About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Taipei. While takeoff favors the right for northern Beijing geography, the landing view from the left is more visually rewarding and distinctive—Taipei's urban landmarks and basin geography are far more recognizable than Beijing's suburban fringe. The left side captures the flight's destination in memorable detail.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. PEK typically departs north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Ming Tombs and Yanqing District mountains as the aircraft climbs northward before turning south toward Taiwan. Left side faces the urban sprawl of Beijing with less distinctive geography. Notable sights include: Ming Tombs (Changling area), Yanqing Mountains, North China Plain extending eastward, Juyongguan Pass corridor.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. TSA (Sungshan) sits on Taipei's eastern edge with runways oriented roughly north-south. Left-side seats during descent from the northeast capture the Taipei Basin, Taipei 101 in the city center, and the Keelung River valley. Right side faces the Pacific and offers less distinctive urban geography. Notable sights include: Taipei 101 and Xinyi District skyline, Keelung River and its northern tributaries, Yangmingshan volcanic plateau to the north, Taipei Basin floor with grid street pattern.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Taipei?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Sungshan (TSA) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Beijing to Taipei flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait (roughly 100 nautical miles wide at this latitude). Midway, passengers see the Strait itself as open water, with the Chinese coast (Fujian Province) visible to the left/northwest as a distant, hazy landmass, and Taiwan's northern coast becoming visible to the right as the aircraft approaches. The Strait's waters appear as a distinct blue-gray band separating the two coastlines. No major islands obstruct the direct route, though Matsu and Kinmen islands lie to the west of the standard flight corridor.