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BAV → XIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Baotou Airport (Baotou) to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the Yellow River's massive bend and the dramatic contrast between the Ordos desert landscapes and the deep canyons of the Loess Plateau.
Kubuqi Desert
Golden dunes of the northern desert visible on the horizon shortly after departing Baotou.
Yellow River Crossing
Direct overhead views of the iconic muddy-yellow river as the flight path intersects its western section.
Jing River Canyons
Massive, deep-cut erosional valleys that showcase the raw power of nature on the plateau.
Xi'an Urban Grid
Expansive views of the ancient capital's modern sprawl and dense city planning on final approach.
Qinling Foothills
Distant views of the massive mountain range that serves as China's primary climate divider.
A morning flight provides the best light for photography of the desert and canyon shadows. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing to capture the scale of the Loess Plateau's vertical erosion. Seasonal dust storms in spring can occasionally obscure views, so check the air quality forecast.
Yellow River Great Bend
Scenic views of the river winding through the eastern Ordos region shortly after takeoff.
Yan'an Highlands
Rugged mountain terrain famous for its unique Loess formations and historical significance.
Loess Plateau Terraces
Incredible patterns of traditional agricultural terracing carved into the hillsides.
Wei River Valley
The lush transition into the fertile plains as the aircraft descends towards the Wei River.
Opt for an afternoon flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the intricate details of the terraced hills. The landscape is particularly striking in winter when light snow highlights the erosion patterns.
Distance: 689 km (428 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 9 min
Departure: BAV (40.560001373291016, 109.99700164794922)
Arrival: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Route Type: Domestic
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