London to Beijing is 5,067 miles (8,154 km), a flight of about 10 hours 5 minutes.
The right side strings together London's skyline at departure, a long cruise corridor over the Baltic approaches, the Ural foothills, and the Gobi Desert/Mongolian steppe, then finishes with Beijing's Western Hills on approach - a more consistent set of distinctive landmarks than the left side's largely featureless Siberian taiga.
Flight Path
The Ural Mountains marking the Europe-Asia boundary, the wide Ob and Yenisei river valleys of the Siberian taiga, and the Gobi Desert and Altai Mountains near the Mongolia-China border.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTOn the common westerly departure, aircraft take off heading west then bank right (north) before settling onto a northeasterly track toward Scandinavia, putting central London and the Thames on the right side of the cabin during the climb.
Landing at PEK
RIGHTOn the final approach into Beijing, the turn onto the runway heading typically brings the wooded Western Hills (Xishan) and the ridgeline that carries the Great Wall into view on the right side, contrasting with the flat, featureless plain on the opposite side.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Beijing. The right side strings together London's skyline at departure, a long cruise corridor over the Baltic approaches, the Ural foothills, and the Gobi Desert/Mongolian steppe, then finishes with Beijing's Western Hills on approach - a more consistent set of distinctive landmarks than the left side's largely featureless Siberian taiga.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common westerly departure, aircraft take off heading west then bank right (north) before settling onto a northeasterly track toward Scandinavia, putting central London and the Thames on the right side of the cabin during the climb. Notable sights include: River Thames, London skyline (Shard, Canary Wharf), Windsor Castle area, west London reservoirs.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the final approach into Beijing, the turn onto the runway heading typically brings the wooded Western Hills (Xishan) and the ridgeline that carries the Great Wall into view on the right side, contrasting with the flat, featureless plain on the opposite side. Notable sights include: Western Hills (Xishan), distant Great Wall ridge near Badaling, Beijing's northwestern suburbs, Yongding River.
How long is the flight from London to Beijing?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Capital (PEK) takes about 10 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,067 miles (8,154 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Beijing flight path pass over?
The Ural Mountains marking the Europe-Asia boundary, the wide Ob and Yenisei river valleys of the Siberian taiga, and the Gobi Desert and Altai Mountains near the Mongolia-China border.