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HEL → XIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior for its geographic variety, offering a panoramic transition from the Russian heartland through the Altai mountains and finally into the distinct, sculpted Loess topography of central China.
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Russian Heartland
A patchwork of historic agricultural landscapes and the glowing lights of major Russian cities depending on the exact path.
Southern Ural Range
Rolling mountain landscapes that signal the transition from Europe into the vast Eurasian steppe.
Altai Mountains
Majestic snow-capped peaks visible in the distance where the borders of Russia, Kazakhstan, and China converge.
Gobi Desert
Expansive desert vistas with shifting sand dunes and desolate rocky plateaus as the flight enters Chinese airspace.
Loess Plateau
The iconic yellow-earth landscape of Shaanxi province, featuring deep canyons and intricate terraced agriculture.
The right side offers the best lighting for photography, especially the sunset during the early phase of the flight. As you begin your descent into Xi'an, the morning sun provides high-contrast shadows that beautifully define the deep gullies and terraces of the Loess Plateau, a highlight of this route.
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Gulf of Finland
Stunning coastal views of the Baltic region and the Estonian archipelago shortly after takeoff from Helsinki.
Western Siberian Plain
The world's largest area of continuous lowlands, dominated by dense taiga forest and vast marshland networks.
Northern Ural Mountains
The ancient geological boundary between Europe and Asia, featuring rugged, snow-dusted peaks at high latitudes.
Ob River System
Breathtaking views of the winding silver threads of one of Asia's longest river systems cutting through the plains.
This side is ideal for observing the vastness of the Siberian wilderness. During winter months, this side offers the best chance to spot the Aurora Borealis during the overnight portion of the flight. Keep your window shade open as you cross into Inner Mongolia to see the northern desert fringes.
Get eSIMs for Finland
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 6,407 km (3,981 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 32 min
Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Arrival: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Route Type: International
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