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CSX → BAV
Which side of the plane to sit from Changsha Huanghua International Airport (Changcha) to Baotou Airport (Baotou)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for viewing the rugged textures of the Loess Plateau and the expansive Ordos Desert landscapes as you approach Inner Mongolia.
Qinling-Daba Mountains
Cross the transitional zone between North and South China, featuring dense forests and steep ridges.
Loess Plateau
Witness the world's most extensive silt plateau, characterized by deep-cut gulleys and intricate terrace farming.
Yellow River Great Bend
See the massive curve of the Yellow River as it flows north around the Ordos Loop.
Ordos Desert Fringe
The landscape shifts to arid sands and steppe as you cross the border into Inner Mongolia.
Baotou Industrial Hub
Vast industrial complexes and rare earth mining facilities visible during the final descent.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and capture the high-contrast shadows on the Loess Plateau's canyons. This side also offers the best views of the Yellow River's westward curvature. Look out for the massive terraced hillsides in Shaanxi province, which are particularly striking in the golden hour before sunset.
Central China Plains
Aerial views of the densely populated urban clusters in Henan and Shanxi provinces.
Taihang Mountains
The eastern horizon is dominated by the dramatic peaks that form the boundary of the North China Plain.
Fen River Valley
The fertile valley corridor containing major ancient cities like Taiyuan and Linfen.
Wanjiazhai Reservoir
A major water control project on the Yellow River where it enters the Shanxi-Inner Mongolia border.
The right side is excellent for spotting the Taihang mountain range in the distance. During winter, these mountains are often snow-capped, providing a stark contrast to the brown plains. On the approach to BAV, the right side offers a clearer view of the Yellow River crossing into the Hetao Plain. For afternoon flights, the lighting on this side is softer and better for photography.
Distance: 1,407 km (874 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 53 min
Departure: CSX (28.189199447600004, 113.220001221)
Arrival: BAV (40.560001373291016, 109.99700164794922)
Route Type: Domestic
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