Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Taipei. While takeoff favors the right for mountain views, the landing experience on the left—with the Taiwan Strait, northern Taiwan coast, and Taipei Basin—provides more dramatic and sustained visual interest. The strait crossing itself is geographically significant and clearly visible from altitude.

During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. PEK typically departs eastbound (Runways 01L/01R). Right-side seats face north initially, offering views of the Ming Tombs and Yanqing District mountains as the aircraft climbs. Left side shows urban sprawl and industrial areas with less geographic interest. Notable sights include: Ming Tombs (Changling Mausoleum visible as white structures in forested hills), Yanqing Mountains (western ridge of Taihang range), Guanting Reservoir (large water body northwest of airport), Beijing urban grid transitioning to rural terrain.

When landing at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. TPE approaches from the west (Runways 05L/05R typical). Left-side seats during descent offer clear views of the Taiwan Strait, the northern coast of Taiwan, and Taipei Basin. Right side faces inland mountains with less distinctive visual landmarks during final approach. Notable sights include: Taiwan Strait (wide body of water separating Taiwan from mainland), Taipei Basin urban sprawl, Yangmingshan volcanic peaks (northern rim of basin), Keelung harbor and northeastern Taiwan coast.

The flight from Capital (PEK) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait at roughly the midpoint. Notable features include the Fujian coast (visible from altitude as a distant landmass on the left/west side during cruise), the strait itself (approximately 100 nautical miles wide at this latitude), and the transition from mainland air space to Taiwan's airspace. At cruise altitude (typically 32,000-35,000 feet), the curvature of the strait and the contrast between the developed Taiwan coast and the less-developed Fujian coast become apparent. Clear-air turbulence can occur near the strait due to wind shear between continental and maritime air masses.