While takeoff offers coastal scenery, the landing approach into Beijing provides more dramatic and varied geography—mountains, plains, and a major city—making the left side the better choice for the overall flight experience.
Flown TSA to PEK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Taipei to Beijing is 1,076 miles (1,732 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait, then passes over the Fujian and Zhejiang provinces of mainland China. Notable features include the Wuyi Mountains (visible from altitude as a north-south trending ridge system in western Fujian), the Yangtze River valley (though often at or below cloud layer), and the transition from coastal provinces to the North China Plain as you approach Beijing. The Bohai Sea lies to the east of the final approach corridor.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TSA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Taiwan Strait and the northern coast of Taiwan as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the coastline receding and the strait opening up, with occasional views of smaller islands dotting the waters.
Landing at PEK
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Beijing. You'll see the North China Plain spreading out, the Yanshan Mountains to the northwest, and eventually the urban sprawl of Beijing with its distinctive grid pattern and surrounding industrial areas.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sungshan (TSA) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Beijing. While takeoff offers coastal scenery, the landing approach into Beijing provides more dramatic and varied geography—mountains, plains, and a major city—making the left side the better choice for the overall flight experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Sungshan in Taipei?
During takeoff from Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Taiwan Strait and the northern coast of Taiwan as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the coastline receding and the strait opening up, with occasional views of smaller islands dotting the waters. Notable sights include: Taiwan Strait, northern Taiwan coastline near Keelung, Yangmingshan volcanic peaks (inland, left side but visible), outlying islands of Taipei basin.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Beijing. You'll see the North China Plain spreading out, the Yanshan Mountains to the northwest, and eventually the urban sprawl of Beijing with its distinctive grid pattern and surrounding industrial areas. Notable sights include: Yanshan Mountains (northwest of Beijing), North China Plain, Beijing urban grid and ring roads, Miyun Reservoir (northeast of city center).
How long is the flight from Taipei to Beijing?
The flight from Sungshan (TSA) to Capital (PEK) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,076 miles (1,732 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taipei to Beijing flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Taiwan Strait, then passes over the Fujian and Zhejiang provinces of mainland China. Notable features include the Wuyi Mountains (visible from altitude as a north-south trending ridge system in western Fujian), the Yangtze River valley (though often at or below cloud layer), and the transition from coastal provinces to the North China Plain as you approach Beijing. The Bohai Sea lies to the east of the final approach corridor.