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NKG → LHW
Which side of the plane to sit from Nanjing Lukou Airport (Nanjing) to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (Lanzhou)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the majestic Qinling Mountains, which serve as the great geographic and climatic divide between Northern and Southern China.
Yangtze River Crossing
Aerial view of the massive river delta and the industrial landscape of the Nanjing-Wuhu corridor.
Qinling Mountains
Breathtaking views of the high peaks and dense forests that define the North-South boundary of China.
Wei River Valley
Rich agricultural plains stretching out south of the Xi'an metropolitan area.
Loess Terraces
The intricate, man-made farming terraces carved into the yellow earth of eastern Gansu.
Book an afternoon flight to have the sun behind you for clearer views of the Qinling range. During winter, look for the sharp 'snow line' on the mountain peaks which marks the distinct transition into the arid North. The best mountain views typically appear 60 to 80 minutes after takeoff.
Central Plains Cities
Overhead views of major urban centers like Hefei and Zhengzhou during the mid-flight segment.
Yellow River Snake
The iconic silt-heavy 'Mother River' of China as it winds through the northern landscape.
Loess Plateau Gullies
Dramatic aerial patterns of deep erosion and canyons characteristic of the dry northern plateau.
Lanzhou Basin
Rugged, stark mountain ridges during the final descent into Zhongchuan Airport.
Morning flights are ideal for the right side to avoid direct sunlight and glare. Keep your camera ready during the final 30 minutes of the flight; the descent over the deeply eroded Loess Plateau provides some of the most unique geological patterns visible from the air.
Distance: 1,498 km (931 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs
Departure: NKG (31.742000579833984, 118.86199951171876)
Arrival: LHW (36.5152015686, 103.620002747)
Route Type: Domestic
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