Loading map...
URC → XIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi) to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular front-row seat to the Qilian Mountain range and the Tianshan peaks shortly after takeoff, featuring year-round snow caps and dramatic glacial valleys.
Search flights from URC to XIY
Tianshan Range
Immediately after takeoff, witness the towering Bogda Peak and its surrounding glaciers to the southeast.
Qilian Mountains
A massive, continuous wall of snow-capped peaks that dominates the horizon for nearly half the flight duration.
Kumtag Desert
Distinctive golden sand dunes visible near the Dunhuang region, forming a sea of sand.
Loess Plateau Gorges
Intricate, fractal-like erosion patterns and deep canyons carved into the yellow earth of central China.
Wei River Valley
The fertile cradle of Chinese civilization, visible during the final descent into the Xi'an metropolitan area.
The right side is the definitive choice for mountain lovers. For the best photography of the Qilian glaciers, book a morning flight when the sun illuminates the northern faces of the peaks. During winter, the entire landscape from the mountains to the Loess Plateau is often covered in a stunning layer of snow. Keep your camera ready about 15 minutes after departure for the best Tianshan views.
Book Hotels in Xi'anGobi Desert Expanse
Vast, desolate stretches of the black Gobi and stony plains extending toward the Mongolian border.
Hami Oasis
A green pocket of life in the desert, marking one of the historic major stops on the Northern Silk Road.
Yellow River Crossing
The iconic river appears as a winding ribbon through the arid landscape as you approach the Loess Plateau.
Hexi Corridor Farmland
A patchwork of irrigated agricultural fields that contrast sharply with the surrounding desert environment.
The left side is preferable during late afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun glare. It provides a better view of the northern Gobi's unique geological textures and the expansive plains of Inner Mongolia in the distance. Watch for the sharp transition from desert to the terraced hills of the Loess Plateau about 40 minutes before landing.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 2,105 km (1,308 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 48 min
Departure: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Arrival: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.