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NKG destination photo

TYNNKG

Which side of the plane to sit from Taiyuan Wusu Airport (Taiyuan) to Nanjing Lukou Airport (Nanjing)?

Our Recommendation
7.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the Yellow River's midsection and the iconic Mount Song, followed by a dramatic approach into Nanjing that often showcases the Yangtze River and the city skyline.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🐉

Yellow River Sinuous Curves

Excellent views of the silt-laden Yellow River as it winds through the heart of China near Zhengzhou.

🥋

Mount Song

The sacred peak and home of the Shaolin Temple, identifiable by its prominent and jagged limestone formations.

⛰️

Dabie Mountains

The distant southern horizon features the rolling peaks of the Dabie range, which serves as a major climatic divide.

🚢

Yangtze River Traffic

As the plane descends into Nanjing, look for the immense cargo traffic and the massive bridges crossing the Yangtze.

🏙️

Nanjing Purple Mountain

A clear view of the city's green lung and the nearby urban skyscrapers during the final approach phase.

The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the central plains. During descent, this side often provides a stunning panorama of the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge and the city's growing financial district. Keep your camera ready as you pass Zhengzhou for the best mountain silhouettes.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
⛰️

Taihang Mountains

Dramatic views of the eastern edge of the Loess Plateau and the rugged Taihang ridges immediately after takeoff.

🌊

The Hanging River

A unique perspective of the Yellow River near Kaifeng, where the riverbed sits elevated above the surrounding plains.

🌾

Henan Farmlands

Intricate patterns of the North China Plain, displaying a patchwork of seasonal agriculture and rural settlements.

💧

Lake Hongze

Visible on the distant horizon, this massive freshwater lake marks the transition into the watery landscape of Jiangsu.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare. It provides the best perspective of the Taihang range's steep escarpments during the initial climb out of Taiyuan. Watch for the distinct change in soil color from the yellow loess of Shanxi to the darker plains of Henan.

Top Activities in Nanjing
Route Information

Distance: 877 km (545 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min

Departure: TYN (37.74689865112305, 112.62799835205078)

Arrival: NKG (31.742000579833984, 118.86199951171876)

Route Type: Domestic

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