The left side wins primarily on the strength of the Hong Kong departure, with its dramatic harbor and skyline views, while the mid-flight and Beijing arrival are largely flat and low-contrast on both sides.
Flown HKG to PKX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Beijing is 1,197 miles (1,926 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Cruise passes over the hilly terrain of Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces, crosses the wide Yangtze River near Jiujiang, then continues over the flat agricultural expanse of the North China Plain toward Beijing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
LEFTDeparting HKG toward the northeast, the aircraft banks left to head north toward Beijing, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view back over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and the peaks of Lantau before the plane settles onto its northbound track over the Pearl River Delta.
Landing at PKX
LEFTOn final approach into Daxing from the south, left-side passengers get the better angle on Beijing's distant skyline and the Yongding River floodplain as the flat North China Plain gives way to the airport's terminal complex.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Beijing. The left side wins primarily on the strength of the Hong Kong departure, with its dramatic harbor and skyline views, while the mid-flight and Beijing arrival are largely flat and low-contrast on both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing HKG toward the northeast, the aircraft banks left to head north toward Beijing, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view back over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and the peaks of Lantau before the plane settles onto its northbound track over the Pearl River Delta. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline, Lantau Island peaks, Pearl River Delta waterways.
What can I see when landing at Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing?
When landing at Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On final approach into Daxing from the south, left-side passengers get the better angle on Beijing's distant skyline and the Yongding River floodplain as the flat North China Plain gives way to the airport's terminal complex. Notable sights include: Yongding River floodplain, distant Beijing skyline, Daxing terminal starfish-shaped building, North China Plain farmland.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Beijing?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,197 miles (1,926 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Beijing flight path pass over?
Cruise passes over the hilly terrain of Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces, crosses the wide Yangtze River near Jiujiang, then continues over the flat agricultural expanse of the North China Plain toward Beijing.