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LHW destination photo
URC destination photo

LHWURC

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to the magnificent Qilian Mountain range, providing continuous views of snow-capped peaks and the dramatic transition between the high plateau and the desert corridor.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🏔️

Qilian Mountains

A spectacular continuous range of snow-capped peaks that flank the southern side of the flight path for nearly the entire duration.

❄️

Mountain Glaciers

High-altitude glaciers and permanent ice fields are visible in the upper reaches of the Qilian range, especially near the mid-flight point.

🌊

Shule River Basin

The winding path of the Shule River as it flows from the mountains into the arid plains, creating vibrant narrow green belts.

🏔️

Bogda Peak

During the descent into Urumqi, the 5,445-meter peak of the eastern Tianshan Mountains appears prominently on the left.

Choose a window seat on the left (usually 'A' seats) for the best mountain views. Afternoon flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the northern faces of the Qilian peaks, providing excellent contrast for photography. Keep your camera ready throughout the mid-flight cruise for high-altitude glacial views.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏜️

Gobi Desert Landscapes

Vast expanses of the Badain Jaran and Gobi deserts, featuring unique geological textures and massive gravel plains.

🏙️

Silk Road Oasis Cities

Clear views of the urban layouts of Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Jiayuguan, appearing as green islands in a sea of brown.

🏯

Ancient Great Wall

In clear conditions, segments of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall (made of rammed earth) can be spotted running parallel to the flight path near Jiayuguan.

🌬️

Dabancheng Wind Farm

As the plane approaches Urumqi, look for one of China's largest wind power bases featuring thousands of rotating turbines.

The right side is better for observing human geography and the historical Silk Road corridor. It is particularly interesting during morning flights when the low sun angle highlights the relief of the desert dunes and the ancient wall remnants. Use maps to identify the specific oasis cities as you pass them.

Top Activities in Urumqi
Route Information

Distance: 1,594 km (990 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 8 min

Departure: LHW (36.5152015686, 103.620002747)

Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)

Route Type: Domestic

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