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LHW → JGN
Which side of the plane to sit from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (Lanzhou) to Jiayuguan Airport (Jiayuguan)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers continuous, breathtaking views of the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and the lush oases of the Hexi Corridor.
Qilian Mountain Range
Massive, year-round snow-capped peaks rising to over 5,000 meters along the southern horizon.
Shandan Horse Ranch
One of the world's oldest and largest horse farms, appearing as vast green pastures amidst the arid terrain.
Menyuan Valley
Visible in summer as a sea of golden rapeseed flowers nestled between mountain ridges.
Heihe River Basin
The vital waterway that creates a ribbon of green life through the desert landscape.
Sit on the left (A/B/C seats) for the entire duration to watch the Qilian peaks. Morning flights provide the best lighting as the sun illuminates the northern slopes. In winter, the entire range is draped in heavy white snow, offering a dramatic contrast to the brown corridor floor.
Badain Jaran Desert Edge
The northern horizon reveals the rolling dunes and vast sandy expanses of the inner Mongolian plateau.
Longshou Mountains
Rugged, dark rock formations that define the northern boundary of the Hexi Corridor.
Jinchang Industrial Area
A clear view of China's 'Nickel Capital' with its unique industrial grid and open-pit mines.
Jiayuguan Great Wall
During the final descent, look for the 'Overhanging Great Wall' and the westernmost end of the Ming dynasty fortifications.
The right side is excellent for observing the stark, minimalist beauty of the Gobi Desert. Look for the distinct line where irrigation ends and the desert begins. On final approach into JGN, keep your eyes peeled for the square silhouette of the Jiayuguan Fortress, though it may require a sharp angle depending on the flight path.
Distance: 592 km (368 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 59 min
Departure: LHW (36.5152015686, 103.620002747)
Arrival: JGN (39.856899, 98.3414)
Route Type: Domestic
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