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TSN destination photo
URC destination photo

TSNURC

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers spectacular, close-up views of the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and the towering Bogda Peak of the Tianshan range as you approach Urumqi.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
⛰️

Taihang Mountains

Rugged ridges and deep valleys marking the transition from the North China Plain to the Shanxi Plateau.

🌊

Yellow River Loop

Views of the massive 'Ordos Loop' where the Yellow River bends sharply through Ningxia and Inner Mongolia.

🏔️

Qilian Mountains

Magnificent views of the permanent glaciers and 5,000-meter peaks that line the Hexi Corridor.

🏙️

Zhangye City

A glimpse of the historic Silk Road oasis city nestled between the mountains and the desert.

❄️

Bogda Peak

The snow-crowned highest peak of the eastern Tianshan, visible during the final descent into Urumqi.

Book a window seat on the left (A) for the most dramatic mountain scenery. On morning flights, the sun illuminates the Qilian peaks perfectly. During the final 30 minutes of flight, keep your camera ready for the Bogda Peak massif, which often towers above the clouds.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌾

Inner Mongolian Steppe

Vast stretches of high-altitude grasslands that transition into more arid terrain.

🏜️

Tengger Desert

Expansive golden sand dunes and isolated desert lakes located in the Alxa League region.

🧱

Gobi Desert Textures

Intricate patterns of rocky plains, dry riverbeds, and wind-eroded geological formations.

🧂

Barkol Lake

A high-altitude salt lake that appears as a brilliant white or turquoise jewel in the arid landscape.

🕳️

Junggar Basin

The vast, flat northern wilderness that stretches toward the Altay Mountains and the Russian border.

The right side (K/F) is best for observing desert geography and salt lakes. Afternoon flights are particularly scenic as the low sun creates long shadows over the sand dunes. Watch for the stark contrast between the green oases and the surrounding brown desert as you near Xinjiang.

Top Activities in Urumqi
Route Information

Distance: 2,529 km (1,571 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 22 min

Departure: TSN (39.1244010925, 117.346000671)

Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)

Route Type: Domestic

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