While takeoff offers a minor edge to the right with distant mountains, the left side's approach into Hangzhou—featuring the Qiantang River, Hangzhou Bay, and the city skyline—provides more sustained and recognizable scenery across the full flight.
Flown PKX to HGH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Hangzhou is 679 miles (1,093 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
North China Plain farmland, the lower Yellow River crossing, scattered lakes near the Jiangsu-Shandong border, and the flat agricultural expanse of the Yangtze River Delta approaching Zhejiang
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PKX
RIGHTDeparting Daxing southbound, the distant Taihang Mountains are faintly visible to the west on the right side during initial climb, while the left side faces only the flat, hazy North China Plain with no distinguishing features.
Landing at HGH
LEFTOn approach into Hangzhou from the north, the left side offers views over the Yangtze Delta's waterways before the Qiantang River estuary and Hangzhou Bay come into view near touchdown, plus glimpses of Hangzhou's cityscape and West Lake area. The right side faces inland flat farmland with no comparable features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to Xiaoshan (HGH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Hangzhou. While takeoff offers a minor edge to the right with distant mountains, the left side's approach into Hangzhou—featuring the Qiantang River, Hangzhou Bay, and the city skyline—provides more sustained and recognizable scenery across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing?
During takeoff from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Daxing southbound, the distant Taihang Mountains are faintly visible to the west on the right side during initial climb, while the left side faces only the flat, hazy North China Plain with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Taihang Mountain foothills, Yongding River, Beijing's southern suburban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Xiaoshan in Hangzhou?
When landing at Xiaoshan (HGH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Hangzhou from the north, the left side offers views over the Yangtze Delta's waterways before the Qiantang River estuary and Hangzhou Bay come into view near touchdown, plus glimpses of Hangzhou's cityscape and West Lake area. The right side faces inland flat farmland with no comparable features. Notable sights include: Qiantang River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, West Lake vicinity, Hangzhou urban skyline.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Hangzhou?
The flight from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to Xiaoshan (HGH) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 679 miles (1,093 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Hangzhou flight path pass over?
North China Plain farmland, the lower Yellow River crossing, scattered lakes near the Jiangsu-Shandong border, and the flat agricultural expanse of the Yangtze River Delta approaching Zhejiang