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PEK → XNN
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to Xining Caojiabu Airport (Xining)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic transition from the North China Plain to the high-altitude landscapes, featuring the distant Qilian Mountains on descent.
Search flights from PEK to XNN
Northern Taihang Ridge
Dramatic mountain ridges that define the boundary between the plains and the western plateaus.
Ordos Desert Edge
Sandy patches and arid dunes visible to the north during the middle segment of the journey.
Qilian Mountains
Spectacular snow-capped peaks appearing on the horizon during the final descent into Xining.
Yinchuan Basin
The fertile plains around the Yellow River, contrasting sharply with the surrounding desert.
Huangshui Valley
The verdant valley leading directly into Xining, surrounded by high-altitude ridges.
Sit on the right side for morning flights to see the sunrise hitting the Qilian mountains. The descent into XNN is particularly scenic as the plane follows the Huangshui River, so keep your camera ready for the final 20 minutes.
Book Hotels in XiningSouthern Taihang
Rugged canyons and limestone cliffs visible shortly after departing the Beijing area.
Loess Terraces
Intricate agricultural patterns carved into the distinctive yellow soil of the Shaanxi region.
Yellow River Bends
The winding path of the river as it carves through the arid landscape of the Loess Plateau.
Lanzhou Outskirts
Dense urban development and industrial zones visible in the valley during the mid-flight phase.
The left side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun highlights the deep textures of the Loess Plateau. Look for the contrast between the dry hills and irrigated valleys near the Wei River basin.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,327 km (825 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 46 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: XNN (36.5275, 102.042999)
Route Type: Domestic
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