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HET → URC
Which side of the plane to sit from Baita International Airport (Hohhot) to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning desert and mountain views, the right side is superior for its direct, close-up perspective of the Bogda Peak and the eastern Tianshan range during the descent into Urumqi.
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Yin Mountains
Rugged, ancient rock formations stretching across Inner Mongolia shortly after takeoff.
Gobi Desert Landscapes
Vast, otherworldly expanses of black gravel and wind-eroded rock formations characteristic of the northern Gobi.
Ejin Banner Area
In autumn, the golden patches of the Populus euphratica forests can be spotted near the Heihe River.
Bogda Peak
The 5,445m crown of the eastern Tianshan Mountains, providing a majestic sight during the final descent into Urumqi.
The right side is essential for seeing Bogda Peak, the most iconic landmark on this route. Book an afternoon flight to have the sun behind the plane, illuminating the Tianshan glaciers in brilliant white. Be prepared with your camera about 20-30 minutes before landing.
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Hetao Plain
Lush agricultural patterns along the Yellow River basin immediately after departing Hohhot.
Qilian Mountains
Distal views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers marking the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Badain Jaran Desert
The world's highest stationary sand dunes and hidden desert lakes visible in the mid-flight segment.
Turpan Basin
The deep depression of Turpan and the reddish hues of the Flaming Mountains during the transition into Xinjiang.
Sit on the left if you want to see the contrast between the high dunes of the Badain Jaran and the distant Qilian peaks. For morning flights, this side will be shaded, which reduces glare and makes photography of the desert textures much easier.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 2,021 km (1,256 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 42 min
Departure: HET (40.851398, 111.823997)
Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Route Type: Domestic
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