Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to London. The left side wins on both ends: dramatic mountain and wall terrain near Beijing at takeoff, and classic English countryside views on approach to Gatwick. The right side mostly faces long stretches of Siberian plains, the Arctic, and open ocean during cruise, with less varied scenery at both ends.

During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PEK westbound/northbound, the left side offers views over the mountains and reservoirs northwest of Beijing before the route tracks toward Mongolia. The rugged terrain north of the city, including sections of the Great Wall's mountain passes, is often visible in clear conditions. Notable sights include: Jundu Mountains, Guanting Reservoir, Great Wall mountain sections, Beijing's outer suburbs.

When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to LGW from the east, the left side catches the Kent countryside, the North Downs, and often a glimpse of London's southeastern suburbs before landing. This side has a slight edge due to typical approach patterns offering views over the Thames Estuary area on clear days. Notable sights include: North Downs, Kent countryside, Thames Estuary (distant), patchwork farmland of Surrey/Sussex.

The flight from Capital (PEK) to Gatwick (LGW) takes 10h 40m.

Mongolian steppe, Siberian taiga, the Ural Mountains, and the vast plains of European Russia and Scandinavia are crossed during cruise, though these are seen mostly at very high altitude with limited detail.