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PEK → SYD
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers a superior variety of geographical transitions, from the dense urban centers of Eastern China and the scattered islands of the Indonesian archipelago to the striking red sands of the Australian Outback and the Great Dividing Range.
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Yangtze River Delta
Aerial views of the massive urban sprawl around Nanjing and the winding Yangtze River as you head south.
Sulawesi Peaks
The rugged, mountainous terrain and jagged coastlines of central Indonesia visible during the mid-flight phase.
The Red Centre
The dramatic transformation of the landscape as the plane enters Australia, featuring vibrant red soil and dry salt lakes.
Great Dividing Range
Rolling mountains and eucalyptus forests that characterize the final hour of flight before reaching the coast.
Western Sydney Development
Views of the sprawling suburbs and the emerging second airport site at Badgerys Creek during the approach.
The right side is excellent for daytime viewing of the Australian interior. Because the flight travels south, the right side is generally in the shade during the morning arrival, which significantly reduces window glare and is better for photography. Look out for the transition from the tropical Gulf of Carpentaria to the arid deserts of the Northern Territory roughly 4 to 5 hours before landing.
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East China Sea
Vast views of the industrial coastline and busy shipping lanes connecting China to the Pacific.
Pacific Sunrise
Spectacular dawn colors over the open ocean as the aircraft crosses the equator toward the Southern Hemisphere.
Bismarck Sea Islands
Gliding past the remote, lush green islands north of Papua New Guinea surrounded by deep blue waters.
Coral Sea Views
Glimpses of the outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef and the turquoise lagoons of the Queensland coast.
Sydney Harbour Entry
If landing from the north, this side can provide iconic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
The left side is the 'sunrise side' for this southbound overnight route. Most flights arrive in Sydney in the early morning; sit here if you want to witness the sun rising over the Pacific Ocean. During the descent into Sydney, if the flight path tracks over the coast, keep your camera ready for the contrast between the blue ocean and the white cliffs of the Royal National Park.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for AustraliaDistance: 8,965 km (5,571 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 33 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Route Type: International
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