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XIY destination photo
HFE destination photo

XIYHFE

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side (South) is superior for this route as it offers dramatic views of the towering Qinling Mountains immediately after departure and provides a spectacular vista of Chaohu Lake upon the approach into Hefei.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

Qinling Mountain Range

Experience the breathtaking scale of the Qinling Mountains, the natural climate divide between North and South China.

🌲

Funiu Mountains

Fly over the eastern extensions of the Qinling range, featuring dense forest cover and rugged, high-altitude terrain.

🏘️

Nanyang Basin

Look down upon the historic urban clusters and rolling hills of the southern Henan basin area.

🛶

Chaohu Lake

One of China's largest freshwater lakes, appearing as a massive blue expanse just south of the Hefei metropolitan area.

🏙️

Hefei Urban Skyline

Capture the rising skyscrapers and modern urban development of Hefei's city center during the final descent.

The right side is most spectacular during the winter months when the Qinling Mountains are capped with snow. For evening flights, this side catches the warm glow of the setting sun over the Anhui lakes. Ensure you are looking out within the first 15 minutes of takeoff for the best mountain views.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏞️

Wei River Valley

View the historic Wei River as it winds through the fertile Guanzhong Plain shortly after takeoff from Xi'an.

⛰️

Mount Hua Distant Peaks

On clear days, the sharp, granite precipices of Mount Hua may be visible to the northeast as you head toward Henan.

🌾

Central Plains Grid

Observe the vast, geometric patchwork of agricultural fields that define the 'Granary of China' across Henan province.

🌊

Huai River Basin

Cross over the geographic boundary between North and South China, marked by the expansive Huai River drainage system.

🏙️

Hefei Xinqiao Modernity

A view of the northern industrial parks and the sleek terminal architecture of the new airport complex during landing.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare, allowing for better photography of the agricultural patterns of the Central Plains. Keep an eye out for the distinct yellow hues of the landscape during the autumn harvest season.

Top Activities in Hefei
Route Information

Distance: 849 km (528 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min

Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)

Arrival: HFE (31.78000068664551, 117.2979965209961)

Route Type: Domestic

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