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HGH → URC
Which side of the plane to sit from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (Hangzhou) to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a spectacular, continuous view of the snow-capped Qilian Mountain range and the dramatic transition from the fertile Yangtze valley to the high-altitude alpine terrain of the Silk Road.
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Qiantang River
Aerial view of the massive river and Hangzhou's urban skyline immediately after takeoff.
Qinling Mountains
The great geographical divide between North and South China, featuring rugged ridges and deep valleys.
Qilian Mountains
The flight's crown jewel: a massive chain of 5,000m+ snow-capped peaks stretching for hundreds of miles.
Hexi Corridor
The narrow strip of green oases and historic Silk Road settlements sandwiched between mountains and desert.
Eastern Tianshan
Majestic views of the rugged Xinjiang mountain terrain during the final descent into Urumqi.
For the best experience, book a morning flight to avoid the harsh afternoon glare on the southern side. Ensure you are seated behind the wing (rows 20+) for unobstructed views of the Qilian mountain glaciers. Keep your camera ready about 90-120 minutes into the flight.
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Yangtze River Delta
Dense networks of canals, lakes, and industrial hubs of the northern Zhejiang and Jiangsu regions.
Loess Plateau
The unique 'thousand hills' landscape of Shaanxi, showing incredible erosion patterns and terraced fields.
Yellow River
Several dramatic crossings of the winding, sediment-rich 'Mother River' as it cuts through the northern plains.
Gobi Desert
The vast, desolate expanse of the Badain Jaran desert fringes with visible sand dunes and salt lakes.
Bogda Peak
The towering 5,445m summit of the eastern Tianshan range, often clearly visible during the URC approach.
The right side is ideal for photographers on afternoon flights, as the sun will be behind you, perfectly illuminating the textures of the Loess Plateau and the golden sands of the Gobi. Watch for the 'dragon-like' curves of the Yellow River in the middle third of the journey.
Book Hotels in UrumqiDistance: 3,266 km (2,029 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 51 min
Departure: HGH (30.22949981689453, 120.43399810791016)
Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Route Type: Domestic
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