuminating the Shenyang and Changchun skylines. In winter, this side offers a spectacular view of the frozen Songhua River, which appears as a solid white vein cutting through the landscape.
The Great Wall
Visibility of the Gubeikou and Jinshanling sections winding through the Yanshan ridges shortly after takeoff from PEK.
Yanshan Mountains
Rugged, high-altitude terrain north of Beijing providing sharp topographic relief early in the flight.
Songnen Plain
A vast, colorful agricultural patchwork that dominates the landscape as the aircraft crosses into Heilongjiang.
Horqin Borderlands
Distant views of the transition between the forests of the east and the steppe of Inner Mongolia.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare while photographing the Great Wall. Use a polarized filter to cut through the haze often present near the North China Plain.
Distance: 999 km (621 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 40 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: HRB (45.6234016418457, 126.25)
Route Type: Domestic
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