While both sides see mostly desert and steppe during cruise, the left side wins because of the dramatic Tian Shan and Bogda Shan approach into Urumqi, which outweighs the brief Great Wall glimpse on departure from the right side.
Flown PEK to URC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Urumqi is 1,510 miles (2,431 km), a flight of about 3 hours 50 minutes.
Inner Mongolia's grasslands transitioning into the Gobi Desert, scattered dune fields near Hami, and the arid basin terrain of eastern Xinjiang leading up to the Tian Shan foothills
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
RIGHTDeparting PEK and turning onto the westbound track toward Urumqi, the right side offers a brief look at the Jundu Mountains and the forested ridgelines north of Beijing where segments of the Great Wall (near Badaling and Juyongguan) snake along the hilltops. The left side mostly shows the flat, hazy North China Plain.
Landing at URC
LEFTOn the westbound approach into Urumqi, the aircraft descends with the Tian Shan range and the dramatic snow-capped Bogda Shan massif visible off the left side, rising abruptly from the Junggar Basin floor. This is the single most striking landmark on the entire route, framing the city of Urumqi against the mountains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Diwopu (URC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Urumqi. While both sides see mostly desert and steppe during cruise, the left side wins because of the dramatic Tian Shan and Bogda Shan approach into Urumqi, which outweighs the brief Great Wall glimpse on departure from the right side.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PEK and turning onto the westbound track toward Urumqi, the right side offers a brief look at the Jundu Mountains and the forested ridgelines north of Beijing where segments of the Great Wall (near Badaling and Juyongguan) snake along the hilltops. The left side mostly shows the flat, hazy North China Plain. Notable sights include: Jundu Mountains, Great Wall ridge near Badaling, Guanting Reservoir, Beijing's northern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Diwopu in Urumqi?
When landing at Diwopu (URC), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the westbound approach into Urumqi, the aircraft descends with the Tian Shan range and the dramatic snow-capped Bogda Shan massif visible off the left side, rising abruptly from the Junggar Basin floor. This is the single most striking landmark on the entire route, framing the city of Urumqi against the mountains. Notable sights include: Bogda Shan peak, Tian Shan foothills, Junggar Basin, Urumqi cityscape.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Urumqi?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Diwopu (URC) takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,510 miles (2,431 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Urumqi flight path pass over?
Inner Mongolia's grasslands transitioning into the Gobi Desert, scattered dune fields near Hami, and the arid basin terrain of eastern Xinjiang leading up to the Tian Shan foothills