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URC → TSN
Which side of the plane to sit from Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi) to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (Tianjin)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic geological transitions, including the snow-capped Bogda Peak immediately after takeoff and the rugged crossing of the Taihang Mountains before descending into the North China Plain.
Bogda Peak
The stunning 5,445-meter snow-capped summit of the eastern Tianshan, visible shortly after takeoff from Urumqi.
Turpan Basin
Aerial views of the red sandstone 'Flaming Mountains' and the edges of one of the world's lowest depressions.
Qilian Mountains
Distant but majestic views of the snow-capped peaks bordering the Hexi Corridor to the south.
Yellow River Loop
The dramatic 'U-turn' of the Yellow River as it flows around the Ordos Plateau.
Taihang Mountains
The steep eastern edge of the Loess Plateau, marking the sudden drop-off into the flat North China Plain.
Tianjin Skyline
Panoramic views of the Haihe River and the dense urban skyscrapers of Tianjin during the final approach.
Sit toward the back of the plane on the right for an unobstructed view of Bogda Peak. In winter, the frozen Yellow River offers a unique white ribbon effect through the brown landscape. This side experiences direct sun on morning flights, so bring sunglasses.
Tianshan Northern Slopes
Rugged ridges and alpine scenery of the northern Tianshan range shortly after departure.
Inner Mongolian Gobi
Vast, desolate stretches of the Gobi desert with unique geological erosion patterns.
Ulanqab Wind Farms
Massive clusters of wind turbines visible across the high-altitude steppe of Inner Mongolia.
Yin Mountains
The ancient mountain barrier that separates the Mongolian Plateau from the Yellow River valley.
Beijing Outskirts
Distant views of the northern Beijing metropolitan area during the final descent phase.
Select an afternoon flight to have the sun behind the aircraft, providing clear, high-contrast views of the Gobi desert. This side is better for spotting the Great Wall segments north of Beijing if the flight path tracks slightly north.
Distance: 2,529 km (1,571 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 22 min
Departure: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Arrival: TSN (39.1244010925, 117.346000671)
Route Type: Domestic
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