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SYD → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more diverse range of geographic features, including the unique red landscapes of the Australian outback and the dramatic karst mountain ranges of Southern China, while generally avoiding the harsh glare of the morning sun on northbound flights.
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Australian Outback
Stunning aerial views of the arid red earth and intricate salt lake patterns of inland Queensland.
Indonesian Archipelago
Aerial perspectives of the volcanic islands and coral-fringed coastlines of Eastern Indonesia.
Guilin Karst Mountains
The iconic limestone pillars and jagged peaks of the Guangxi region as the flight enters Southern China.
Yangtze River
A crossing of Asia's longest river, often visible winding through the dense plains of Central China.
Taihang Mountains
Rugged mountain ridges that define the transition from the Central Plains to the Beijing basin.
For the best experience, choose a seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the ground. On daytime flights, the sun will transition from the right to the left side in the afternoon, so monitor light levels for photography. This side is particularly rewarding during the descent into Beijing when approaching from the southwest, as it offers views of the mountainous terrain surrounding the city.
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Sydney Harbour
On a northerly departure, incredible views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the Pacific coastline.
Great Barrier Reef
Potential views of the world's largest coral reef system along the Queensland coast depending on the specific air corridor.
Philippine Islands
Glances of the Philippine archipelago, including potential views of active volcanoes like Mount Mayon.
East China Sea
A view of one of the world's busiest maritime lanes, filled with cargo ships near the Chinese coast.
Bohai Bay
The industrial coastline and massive port facilities near Tianjin as the flight makes its final approach to Beijing.
The right side is unbeatable for the initial 15 minutes of the flight if departing north out of Sydney. If the flight is an overnight service arriving in the morning, this side will catch the sunrise over the Pacific. Be aware that during peak daylight hours, the sun can be quite intense on this side of the aircraft for the majority of the northbound journey.
Book Hotels in BeijingDistance: 8,965 km (5,571 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 33 min
Departure: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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