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CGO → XNN
Which side of the plane to sit from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (Zhengzhou) to Xining Caojiabu Airport (Xining)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior lighting for photography as it faces north, away from the sun, providing clearer views of the dramatic Mount Hua cliffs and the snowy Qilian Mountains on descent.
Search flights from CGO to XNN
Sanmenxia Reservoir
A massive engineering feat on the Yellow River where the water takes on a distinct hue.
Mount Hua (Huashan)
One of the Five Sacred Mountains of China, famous for its sheer granite cliffs and vertical drops.
Eroded Canyons
Intricate, branch-like erosion patterns in the soft silt of the Gansu landscape.
Yellow River Valley
The route tracks near the river's path, offering views of the valley near the city of Lanzhou.
Qilian Mountains
Jagged, often snow-capped peaks visible to the north during the final descent into Xining.
Sit toward the front or very rear to avoid the wing for the best view of Mount Hua, which appears about mid-flight. Morning flights are ideal as the northern light is soft and perfect for capturing the high-contrast textures of the mountain ranges.
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Zhengzhou Skyline
Aerial view of the sprawling capital of Henan shortly after departure from CGO.
Qinling Mountains
Distal views of the massive mountain range that serves as China's natural north-south boundary.
Loess Plateau Terraces
Detailed patterns of ancient agricultural terracing across the undulating hills of Shaanxi.
Qinghai Plateau Edge
The dramatic transition from the yellow hills of Gansu to the high-altitude rocky terrain of Qinghai.
Be prepared for significant glare as this side faces south. The best time for this side is late afternoon when the low sun casts long, dramatic shadows across the Loess Plateau's unique topography. Keep your window shade partially down to manage heat.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,090 km (677 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min
Departure: CGO (34.519699096699995, 113.841003418)
Arrival: XNN (36.5275, 102.042999)
Route Type: Domestic
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