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JGN → XIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Jiayuguan Airport (Jiayuguan) to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular and continuous view of the Qilian Mountain range, featuring snow-capped peaks and high-altitude glaciers that parallel the flight path for most of the journey.
Qilian Mountains
A majestic mountain range with numerous peaks exceeding 5,000 meters, visible throughout the cruise phase.
July 1st Glacier
Look for the glistening white surfaces of high-altitude glaciers tucked into the Qilian mountain folds.
Alpine Grasslands
High-elevation pastures that turn a lush green in summer, home to nomadic herding communities.
Loess Plateau
Incredible views of the deeply eroded canyons and yellow-earth ridges characteristic of central China.
Qinling Foothills
The dense, forested ridges of the mountain range that serves as the natural boundary between North and South China.
The right side is the definitive choice for mountain photography. To get the clearest views of the Qilian peaks, book an afternoon flight when the sun illuminates the mountains from the west. During winter, the entire range is covered in deep snow, providing a truly Himalayan-style vista.
Jiayuguan Pass
Spot the western terminus of the Great Wall and its historic Ming dynasty fortress shortly after takeoff.
Gobi Desert
Vast expanses of rocky desert and sand dunes stretching toward the Mongolian border to the north.
Hexi Oasis Belt
Vibrant green agricultural strips that follow the ancient Silk Road, contrasting sharply with the arid surroundings.
Yellow River
A dramatic crossing of the winding Yellow River near Lanzhou, often visible as a muddy gold ribbon.
Xi'an Metropolis
The sprawling urban landscape and ancient city layout as the aircraft descends into the Wei River valley.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. This side is superior for spotting the historical Great Wall sections and the transition from desert to the terraced hills of the Loess Plateau. It is also the 'cooler' side during afternoon flights as it faces away from the sun.
Distance: 1,100 km (684 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min
Departure: JGN (39.856899, 98.3414)
Arrival: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Route Type: Domestic
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