TPE (Taipei) window seat guide

Best window seat at Chiang Kai Shek International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Taipei 101 skyline, Yangmingshan National Park, Guanyin Mountain

LandingRIGHT

Taiwan Strait coastline, Tamsui River mouth, Guanyin Mountain

🛫 Taking Off from Taipei (TPE)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting on runway 05L/05R (heading roughly 049°), the climb-out track passes just south of Taipei city, putting the skyline and the Datun volcanic peaks of Yangmingshan on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the flat Taoyuan coastal plain and open Taiwan Strait, which is far less distinctive. For a short window after liftoff, the right side also catches Guanyin Mountain near the Tamsui River mouth before the city recedes behind.
Look forTaipei 101 skyline, Yangmingshan National Park (Datun Volcanic Group), Guanyin Mountain, Tamsui River estuary
Left window seat view during takeoff from Taipei (TPE) — Taipei 101 skyline, Yangmingshan National Park (Datun Volcanic Group), Guanyin Mountain, Tamsui River estuaryLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Taipei (TPE) — Taipei 101 skyline, Yangmingshan National Park (Datun Volcanic Group), Guanyin Mountain, Tamsui River estuaryRight Side

🛬 Landing at Taipei (TPE)

Best sideRight
WhyWith prevailing northeast winds, arrivals land on 23L/23R, approaching from the northeast and descending southwest toward the coast near Taoyuan. On the right side of the aircraft, you get a clear view of the Taiwan Strait coastline and the Tamsui River mouth, with Guanyin Mountain visible as a distinct peak near the shore. The left side mostly shows inland hills and hazier terrain of the Taipei basin's edge, which is less distinct on final approach.
Look forTaiwan Strait coastline, Tamsui River mouth, Guanyin Mountain, Taoyuan coastal plain
Left window seat view during landing at Taipei (TPE) — Taiwan Strait coastline, Tamsui River mouth, Guanyin Mountain, Taoyuan coastal plainLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Taipei (TPE) — Taiwan Strait coastline, Tamsui River mouth, Guanyin Mountain, Taoyuan coastal plainRight Side
TaipeiPhoto: Jimmy Liao

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is Taiwan's largest airport with two parallel runways and modern terminal facilities. It handles significant regional and international traffic, serving as a major hub for East Asian connectivity.

⛰️ Elevation108 ft
🛫 Runways2 (05L/23R, 05R/23L)
✈️ HubChina Airlines, EVA Air

Connecting at TPE?

Find out if your layover is long enough at Chiang Kai Shek International.

Check layover times →

About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE)?

At Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Taipei 101 skyline, Yangmingshan National Park (Datun Volcanic Group), Guanyin Mountain, Tamsui River estuary.

What can I see during takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?

When taking off from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 05L/05R (heading roughly 049°), the climb-out track passes just south of Taipei city, putting the skyline and the Datun volcanic peaks of Yangmingshan on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the flat Taoyuan coastal plain and open Taiwan Strait, which is far less distinctive. For a short window after liftoff, the right side also catches Guanyin Mountain near the Tamsui River mouth before the city recedes behind. Notable sights include: Taipei 101 skyline, Yangmingshan National Park (Datun Volcanic Group), Guanyin Mountain, Tamsui River estuary.

What can I see when landing at Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?

When landing at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Right side for the best views. With prevailing northeast winds, arrivals land on 23L/23R, approaching from the northeast and descending southwest toward the coast near Taoyuan. On the right side of the aircraft, you get a clear view of the Taiwan Strait coastline and the Tamsui River mouth, with Guanyin Mountain visible as a distinct peak near the shore. The left side mostly shows inland hills and hazier terrain of the Taipei basin's edge, which is less distinct on final approach. Notable sights include: Taiwan Strait coastline, Tamsui River mouth, Guanyin Mountain, Taoyuan coastal plain.

What factors affect the best window seat at Chiang Kai Shek International?

The best window seat at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Taipei (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.