The right side wins overall because the long cruise phase eventually gives way to genuinely dramatic terrain — the Alaska Range and Coast Mountains — and the final approach into YVR delivers strong coastal and mountain scenery, outweighing the modest hills seen on departure from PEK.
Flown PEK to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Vancouver is 5,277 miles (8,492 km), a flight of about 10 hours 25 minutes.
Mongolian steppe, Siberian taiga near the Sea of Okhotsk, the Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic ridgeline, the Bering Sea, and the glaciated peaks of the Alaska Range before the route curves south along the British Columbia coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
LEFTDeparting PEK on the northerly runways, the initial climb and turn puts Beijing's western hills (Xishan) and the foothills of the Yan Mountains on the left side of the aircraft, giving a brief but real sense of relief as the flat North China Plain gives way to terrain.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTOn approach to YVR from the north/interior, the descent path crosses the Coast Mountains before turning to line up on the westward-facing runways, putting the fjord-like coastline, the Strait of Georgia, and Vancouver Island on the right side of the cabin during the final turn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Vancouver. The right side wins overall because the long cruise phase eventually gives way to genuinely dramatic terrain — the Alaska Range and Coast Mountains — and the final approach into YVR delivers strong coastal and mountain scenery, outweighing the modest hills seen on departure from PEK.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PEK on the northerly runways, the initial climb and turn puts Beijing's western hills (Xishan) and the foothills of the Yan Mountains on the left side of the aircraft, giving a brief but real sense of relief as the flat North China Plain gives way to terrain. Notable sights include: Xishan foothills, Yan Mountains ridgeline, Beijing's northern suburbs, Miyun Reservoir area.
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to YVR from the north/interior, the descent path crosses the Coast Mountains before turning to line up on the westward-facing runways, putting the fjord-like coastline, the Strait of Georgia, and Vancouver Island on the right side of the cabin during the final turn. Notable sights include: Coast Mountains snowfields, Strait of Georgia, Vancouver Island silhouette, Vancouver downtown skyline near the Fraser River delta.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Vancouver?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 10 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,277 miles (8,492 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Vancouver flight path pass over?
Mongolian steppe, Siberian taiga near the Sea of Okhotsk, the Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic ridgeline, the Bering Sea, and the glaciated peaks of the Alaska Range before the route curves south along the British Columbia coast.