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XNN → URC
Which side of the plane to sit from Xining Caojiabu Airport (Xining) to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (Urumqi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Qilian Mountains and a stunning view of Qinghai Lake, the largest lake in China.
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Qinghai Lake
The vast, deep blue expanse of China's largest inland saltwater lake is visible shortly after departure from Xining.
Qilian Mountain Range
Continuous views of high-altitude peaks and perennial glaciers that define the border of the Tibetan Plateau.
Bogda Peak
As you approach Urumqi, the iconic 5,445-meter snow-capped summit of the Tianshan range dominates the horizon.
Har Lake
A remote and pristine high-altitude lake nestled within the rugged folds of the Qilian mountains.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh afternoon sun glare. Watch closely about 15-20 minutes after takeoff to catch the best angle of Qinghai Lake. During winter months, the contrast between the frozen white lake and the brown mountains is particularly striking.
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Hexi Corridor
The historic Silk Road path featuring a string of oasis cities sandwiched between the mountains and the desert.
Gobi Desert
Vast, intricate patterns of wind-eroded rock and sand dunes stretching toward the northern horizon.
Dabancheng Wind Farm
One of China's largest wind power installations, featuring thousands of turbines visible during the descent into Urumqi.
Urumqi Cityscape
The sprawling urban center of Xinjiang appearing as a high-tech oasis against the backdrop of the desert.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as it remains in the shade, providing better conditions for photography. Keep an eye out for the rhythmic patterns of the wind turbines near Dabancheng during the final 30 minutes of the flight. This side also offers a clear view of the transition from desert to irrigated farmland.
Book Hotels in UrumqiDistance: 1,481 km (920 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 58 min
Departure: XNN (36.5275, 102.042999)
Arrival: URC (43.90710067749024, 87.47419738769531)
Route Type: Domestic
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