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HFE → LHW
Which side of the plane to sit from Hefei Luogang International Airport (Hefei) to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (Lanzhou)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides unparalleled views of the winding Yellow River and the striking, deeply eroded landscapes of the Loess Plateau, which are hallmarks of the approach into Lanzhou.
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Hefei Urban Center
Aerial view of Anhui's capital and the nearby Chao Lake shortly after departure.
Yellow River Crossings
Iconic views of the 'Mother River' as the flight path nears Zhengzhou and heads west.
Loess Plateau
A unique landscape of yellow-earth hills, deep gullies, and intricate terraced farming patterns.
Liupan Mountains
The last major mountain barrier before the descent into the arid region of Gansu.
Lanzhou Approach
A high-altitude descent over the barren, Martian-like hills surrounding Zhongchuan Airport.
Choose the right side for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you. The most impressive views occur in the final 45 minutes of the flight as you traverse the Loess Plateau. Keep your camera ready for the distinct yellow hue of the landscape and the sharp ridges of the mountains near Lanzhou.
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Dabie Mountains
Visible shortly after takeoff from Hefei, offering lush green peaks and rugged terrain.
Nanyang Basin
A vast agricultural region in Henan province known for its historical significance and patchwork fields.
Qinling Mountain Range
The dramatic natural boundary between North and South China, featuring snow-capped peaks in winter.
Wei River Valley
The largest tributary of the Yellow River, cutting through the fertile Guanzhong Plain near Xi'an.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. Watch for the sharp transition in climate and vegetation as the plane crosses over the Qinling Mountains. This side is particularly scenic during the winter months when the mountains are covered in snow.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,363 km (847 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 49 min
Departure: HFE (31.78000068664551, 117.2979965209961)
Arrival: LHW (36.5152015686, 103.620002747)
Route Type: Domestic
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