Beijing to Xi'an is 580 miles (934 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
While takeoff favors the right (Taihang Mountains), the landing view from the left is more rewarding—Xi'an's ancient city walls, the Wei River valley, and the Qinling Mountains provide stronger geographic and cultural landmarks. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North China Plain heading southwest. Notable features include the Fen River valley (Shanxi Province, east of track), the Zhongtiao Mountains (south of track, visible as a ridge line), and the transition from the North China Plain to the Loess Plateau. The Qinling Mountains become increasingly prominent as you approach Xi'an from the north.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
RIGHTRight side captures the Yanqing District mountains and the northwestern approach corridor. PEK typically departs runway 01L/R or 16L/R; northwestbound departures show the Taihang Mountains rising progressively as you climb.
Landing at XIY
LEFTLeft side provides views of Xi'an's urban core and the Wei River valley approach. Xianyang airport (XIY) sits north of Xi'an; left-side seats on descent show the city proper, the ancient wall remnants, and the Qinling Mountains to the south.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Xianyang (XIY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Xi'an. While takeoff favors the right (Taihang Mountains), the landing view from the left is more rewarding—Xi'an's ancient city walls, the Wei River valley, and the Qinling Mountains provide stronger geographic and cultural landmarks. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Yanqing District mountains and the northwestern approach corridor. PEK typically departs runway 01L/R or 16L/R; northwestbound departures show the Taihang Mountains rising progressively as you climb. Notable sights include: Taihang Mountains (northwest), Ming Tombs area (north-northwest), Guanting Reservoir (west), urban sprawl of Beijing metropolitan area (south and east).
What can I see when landing at Xianyang in Xi'an?
When landing at Xianyang (XIY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of Xi'an's urban core and the Wei River valley approach. Xianyang airport (XIY) sits north of Xi'an; left-side seats on descent show the city proper, the ancient wall remnants, and the Qinling Mountains to the south. Notable sights include: Xi'an city center with ancient walls (south of airport), Wei River valley (running east-west), Qinling Mountains (south, forming the horizon), Xianyang urban area (immediate approach).
How long is the flight from Beijing to Xi'an?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Xianyang (XIY) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 580 miles (934 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Xi'an flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North China Plain heading southwest. Notable features include the Fen River valley (Shanxi Province, east of track), the Zhongtiao Mountains (south of track, visible as a ridge line), and the transition from the North China Plain to the Loess Plateau. The Qinling Mountains become increasingly prominent as you approach Xi'an from the north.