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URC → HGH
Which side of the plane to sit from Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi) to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (Hangzhou)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular and prolonged views of the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and the ecologically significant Qinling range, providing a dramatic visual narrative of China's changing geography.
Qilian Mountains
A stunning, continuous chain of glaciated peaks that run parallel to the flight path for several hundred miles.
Qinling Divide
The massive mountain barrier that separates Northern and Southern China, often showing a visible change in cloud cover and vegetation.
Qinghai Lake
On clear days, the deep blue waters of China's largest inland lake can be seen in the far distance to the south.
Zhejiang Hills
Lush green tea plantations and rolling hills as the flight descends into the humid Yangtze River Delta.
West Lake (Hangzhou)
Depending on the landing pattern, views of the historic UNESCO site and the Leifeng Pagoda are often possible.
Qiantang River
The wide, meandering river known for its tidal bores, visible just before touchdown at HGH.
Choose the right side for afternoon flights to catch the sun setting over the Qilian peaks, creating a 'golden mountain' effect. During the winter, the contrast between the snowy Qinling peaks and the green valleys of the south is most striking. Ensure your window is clean, as the mountain details are highly intricate.
Bogda Peak
Glacial views of the highest point in the eastern Tianshan range shortly after departure from Urumqi.
Gobi Desert
The vast, windswept expanse of the Gobi, showing intricate patterns of sand dunes and rocky plateaus.
Yellow River Bend
The iconic muddy waters of the Yellow River as it snakes through the arid landscapes of Ningxia.
Hexi Corridor
Aerial perspective of the historic Silk Road path, with occasional glimpses of ancient watchtower ruins.
Central Plains Urbanization
The dense urban clusters of Henan and Anhui provinces as the flight transitions to the eastern plains.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare while photographing the Gobi Desert. Look out for the distinct 'loess' formations in Shaanxi, which look like intricate earth carvings from 30,000 feet. This side also provides a clearer view of the Yellow River's massive scale.
Distance: 3,266 km (2,029 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 51 min
Departure: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Arrival: HGH (30.22949981689453, 120.43399810791016)
Route Type: Domestic
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