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PEK → URC
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) 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 majestic Bogda Peak of the Tian Shan range during the final approach.
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Taihang Mountains
Visible shortly after takeoff from Beijing, featuring deep valleys and rugged limestone ridges.
Loess Plateau
Unique highly-eroded yellow earth landscapes creating intricate maze-like patterns across Shaanxi and Gansu.
Yellow River Loop
The flight crosses the massive 'Great Bend' of the Yellow River as it snakes through the arid northern terrain.
Qilian Mountains
Stunning views of year-round glaciers and high-altitude peaks lining the southern edge of the Hexi Corridor.
Bogda Peak
The highest point in the eastern Tian Shan, standing at 5,445m, clearly visible on the left during the descent into Urumqi.
For the most dramatic lighting on the mountain glaciers, choose a mid-to-late afternoon flight. The sun will illuminate the southern slopes of the Qilian range. Avoid the very back of the plane to ensure the wing doesn't block the view of the vast mountain horizons.
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Xilingol Grasslands
Lush green rolling hills transitioning into the arid plains of Inner Mongolia north of Beijing.
The Gobi Desert
A vast expanse of black gravel plains and rocky outcrops stretching toward the Mongolian border.
Badain Jaran Desert
Views of some of the tallest stationary sand dunes on Earth, characterized by their unique copper-toned ridges.
Hami Oasis
A stark contrast of green agricultural plots surrounded by an endless sea of barren brown desert.
The right side is excellent for photography during morning flights as the sun remains on the opposite side, preventing glare and haze on the window. Watch for the colorful mineral formations in the Flaming Mountains near Turpan if the flight path tracks slightly north.
Book Hotels in UrumqiDistance: 2,430 km (1,510 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 14 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Route Type: Domestic
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