URC → XNN

Tianshan Glaciers

Breathtaking views of high-altitude glaciers and permanent snowfields of the Tianshan range immediately after departure.

Turpan Depression

Look down into one of the lowest land depressions on Earth, featuring unique red sandstone formations known as the Flaming Mountains.

Kumtag Desert

Witness the massive, rolling orange sand dunes of the Kumtag Desert near Shanshan as the flight heads toward Qinghai.

Qilian High Peaks

Direct views over the heart of the Qilian Mountains, with many peaks exceeding 5,000 meters above sea level.

Qinghai Lake

The highlight of the route; as the plane begins its descent into Xining, you can see the vast blue expanse of China's largest inland saltwater lake.

Bogda Peak

Visible shortly after takeoff from Urumqi, this is the highest peak in the eastern Tianshan range, often covered in snow year-round.

Gobi Desert Aridity

Vast stretches of rocky desert and gravel plains that define the northern edge of the ancient Silk Road's Hexi Corridor.

North Qilian Mountains

The northern slopes of the Qilian mountain range provide a rugged, jagged horizon as the flight progresses toward the southeast.

Hexi Corridor Oases

Strings of green agricultural zones that stand in stark contrast to the surrounding brown desert landscape near Zhangye.