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HET → NKG
Which side of the plane to sit from Baita International Airport (Hohhot) to Nanjing Lukou Airport (Nanjing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of China's varied topography, including the dramatic Loess Plateau, the rugged Taihang Mountains, and a prominent crossing of the Yellow River.
Loess Plateau
Spectacular views of the deeply eroded canyons and terraced hills typical of central China.
Taihang Mountains
The flight path skirts the eastern edge of this massive mountain range, offering views of steep ridges.
Yellow River Bend
A highlight of the trip is crossing the silt-rich, golden-hued Yellow River as it flows through the Central Plains.
Central Plains Hubs
Clear views of major urban clusters such as Zhengzhou or Kaifeng depending on the specific air corridor.
Yangtze River Approach
As the plane enters the Nanjing area, you can often see the massive Yangtze River and its heavy shipping traffic.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Loess Plateau. Keep your camera ready about 30-40 minutes into the flight for the Yellow River crossing, which is the most photogenic landmark on this route.
Hohhot Urban Area
Aerial view of the Inner Mongolian capital and its unique architecture shortly after takeoff.
North China Plain
A vast, flat expanse of agricultural land that changes colors dramatically with the seasons.
Hongze Lake
One of the largest freshwater lakes in China, visible as the flight approaches the Yangtze River Delta.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight. This side provides a better view of the expansive plains and the dense network of waterways in Jiangsu province during the final descent into Nanjing.
Distance: 1,192 km (741 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min
Departure: HET (40.851398, 111.823997)
Arrival: NKG (31.742000579833984, 118.86199951171876)
Route Type: Domestic
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