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DNH → LHW
Which side of the plane to sit from Dunhuang Airport (Dunhuang) to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (Lanzhou)?
Right Side of the Plane
The flight route follows the Hexi Corridor, with the majestic Qilian Mountain range positioned consistently to the south. The right side offers spectacular, close-up views of permanent glaciers and peaks exceeding 5,000 meters.
Qilian Mountain Glaciers
Stunning views of high-altitude ice fields and permanent snow caps that feed the rivers of the corridor.
Shandan Horse Ranch
One of the world's oldest and largest horse farms, appearing as a vast, high-altitude green carpet.
Gangshiqia Peak
The highest peak in the eastern Qilian range, often shrouded in clouds but magnificent when visible.
High-Altitude Lakes
Small, turquoise alpine lakes nestled in the folds of the mountains near the Qinghai border.
Menyuan Valleys
During July, you can see hints of the bright yellow rapeseed flower fields in the distant mountain valleys.
This is the premier side for mountain lovers. For the best photography, choose a morning flight when the sun illuminates the north-facing slopes and glaciers of the Qilian range. Be prepared for some turbulence as the plane passes over the high ridges during descent into Lanzhou.
Mingsha Sand Dunes
Visible shortly after takeoff from Dunhuang, these singing sand dunes create a dramatic desert landscape.
Jiayuguan Pass Area
The western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and its surrounding fortifications can sometimes be spotted in the desert haze.
Hexi Corridor Oases
A string of emerald-green agricultural belts contrasting sharply against the surrounding brown Gobi desert.
Jinchang Industrial Hub
View the massive open-pit mines and industrial infrastructure of China's 'Nickel Capital'.
Lanzhou Basin
As the plane descends, the densely packed urban sprawl nestled within the Yellow River valley comes into view.
Sit on the left for sunset flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. It is the better side for observing the vastness of the Gobi Desert and the historical geography of the Silk Road trade route. Use binoculars to spot segments of the Great Wall near Shandan.
Distance: 868 km (539 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min
Departure: DNH (40.16109848022461, 94.80919647216795)
Arrival: LHW (36.5152015686, 103.620002747)
Route Type: Domestic
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