Loading map...
CTU → BAV
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Baotou Airport (Baotou)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more dramatic perspective of the rugged western Qinling peaks and the vast, arid expanse of the Ordos Desert as you approach Inner Mongolia.
Search flights from CTU to BAV
Qinling Mountains
Cross the massive natural boundary between North and South China, featuring sharp ridges and deep valleys.
Loess Plateau Canyons
Incredible aerial views of the deeply eroded silt landscapes and unique geological fissures of Shaanxi.
Kubuqi Desert
Golden sand dunes visible on the northern edge of the Ordos Loop shortly before descent.
Yellow River U-Bend
A spectacular view of the river's path as it winds through the arid northern plains.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. The most dramatic change occurs 35-50 minutes into the flight when the green Sichuan landscape shifts into the rugged brown of the Qinling range. Use polarized sunglasses to better see the texture of the desert dunes near Baotou.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for China
Chengdu Urban Sprawl
Panoramic views of one of China's fastest-growing megacities immediately after takeoff.
Xi'an Vicinity
Distant views of the Guanzhong Plain and the outskirts of the ancient capital of Xi'an.
Agricultural Terraces
Intricate man-made farming patterns carved into the yellow hills of the Loess Plateau.
Baotou Industrial Hub
Views of the massive steel and rare earth industrial complexes that define the city's skyline.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to catch the golden hour light reflecting off the Yellow River. Watch for the stark contrast of industrial zones appearing suddenly in the middle of the desert-like terrain of Inner Mongolia. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes of flight for city views.
Book Hotels in BaotouDistance: 1,237 km (769 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: BAV (40.560001373291016, 109.99700164794922)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.