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CKG → XNN
Which side of the plane to sit from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (Chongqing) to Xining Caojiabu Airport (Xining)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic transition from the lush Sichuan Basin to the high-altitude, snow-capped peaks of the Minshan range and the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Chongqing Urban Density
Panoramic views of the 'Mountain City' skyline and its complex bridge network across the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.
Minshan Range
Spectacular sightings of high-altitude ridges and jagged peaks that define the edge of the Sichuan Basin.
Mount Xuebaoding
Look for the highest peak of the Minshan range, often covered in snow throughout the year.
Alpine Meadows
Stunning high-altitude grasslands and nomadic grazing areas as the plane reaches the plateau.
Huangshui River Valley
The fertile green valley that carves through the arid mountains of Qinghai during the descent into Xining.
Opt for a morning flight to see the sun illuminate the eastern slopes of the Tibetan plateau without the afternoon haze. This side is superior for mountain photography; choose a seat ahead of the wing to capture the abrupt rise from the basin to the peaks.
Jialing River Windings
Intricate river bends and deep valleys as the flight departs the northern Chongqing region.
Daba Mountains
Densely forested, rugged terrain that marks the northern boundary of the Sichuan Basin.
Loess Plateau
A striking visual shift to the yellow-earth erosion patterns and terraced hills typical of central China.
Lanzhou Horizon
On clear days, the sprawling industrial and urban layout along the Yellow River is visible in the distance.
Laji Mountain Foothills
The sharp, arid, and folded mountain ridges that surround the Xining basin area.
The right side is best for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. It offers a unique perspective on the Loess Plateau's terraced agriculture, which is most visible when the sun is lower in the sky, casting long shadows.
Distance: 869 km (540 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min
Departure: CKG (29.719200134277344, 106.64199829101562)
Arrival: XNN (36.5275, 102.042999)
Route Type: Domestic
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