About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Beijing. While the Melbourne departure offers good local scenery, the Beijing landing on the right side provides more dramatic and extensive views of the Yanshan Mountains and the North China Plain—the dominant geographical features of the approach. The right side captures the transition from mountains to plains that defines the final descent corridor.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Melbourne. The bay's distinctive shape and the forested ridgeline provide clear visual landmarks during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Yarra River estuary, Melbourne CBD skyline.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the North China Plain and the approach into Beijing from the southeast. The Yanshan Mountains become visible on the right during descent, and the flat agricultural plains surrounding Beijing offer clear visual context for the final approach. Notable sights include: Yanshan Mountains, North China Plain, Ming Tombs area, Juyongguan Pass valley.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Beijing?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Capital (PEK) takes Approximately 13-14 hours.
What does the Melbourne to Beijing flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Coral Sea northeast of Australia, then traverses the Arafura Sea and Timor Sea. Over Indonesia, the aircraft passes near or over Sumatra (visible as a long mountainous island), then continues northwest across the Indian Ocean toward the Andaman Sea. The route then crosses Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam before entering Chinese airspace over the Gulf of Tonkin and approaching Beijing from the southeast. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Sumatra volcanic arc, the Irrawaddy River delta in Myanmar, and the Red River delta in northern Vietnam—though these are typically visible only on clear days and depend on exact flight routing.