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SZX â LHW
Which side of the plane to sit from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (Shenzhen) to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (Lanzhou)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic geographic transition from the lush river deltas of the south to the jagged Qinling Mountains and the stark, terraced landscapes of the Loess Plateau.
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Pearl River Estuary
Aerial view of the complex waterway network and bridges connecting Shenzhen to the western delta.
Nanyue Hengshan
Look for the mist-shrouded peaks of one of China's five sacred mountains in Hunan province.
Qinling Mountain Range
The massive natural boundary between North and South China, featuring high-altitude ridges and deep valleys.
Wei River Valley
The fertile plain that served as the cradle of Chinese civilization, visible before the final descent.
Loess Plateau Terraces
Unique agricultural terracing and deep silt erosion patterns typical of the Gansu landscape.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Qinling crossing. For morning flights, this side avoids the direct glare of the sun. The descent into Lanzhou is particularly spectacular on this side as the aircraft often banks over the deeply carved canyons of the Loess Plateau. Ensure your window is clean for high-contrast photography of the brown and orange earth tones.
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Shenzhen Skyline
A panoramic view of the Nanshan and Futian districts' skyscrapers immediately after takeoff.
Dongting Lake
In the distance, view the vast expanse of China's second-largest freshwater lake.
Xi'an Metropolitan Area
The sprawl of the ancient capital and the Guanzhong Plain are often visible during the mid-flight cruise.
Liupan Mountains
A prominent green ridge that stands out against the arid yellow environment of the plateau.
Yellow River Bend
Catch a glimpse of the 'Mother River' as it snakes through the hills near the Lanzhou basin.
The right side is ideal for capturing the scale of China's urban development in the first 30 minutes. During winter, look for the contrast between the snow-capped Liupan Mountains and the dry plateau. Be aware that afternoon flights will experience significant sun glare on this side, making photography difficult without a polarized filter.
Book Hotels in LanzhouDistance: 1,828 km (1,136 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 26 min
Departure: SZX (22.639299392700195, 113.81099700927734)
Arrival: LHW (36.5152015686, 103.620002747)
Route Type: Domestic
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