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JIC → LHW
Which side of the plane to sit from Jinchuan Airport (Jinchuan) to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (Lanzhou)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular and continuous view of the majestic Qilian Mountain range, contrasting sharply with the arid plains of the Hexi Corridor. As the flight progresses southeast, the transition from high mountain peaks to the intricate textures of the Loess Plateau is visually stunning.
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Qilian Mountain Range
A constant companion during the flight, featuring rugged ridges and dramatic tectonic uplifting.
Lenglong Ling Peaks
Glaciated and snow-dusted summits in the eastern part of the Qilian range, visible even in late spring.
Loess Plateau Erosion
Deeply carved gullies and terraced hillsides characteristic of the Gansu landscape near Lanzhou.
Ancient Great Wall
Remnants of the Han and Ming Dynasty earthen walls can occasionally be spotted snaking through the hills.
Zhongchuan Basin
The final descent offers a panoramic view of the dry, bowl-shaped valley where the airport is situated.
The right side is the undisputed winner for scenic value. For the best photography, choose a late morning or midday flight when the sun is high to minimize glare. Keep your eyes peeled for the snow-capped peaks of the Lenglong Ling; they are most prominent about 15-20 minutes after takeoff. Note that the terrain becomes exceptionally textured with loess formations during the final descent phase.
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Jinchang Industrial Landscape
Aerial views of the massive 'Nickel Capital' mining facilities and industrial zones surrounding Jinchuan.
Tengger Desert Edge
On clear days, the vast, rolling sand dunes of the Tengger Desert are visible on the eastern horizon.
Hexi Oasis Belts
Patches of intense green agricultural land that define the historic Hexi Corridor trade route.
Lanxin Infrastructure
The high-speed railway lines and highways connecting Northwest China appear as precise geometric lines across the desert.
Sit on this side for morning flights to avoid the direct sun. Look out early in the flight for the massive open-pit mines that define Jinchang's economy. As you approach Lanzhou, look for the unique red-colored rock formations in the distance to the northeast.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 252 km (157 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 25 min
Departure: JIC (38.5422222222, 102.348333333)
Arrival: LHW (36.5152015686, 103.620002747)
Route Type: Domestic
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