Loading map...
ENY → XIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Yan'an Ershilipu Airport (Yan'an) to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a better angle to witness the dramatic erosion of the Loess Plateau and the distant glint of the Yellow River during the southward descent.
Loess Plateau Erosion
Exquisite view of the unique 'Mao' and 'Liang' landforms created by thousands of years of wind and water erosion.
Terraced Hillside Farms
Intricate agricultural patterns carved into the steep slopes of northern Shaanxi's yellow earth.
Yellow River Glimpse
On clear days, the massive bend of the Yellow River is visible to the east as the plane tracks south.
Qinling Mountains Horizon
During the final descent into Xi'an, the massive Qinling range rises sharply on the southern horizon.
Book a morning flight on the left side to have the sun behind you, illuminating the yellow textures of the plateau. Look closely during takeoff from Yan'an for traditional cave dwellings (Yaodong) built into the hillsides. Visibility is significantly better in autumn when the air over the Guanzhong Plain is clearest.
High Plateau Ridges
Expansive views of the high-altitude plateau ridges and deep valleys characteristic of the region.
Tongchuan Urban Area
Aerial perspective of the industrial and coal-mining city nestled between the plateau and the plain.
Wei River Basin
The landscape transitions from rugged hills to the flat, fertile basin of the Wei River during descent.
Xianyang New Area
The rapid urban expansion and modern infrastructure surrounding the airport come into focus on approach.
The right side is preferable for late afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the setting sun. Watch for the transition from the arid plateau to the lush, irrigated fields of the Wei River valley, which marks the entrance to the historic heart of China.
Distance: 254 km (158 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 25 min
Departure: ENY (36.636902, 109.554001)
Arrival: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.