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XNN → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Xining Caojiabu Airport (Xining) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point of the Yellow River's iconic bends across the Loess Plateau and a dramatic crossing of the Taihang Mountain range before descending into the Beijing basin.
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Yellow River (Huang He)
Multiple sightings of the river as it carves deep, silt-heavy canyons through the central plateau.
Loess Plateau Terraces
Incredible patterns of agricultural terracing carved into the yellow earth, unique to this region of China.
Taihang Mountains
The massive north-south mountain range that marks the edge of the North China Plain, featuring sheer cliffs.
Taiyuan City
The industrial hub and provincial capital of Shanxi visible nestled in the Fen River valley.
Beijing Skyline
Depending on the approach pattern (Runway 01 or 36), the CBD skyscrapers including the CITIC Tower may be visible.
Sit on the right side for the most iconic Chinese geographical features like the Yellow River. To avoid the sun's glare, fly in the morning (west to east). The transition from the high, dusty Loess Plateau to the flat North China Plain over the Taihang mountains is the flight's visual climax.
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Qilian Mountain Range
Distant views of the snow-capped peaks of the Qilian mountains shortly after takeoff from Xining.
Helan Mountains
The rugged ridge line that separates the Yinchuan Plain from the Alxa Desert to the north.
Inner Mongolian Borderlands
The transition between the arid northern deserts and the agricultural fields of the central provinces.
Guanting Reservoir
A massive body of water visible during the descent, surrounded by wind turbines on the hills.
Badaling Great Wall
On clear days during the northern approach, the ancient wall can be spotted snaking along the ridges near Zhangjiakou.
The left side is ideal for capturing the vastness of the northern desert fringes. For the best visibility of the Great Wall near Beijing, choose a window seat on a clear day and look out about 15-20 minutes before landing. Late afternoon flights offer beautiful soft lighting on the northern mountain slopes.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,327 km (825 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 46 min
Departure: XNN (36.5275, 102.042999)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: Domestic
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