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XIY destination photo
HMI destination photo

XIYHMI

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers spectacular and consistent views of the snow-capped Qilian Mountain range and the historic Hexi Corridor oases throughout the middle segment of the flight.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

Qilian Mountains

A majestic range of snow-capped peaks that runs parallel to the flight path for several hundred miles.

🌿

Hexi Corridor Oases

Vibrant green agricultural strips like Wuwei and Zhangye that stand in stark contrast to the surrounding desert.

🐎

Shandan Horse Ranch

One of the world's oldest and largest horse farms, appearing as a vast green carpet at the foot of the mountains.

🏔️

Eastern Tianshan Peaks

As the plane approaches Hami, the rugged eastern terminus of the Tianshan range becomes visible to the southwest.

Book a window seat on the left for the best views of the Qilian snowline. For the most dramatic photography, choose a late afternoon flight when the setting sun casts deep shadows across the mountain ridges and highlights the glacial textures.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏜️

Loess Plateau Patterns

Incredible, intricate erosion patterns and terraced hills visible shortly after takeoff from Xi'an.

🌊

Yellow River Crossing

The 'Mother River' of China can be seen winding through the arid landscape near the Gansu-Ningxia border.

🏜️

Badain Jaran Desert Edge

Vast stretches of the Gobi and the distant towering sand dunes of the Badain Jaran to the north.

🪨

Hami Yardang Landforms

Unique wind-eroded 'Ghost City' rock formations visible during the descent into Hami Airport.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. Keep your camera ready during the first 20 minutes of the flight to capture the unique geometric patterns of the Loess Plateau's agricultural terraces.

Top Activities in Hami
Route Information

Distance: 1,604 km (997 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 8 min

Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)

Arrival: HMI (42.8414, 93.669197)

Route Type: Domestic

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