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ZUH destination photo
PEK destination photo

ZUHPEK

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior vantage point for viewing the dramatic transition from the lush Nanling Mountains to the rugged Taihang range, while providing a stunning perspective of the sunset on afternoon flights.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Zhuhai Coastline

Immediate views of the South China Sea and the Sanzao Island coastline right after takeoff.

⛰️

Nanling Mountains

Dense, green mountain ranges forming the natural border between Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces.

💧

Middle Yangtze Basin

Views of the intricate network of rivers and seasonal wetlands in central China.

🏔️

Taihang Mountains

The dramatic eastern escarpment of the Loess Plateau, visible during the descent into the Beijing area.

🏙️

Western Beijing Hills

The scenic transition where the mountains meet the urban sprawl of Beijing's western districts.

Book a window seat on the left for flights departing after 4:00 PM to catch the sunset over the inland mountain ranges. This side is also generally better for avoiding the harsh morning sun during the northward journey. Keep an eye out for the rugged cliffs of the Taihang Mountains approximately 30-40 minutes before landing.

Right Side Highlights
7.9
🏙️

Pearl River Delta

A sprawling view of the urban megalopolis including distant glimpses of Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

🛶

Poyang Lake

China's largest freshwater lake, appearing as a massive blue-green expanse to the east.

🌉

Yellow River

The iconic 'Mother River' of China, recognizable by its distinct silty, golden-brown water.

🏢

Beijing CBD

If the flight approaches from the south, the right side often sees the tall towers of the Central Business District.

🐉

PEK Terminal 3

A fantastic view of the massive dragon-shaped Terminal 3 during the final taxi and landing phase.

Select the right side for morning flights to enjoy the illuminated landscapes of the North China Plain without direct sunlight. This side is particularly interesting for spotting the dense network of high-speed rail lines and major highways that converge on the capital. During winter, look for frozen sections of the Yellow River.

Top Activities in Beijing
Route Information

Distance: 2,032 km (1,263 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 43 min

Departure: ZUH (22.006399, 113.375999)

Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)

Route Type: Domestic

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