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SZX destination photo
XIY destination photo

SZXXIY

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the dramatic Qinling Mountains during the descent into Xi'an, providing a clear perspective of the sharp geographic transition between Southern and Northern China.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Pearl River Estuary

Sweeping views of the vast Pearl River delta and the massive bridge networks connecting Shenzhen to Zhongshan.

⛰️

Nanling Mountains

Dense, green mountain ranges that serve as the traditional boundary between Guangdong and Hunan provinces.

🏞️

Xiang River Basin

Tracing the winding paths of the Xiang River as it flows through the fertile plains of central Hunan.

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Qinling Mountains

A spectacular crossing over the massive mountain range that divides the Yangtze and Yellow River basins.

🏙️

Western Xi'an

Aerial perspective of the sprawling new developments and high-tech zones on the western edge of the ancient capital.

Choose the left side for sunset flights to witness the light hitting the Qinling ridges. For morning flights, this side is shaded, providing better conditions for photography without glare. Keep a close watch roughly 30 minutes before landing to see the sudden shift from lush green peaks to the Loess Plateau landscape.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

Shenzhen Skyline

A stunning view of the Ping An Finance Center and the dense urban cluster of the Nanshan and Futian districts upon takeoff.

🏔️

Luoxiao Mountains

Rugged peaks and misty valleys along the border of Hunan and Jiangxi provinces.

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Yangtze River Crossing

A high-altitude view of the mighty Yangtze River as the flight path cuts across Hubei province.

⛰️

Huashan Direction

On clear days, views toward the eastern Qinling where the famous sacred peaks of Huashan are located.

🛶

Wei River

Following the course of the Wei River as the plane lines up for its final approach into Xianyang.

On early morning flights, the right side catches the rising sun, which can be bright; bring sunglasses. This side is better for spotting the dense urban development of the central Chinese corridor. During the descent, watch for the distinct rectangular grid of Xi'an's historic city center far in the distance.

Top Activities in Xi'an
Route Information

Distance: 1,402 km (871 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 52 min

Departure: SZX (22.639299392700195, 113.81099700927734)

Arrival: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)

Route Type: Domestic

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