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XIY → DNH
Which side of the plane to sit from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an) to Dunhuang Airport (Dunhuang)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the majestic Qilian Mountains, featuring snow-capped peaks and glaciers that parallel the flight path for nearly the entire journey across the Hexi Corridor.
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Qilian Mountain Range
Stunning, continuous views of 5,000-meter snow-capped peaks and permanent glaciers.
Loess Plateau Terraces
The unique, deeply eroded silt landscapes and intricate terrace farming of Gansu and Shaanxi.
Shandan Horse Ranch
One of the world's oldest and largest royal horse pastures visible at the foot of the mountains.
Lanzhou Cityscape
A glimpse of the industrial hub nestled in the narrow Yellow River valley.
Mingsha Sand Dunes
The iconic 'Singing Sand' dunes surrounding Dunhuang appearing during the final descent.
Sit on the left for morning flights to have the sun behind you, perfectly illuminating the Qilian snowcaps. This side is most dramatic in late spring when the contrast between green oases and white peaks is highest. Use a window seat behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the mountain silhouette against the horizon.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaBadain Jaran Desert
The southern edge of the desert featuring vast, rolling sand dunes and dry lake beds.
Zhangye Danxia Landform
Patches of vibrant, multi-colored rock formations known as the Rainbow Mountains.
Ancient Great Wall
Remnants of the Han and Ming dynasty earthen walls stretching across the Gobi desert.
Jiayuguan Pass
The grand fortress marking the western end of the Ming Great Wall visible near the city of Jiayuguan.
Gobi Wind Farms
Extensive arrays of thousands of wind turbines in the Guazhou area, one of the world's largest wind power bases.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or sunset flights to avoid the glare of the southern sun. It offers a better perspective of the vast Gobi Desert and the man-made marvels like the Great Wall and modern wind farms. Look for the stark, straight lines of the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway cutting through the desert floor.
Book Hotels in DunhuangDistance: 1,385 km (861 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 51 min
Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Arrival: DNH (40.16109848022461, 94.80919647216795)
Route Type: Domestic
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