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VIE destination photo
PEK destination photo

VIEPEK

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the best chance to see the majestic Lake Baikal and potential views of the Aurora Borealis during night flights in winter.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

High Tatras

View the jagged peaks of the Tatra Mountains on the border of Slovakia and Poland shortly after departure.

🏔️

Ural Mountains

The natural boundary between Europe and Asia, visible as a long chain of weathered peaks.

🌲

Siberian Taiga

Breathtaking views of the world's largest forest, a vast expanse of coniferous trees and winding rivers.

🌊

Lake Baikal

The highlight of the route; if the path is northerly, you will see the world's deepest lake, often frozen in winter.

🌌

Northern Lights

On winter night flights, this north-facing side provides the best opportunity to spot the Aurora Borealis.

Choose a window seat mid-cabin or forward to avoid wing obstruction. During winter months, keep your eyes peeled for the Aurora over Russian airspace. Lake Baikal is best seen roughly 6-7 hours into the flight; check the flight map frequently as you approach the Mongolian border.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Vienna and Danube

Excellent views of the Austrian capital and the Danube river immediately after takeoff from VIE.

🏜️

Gobi Desert

Massive orange and yellow sand dunes and rocky plateaus as you cross from Mongolia into China.

🏔️

Altai Mountains

Rugged, snow-capped peaks where Russia, China, and Mongolia meet.

🧱

Great Wall of China

On the descent into PEK from the north, you can often spot sections of the wall snaking across the mountains.

🌅

Continental Sunrise

Since the flight travels East, the right side enjoys a spectacular sunrise over the Asian landmass.

This side is ideal for sunrise enthusiasts. As you descend into Beijing, the right side often offers a better angle for spotting the Great Wall near the Huairou district. Be aware that midday glare can be intense over the Gobi Desert, so high-quality sunglasses are recommended for viewing.

Top Activities in Beijing
Route Information

Distance: 7,452 km (4,630 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 46 min

Departure: VIE (48.110298156738, 16.569700241089002)

Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)

Route Type: International

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