PEK

Best window seat at Capital

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Beijing urban sprawl, Western Hills foothills, Yan Mountains ridgeline to the north

LandingRIGHT

Beijing CBD skyline, Chaoyang district high-rises, Wenyu River

🛫 Taking Off from Beijing (PEK)

Best sideLeft
WhyDeparting north on 36R, the climb-out puts Beijing's urban sprawl and the Fragrant Hills/Western Hills foothills on the left (west) side of the aircraft as the city recedes behind you. The right side mostly shows flat agricultural plains toward Tianjin, which is far less visually interesting.
Look forBeijing urban sprawl, Western Hills (Xishan) foothills, Yan Mountains ridgeline to the north, Chaobai River plain
Left window seat view during takeoff from Beijing (PEK) — Beijing urban sprawl, Western Hills (Xishan) foothills, Yan Mountains ridgeline to the north, Chaobai River plainLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Beijing (PEK) — Beijing urban sprawl, Western Hills (Xishan) foothills, Yan Mountains ridgeline to the north, Chaobai River plainRight Side

🛬 Landing at Beijing (PEK)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on 18L means flying south on final approach, and Beijing's city center with its CBD skyscrapers sits southwest of the airport. Right-side (west-facing) windows give you a distant view of the city skyline as you descend, something the left side won't offer since it faces open farmland to the east.
Look forBeijing CBD skyline (distant), Chaoyang district high-rises, Wenyu River, agricultural land north of the airport
Left window seat view during landing at Beijing (PEK) — Beijing CBD skyline (distant), Chaoyang district high-rises, Wenyu River, agricultural land north of the airportLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Beijing (PEK) — Beijing CBD skyline (distant), Chaoyang district high-rises, Wenyu River, agricultural land north of the airportRight Side
BeijingPhoto: zhang kaiyv

PEK's Terminal 3, opened for the 2008 Olympics, was once the world's largest airport terminal building and remains a major international gateway with a dragon-shaped design by Foster + Partners. The airport has three parallel/near-parallel runways and primarily serves as Air China's main hub.

⛰️ Elevation118 ft
🛫 Runways3 (01/19, 18L/36R, 18R/36L)
✈️ HubAir China, Beijing Capital Airlines
📍 NearbyPKX 41 miTSN 77 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Capital (PEK)?

At Capital in Beijing: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Beijing urban sprawl, Western Hills (Xishan) foothills, Yan Mountains ridgeline to the north, Chaobai River plain.

What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?

When taking off from Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing north on 36R, the climb-out puts Beijing's urban sprawl and the Fragrant Hills/Western Hills foothills on the left (west) side of the aircraft as the city recedes behind you. The right side mostly shows flat agricultural plains toward Tianjin, which is far less visually interesting. Notable sights include: Beijing urban sprawl, Western Hills (Xishan) foothills, Yan Mountains ridgeline to the north, Chaobai River plain.

What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?

When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on 18L means flying south on final approach, and Beijing's city center with its CBD skyscrapers sits southwest of the airport. Right-side (west-facing) windows give you a distant view of the city skyline as you descend, something the left side won't offer since it faces open farmland to the east. Notable sights include: Beijing CBD skyline (distant), Chaoyang district high-rises, Wenyu River, agricultural land north of the airport.

What factors affect the best window seat at Capital?

The best window seat at Capital (PEK) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Beijing (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.