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XIY → JIC
Which side of the plane to sit from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an) to Jinchuan Airport (Jinchuan)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an exceptional perspective of the massive snow-capped Qilian Mountain range and the fertile oasis belts of the Hexi Corridor as you head northwest.
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Qinling Mountains
Distant views of the northern slopes of China's major geographic divide shortly after takeoff from Xi'an.
Yellow River Crossing
The aircraft crosses the iconic Yellow River as it loops through the arid landscapes of Gansu Province.
Qilian Mountain Range
Dramatic, high-altitude peaks with year-round snow cover lining the southern horizon during the cruise phase.
Hexi Corridor Oases
Stark contrast between the high desert and the lush green agricultural strips fed by mountain meltwater.
Choose a window seat on the left for the best views of the Qilian peaks. If flying in the late afternoon, the sun will be on this side, so have your sunglasses ready or aim for a morning flight to avoid glare on the mountains. The contrast between the white peaks and the brown desert is particularly striking in late winter and spring.
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Loess Plateau
Intricate textures of the yellow earth and deep canyons formed by centuries of erosion over Shaanxi and Gansu.
Badain Jaran Desert
As you approach Jinchuan, look north to see the edges of one of China's most beautiful desert landscapes.
Jinchang Industrial Hub
A clear view of the massive open-pit mines and refining infrastructure of China's 'Nickel Capital' during descent.
Great Wall Sections
Remnants of the ancient Ming Dynasty wall can be seen snaking across the desert floor near the flight path.
The right side is superior for observing the unique geomorphology of the Loess Plateau. The morning sun provides excellent side-lighting that emphasizes the depth of the plateaus and the shadows of the sand dunes. Look for the massive industrial pits near Jinchuan which look like giant geometric scars in the earth from above.
Book Hotels in JinchuanDistance: 731 km (454 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 13 min
Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Arrival: JIC (38.5422222222, 102.348333333)
Route Type: Domestic
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