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XIY → CSX
Which side of the plane to sit from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an) to Changsha Huanghua International Airport (Changcha)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic views of the central Qinling Mountains, including its highest peaks, and a spectacular look at the sharp transition between China's north and south climatic zones.
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Mount Taibai
The snow-capped summit of the highest peak in the Qinling Range, standing at 3,767 meters.
Qinling National Forest
Dense, uninterrupted canopy of the mountain range that acts as the natural boundary between North and South China.
Daba Mountains
Rugged karst topography and deep limestone valleys as the flight passes over the border of Shaanxi and Hubei.
Shennongjia Wilderness
The misty, high-altitude primitive forests known for their biodiversity and legendary sightings of the 'Yeren'.
Xiang River Valley
The wide, shimmering Xiang River guiding the final descent into the urban sprawl of Changsha.
The right side is superior for geography enthusiasts. Look for the 'Green Wall' effect where the brown northern plains suddenly hit the massive green verticality of the Qinling. Late afternoon flights provide stunning shadows across the mountain ridges on this side.
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Xi'an Cityscape
Aerial view of the ancient capital's grid layout and the surrounding Wei River valley immediately after takeoff.
Mount Hua (Huashan)
The precipitous granite peaks of one of China's Five Great Mountains, visible to the east shortly after departure.
Han River Meanders
The winding blue ribbon of the Han River as it cuts through the southern foothills of the mountain ranges.
Jianghan Plain
The transition into the fertile, watery landscape of Hubei province with its intricate network of canals and farms.
Dongting Lake Outskirts
The northern reaches of the massive Dongting Lake system appearing as the flight nears the Hunan border.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and get a clear view of Mount Hua. Keep your camera ready about 10-15 minutes after takeoff from XIY to catch the silhouette of the holy peaks against the horizon.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 815 km (506 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Arrival: CSX (28.189199447600004, 113.220001221)
Route Type: Domestic
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