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SZX destination photo
PEK destination photo

SZXPEK

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

While both sides offer urban and river views, the right side provides a more diverse landscape including coastal views of Daya Bay, the massive Poyang Lake, and the best chance to spot the Great Wall in the mountains north of Beijing during certain landing patterns.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏖️

Daya Bay

Breathtaking views of the coastline and the industrial architecture of the Daya Bay area east of Shenzhen.

🏔️

Mount Lu (Lushan)

The majestic, often cloud-covered peaks of Lushan National Park located near the southern banks of the Yangtze.

🌊

Poyang Lake

Panoramic views of China's largest freshwater lake, showcasing seasonal changes in water levels and wetlands.

🚢

Bohai Bay & Tianjin

As the flight nears Beijing, the industrial ports and coastline of the Bohai Sea are often visible to the east.

🧱

The Great Wall

During the northern approach or holding patterns, look for the ancient wall snaking across the ridges of the Jundu Mountains.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to see the landscape illuminated by the rising sun. Keep your camera ready during the final 20 minutes of the flight; if the pilot circles north of Beijing for the approach, you will have a prime view of the Great Wall's rugged sections in the mountains.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏙️

Shenzhen Skyline

Dramatic views of the Ping An Finance Center and Nanshan district immediately after takeoff from SZX.

⛰️

Danxia Mountain

The red sandstone cliffs of northern Guangdong, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visible during the initial climb.

💧

Yangtze River Crossing

A spectacular view of China's longest river near Jiujiang, showing the scale of the waterway and its bridges.

🌾

North China Plain

Infinite geometric patterns of agricultural fields stretching across Henan and Hebei provinces.

🏢

Beijing CBD

On south-to-north approaches, views of the China Zun and CCTV Headquarters as the plane descends into the capital.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the setting sun. This side is superior for photographing the Shenzhen urban sprawl shortly after departure. If the flight arrives from the south, this side often yields a better view of central Beijing's iconic skyscrapers.

Top Activities in Beijing
Route Information

Distance: 1,957 km (1,216 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 37 min

Departure: SZX (22.639299392700195, 113.81099700927734)

Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)

Route Type: Domestic

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