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NKG → URC
Which side of the plane to sit from Nanjing Lukou Airport (Nanjing) to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Qilian Mountains and the rugged beauty of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau fringe.
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Yangtze River Delta
Aerial view of the winding Yangtze River and the urban sprawl of Nanjing upon departure.
Qinling Mountains
The natural boundary between Northern and Southern China featuring dense forested ridges.
Yellow River Loop
Dramatic views of the Yellow River as the flight passes over the Shaanxi and Gansu regions.
Qilian Mountain Range
Stunning, year-round snow-capped peaks stretching across the horizon for hundreds of miles.
Turpan Basin
The red-hued ridges of the Flaming Mountains visible during the descent into the Xinjiang region.
For the most spectacular views, book a window seat on the left side (A) and choose a flight departing in the morning or early afternoon. This avoids the harsh glare of the setting sun while providing optimal lighting for the Qilian Mountains. Watch closely about 2 hours into the flight for the best mountain panoramas.
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Purple Mountain
A quick view of Nanjing's historic 'Zhongshan' greenery immediately after takeoff.
Loess Plateau
Unique geological formations of yellow earth and terraced fields in central China.
Hexi Corridor
The historic Silk Road path flanked by desert dunes and occasional green oases.
Gobi Desert
Vast, mesmerizing expanses of gravel plains and desert landscapes stretching toward Mongolia.
Bogda Peak
The towering 5,445-meter snow peak of the eastern Tian Shan range during the final approach.
The right side (F or K) is excellent for observing the vastness of the Gobi Desert. On the descent into Urumqi, Bogda Peak is a major highlight on this side. Late afternoon flights are particularly beautiful here as the low sun creates long shadows over the desert dunes and mountain ridges, highlighting the terrain's texture.
Book Hotels in UrumqiDistance: 3,046 km (1,893 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 35 min
Departure: NKG (31.742000579833984, 118.86199951171876)
Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Route Type: Domestic
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