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XNN → TSN
Which side of the plane to sit from Xining Caojiabu Airport (Xining) to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (Tianjin)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic geological transition from the high-altitude Loess Plateau across the Taihang Mountains to the North China Plain, featuring unique erosion patterns and river meanders.
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Loess Plateau Terraces
Intricate, ancient agricultural terracing carved into the silty yellow earth of Gansu and Shaanxi provinces.
Yellow River Gorges
Dramatic views of the river cutting deep, winding canyons through the soft loess soil.
Taihang Mountains
The massive North-South mountain range that marks the sharp geographic boundary between the plateau and the plains.
Taiyuan City
A clear view of the capital of Shanxi Province nestled in the Fen River valley.
Tianjin Skyline
The dense high-rise clusters and industrial ports of Tianjin as the plane descends towards the coast.
The right side is ideal for capturing the 'washboard' texture of the Loess Plateau. The highlight is the crossing of the Taihang Mountains; look for the sudden drop-off where the mountains meet the flat North China Plain about 30-40 minutes before landing.
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Qilian Mountains
Distant views of the snow-capped Qilian range to the northwest immediately after takeoff from Xining.
Helan Mountains
A rugged mountain range forming a natural barrier between the Ningxia plains and the Tengger Desert.
Northern Great Wall
Faint outlines of ancient Ming Dynasty wall segments traversing the desert landscapes of Ningxia and Inner Mongolia.
Yinchuan Basin
The 'Oasis of the North' where the Yellow River sustains lush agricultural land amidst the arid surroundings.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare. This side is better for spotting the distinct line of the Helan Mountains and the northern fringes of the Ordos Loop. Watch for the dramatic change in soil color as you move east.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,373 km (853 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 50 min
Departure: XNN (36.5275, 102.042999)
Arrival: TSN (39.1244010925, 117.346000671)
Route Type: Domestic
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