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XIY → JGN
Which side of the plane to sit from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an) to Jiayuguan Airport (Jiayuguan)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a spectacular and continuous view of the snow-capped Qilian Mountains, which parallel the flight path for most of the journey through the Hexi Corridor.
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Qilian Mountain Range
Stunning views of high-altitude peaks often covered in snow year-round.
Shule Glaciers
Visible ice fields and glacial structures on the higher reaches of the Qilian range.
Hexi Corridor Oases
Green patches of agricultural land contrasting sharply against the surrounding arid terrain.
Lanzhou Skyline
A glimpse of the industrial city tucked into the narrow Yellow River valley.
Choose the left side for morning flights to get the best illumination on the mountain peaks without glare. Keep your camera ready as you pass Lanzhou, as the transition from the Loess Plateau to the high mountains is dramatic. In winter, the entire range is a pristine white.
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Loess Plateau
The unique, deeply eroded yellow earth topography characteristic of Shaanxi and Gansu.
Yellow River Meanders
Aerial views of the massive river as it winds through the dry landscape near Zhongwei.
Badain Jaran Desert
Distal views of massive sand dunes bordering the Hexi Corridor to the north.
Jiayuguan Pass
As the plane descends, look for the historic Ming Dynasty fortress and the western end of the Great Wall.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun. During the final 15 minutes of the flight, look closely for the straight lines of the Great Wall ruins and the iconic Jiayuguan Fort. The desert textures are particularly beautiful during the 'golden hour' before sunset.
Book Hotels in JiayuguanDistance: 1,100 km (684 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min
Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Arrival: JGN (39.856899, 98.3414)
Route Type: Domestic
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