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XIY → BAV
Which side of the plane to sit from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an) to Baotou Airport (Baotou)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic geological transition from the heavily eroded Loess Plateau to the sprawling Mu Us Desert and the Ordos Plateau.
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Loess Plateau Gullies
Incredible aerial views of the world's most highly eroded landscape, featuring deep yellow canyons and complex drainage patterns.
Mu Us Desert Transition
The striking visual boundary where the yellow loess earth meets the shifting sands and dunes of the southern Ordos region.
Yan'an and Yulin Vistas
Bird's-eye views of these northern Shaanxi hubs nestled within the rugged, terraced mountain terrain.
Ordos Plateau
As the flight nears Inner Mongolia, the landscape flattens into the vast, semi-arid high-altitude grasslands.
Choose this side for late afternoon flights to catch the long shadows that emphasize the deep ridges of the Loess Plateau. It is also the best side for watching the sunset over the desert as you approach Baotou. Keep an eye out for the unique terrace farming patterns typical of the Shaanxi countryside.
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Yellow River Bends
Spectacular views of the 'Great Bend' where the Yellow River defines the boundary between Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces.
Luliang Mountains
Distant views of the rugged mountain ranges to the east that parallel the flight path.
Baotou Steel Works
Massive industrial complexes and steel manufacturing facilities become visible on the eastern outskirts during descent.
Daqing Mountains
The northern horizon is dominated by this range, providing a dramatic backdrop to the city of Baotou during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It provides a better angle to see the Yellow River's massive scale as it wraps around the Ordos Loop. During winter, look for ice floes on the river, which are common and visually striking from above.
Book Hotels in BaotouDistance: 689 km (428 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 9 min
Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Arrival: BAV (40.560001373291016, 109.99700164794922)
Route Type: Domestic
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