Loading map...
PEK → LHR
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the most iconic landmark on this route: Lake Baikal, along with the vast, dramatic expanse of the Siberian wilderness.
Lake Baikal
The world's deepest lake, appearing as a massive blue crescent amidst the Siberian terrain.
Ural Mountains
The rugged ridge that marks the traditional boundary between Asia and Europe.
Siberian Taiga
Endless stretches of dense coniferous forests and winding river systems.
Northern Gobi
High-altitude desert landscapes with unique rocky formations and salt pans.
North London Landmarks
Clear views of Wembley Stadium's iconic arch and the greenery of Hampstead Heath.
The right side is the 'Baikal Side.' Set an alarm for approximately 3 hours after departure from Beijing to catch this massive lake. In winter, look for the intricate patterns of cracked ice on the water. During summer, the 24-hour daylight at high latitudes ensures constant visibility of the Russian wilderness.
Southern Gobi Desert
Aerial views of the southern Mongolian steppe and the shifting sands of the Gobi.
Baltic Coastline
Glittering views of the coastline across Poland and Northern Germany during the final hours.
Central London Skyline
The quintessential view of the River Thames, the Shard, and the London Eye during a westerly approach.
European Farmlands
Neat geometric patterns of German and Dutch agricultural landscapes.
Choose the left side if you want the best chance of seeing London's famous landmarks during the final descent into Heathrow. The 'River Approach' typically favors the left side for seeing the Tower of London and Big Ben. For photography, the early morning light on a westbound flight will be behind you, reducing glare.
Distance: 8,153 km (5,066 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 36 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.