Loading map...
NKG → XIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Nanjing Lukou Airport (Nanjing) to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic Qinling Mountains, the natural geographic divide between North and South China, which provides much more striking terrain compared to the flatter northern plains.
Search flights from NKG to XIY
Nanjing Cityscape
Aerial views of Nanjing's southern districts and the Qinhuai River during the initial climb.
Dabie Mountains
Rolling green hills and reservoirs marking the transition from the Yangtze River basin.
The Qinling Divide
The massive, snow-capped peaks of the Qinling range, acting as a wall between northern and southern climates.
Wei River Valley
The fertile Guanzhong Plain and the ancient river system leading into the heart of Xi'an.
Choose an 'A' seat for the best mountain views. Afternoon flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you or overhead, illuminating the Qinling range. Keep an eye out for the sharp peaks of Mount Hua (Huashan) as you enter Shaanxi province, which is often visible to the south of the flight path.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for China
Yangtze River Crossings
Views of the massive bridges and heavy shipping traffic on the Yangtze River near Nanjing.
North China Plain
A vast geometric patchwork of agricultural land and industrial hubs across Henan province.
Yellow River Glimpses
Distant views of the silt-rich Yellow River as it meanders through the Loess Plateau region.
Xi'an Northern Expansion
The rapidly developing high-tech zones and the Weihe River banks during the final approach.
Opt for an 'F' seat if you prefer urban landscapes and river systems. Morning flights provide the best lighting for this side. During the winter, the air is often clearer for spotting the distant Yellow River, though smog over the plains can sometimes limit long-range visibility.
Book Hotels in Xi'anDistance: 988 km (614 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min
Departure: NKG (31.742000579833984, 118.86199951171876)
Arrival: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.