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YVR → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the dramatic peaks of the Alaska Range, the volcanic peaks of the Kamchatka Peninsula, and the final descent over the mountainous terrain of northern China.
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Coast Mountains
Breathtaking views of the snow-capped British Columbia Coast Mountains immediately after takeoff.
Denali & Alaska Range
On clear days, the massive peak of Denali is often visible as the plane traverses the Alaskan interior.
Kamchatka Volcanoes
Spectacular views of the active volcanic chain in the Russian Far East, including the perfectly conical Klyuchevskaya Sopka.
Manchurian Plain
The transition from the rugged Siberian taiga to the vast agricultural heartland of Northeast China.
The Great Wall
Depending on the arrival path into PEK, segments of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall can be spotted in the mountains north of Beijing.
Gobi Edge
The arid landscapes and unique geological formations of the Inner Mongolian Plateau during the descent.
To see the volcanoes of Kamchatka, select a seat well behind or in front of the wing. For daylight flights, this side is consistently more scenic. When approaching Beijing, look specifically for the mountain ridges to the north, as this is where the Great Wall is most likely to be visible during the descent phase.
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Vancouver Island
Aerial views of the rugged coastline and dense forests of Vancouver Island shortly after departure.
Bering Sea Ice
In winter months, witness the sprawling ice packs and frozen expanses of the northern Bering Sea.
Beijing Suburban Sprawl
A close-up view of the rapid urban development and satellite cities surrounding the capital during the final approach.
Bohai Sea
Views of the busy maritime traffic and cargo ships entering the Gulf of Zhili near Tianjin.
The left side is ideal for catching the sunset if your flight departs in the afternoon. It provides a better view of the northern Pacific's vastness and the transition into Chinese airspace. During the winter, keep an eye out for interesting ice formations near the Arctic circle segments of the flight.
Get eSIMs for Canada
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 8,492 km (5,277 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 59 min
Departure: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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