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KRL → CGO
Which side of the plane to sit from Korla Airport (Korla) to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (Zhengzhou)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning views of the Chinese interior, the Right Side provides a more consistent and dramatic vista of the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and the intricate textures of the Loess Plateau.
Search flights from KRL to CGO
Qilian Mountain Range
A massive system of glaciated peaks that marks the northern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
Lop Nur Basin
The legendary 'Ear of the Desert,' appearing as concentric salt crust rings in the desolate wilderness.
Loess Plateau
Stunning aerial views of the world's largest loess deposit, featuring deep canyons and terrace farming.
Sanmenxia Reservoir
A major dam on the Yellow River where the water often changes from silt-heavy brown to a clearer blue.
Hexi Corridor
The historic Silk Road path, where the desert meets the towering southern mountains in a narrow strip of life.
The right side is superior for mountain photography. In winter and spring, the Qilian Mountains are heavily snow-covered, providing a majestic backdrop for nearly half the flight. Afternoon flights offer the best side-lighting to highlight the deep ravines and erosional patterns of the Loess Plateau as you descend toward Zhengzhou.
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Bosten Lake
Visible shortly after takeoff, this is China's largest inland freshwater lake, surrounded by desert dunes.
Tian Shan Foothills
Dramatic views of the eastern extensions of the 'Heavenly Mountains' with jagged, arid ridges.
Hami Gobi
Vast stretches of black gravel desert and wind-eroded Yardang landforms near the Hami basin.
Yinchuan City
The capital of Ningxia, identifiable by its grid pattern and proximity to the vast Helan Mountains.
Yellow River Delta
The green agricultural strips of the Ningxia Plain contrasting sharply against the surrounding Ordos Desert.
Early morning flights are ideal for the left side to avoid direct sunlight and see the Bosten Lake clearly. Look for the contrast between the turquoise water and the yellow sands of the Yanqi Basin. As you approach Zhengzhou, watch for the sprawling urban lights if flying at night.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 2,540 km (1,578 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 23 min
Departure: KRL (41.69779968261719, 86.12889862060547)
Arrival: CGO (34.519699096699995, 113.841003418)
Route Type: Domestic
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