URC → CGO

Eastern Tianshan

Dramatic glaciated peaks that dominate the skyline south of the flight path during the initial climb.

Turpan Depression

Views overlooking the Ayding Lake area, one of the lowest points on Earth's land surface.

Qilian Mountains

A massive, continuous wall of snow-capped mountains that run parallel to the Hexi Corridor for hundreds of miles.

Zhangye Landforms

The distinct reddish hues of the Danxia geological formations visible near the Gansu corridor.

Loess Plateau

Incredible, labyrinthine erosion patterns and terraced hills typical of central China's geography.

Yellow River Valley

The urban landscape of Lanzhou and the river's deep industrial valleys are visible mid-flight.

Bogda Peak

Visible shortly after takeoff, this 5,445m peak is the highest in the eastern Tianshan range.

Gobi Desert

Vast stretches of black and brown gravel plains spanning the northern Xinjiang and Gansu borders.

Inner Mongolia Border

The transition zone where the desert meets the semi-arid grasslands of the Alxa Plateau.

Yellow River North Loop

The winding path of the Yellow River as it flows through the Ningxia and Inner Mongolia border regions.

Taihang Mountains

The dramatic mountain range that separates the Loess Plateau from the North China Plain during descent.