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XNN → ZHY
Which side of the plane to sit from Xining Caojiabu Airport (Xining) to Zhongwei Shapotou Airport (Zhongwei)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of the Yellow River's dramatic 'S' curves and the world-famous Shapotou area where the Tengger Desert meets the river bank.
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Yellow River Great Bend
Stunning aerial views of the Yellow River snaking through deep canyons and wide valleys.
Shapotou Intersection
The unique geographic site where the massive sand dunes of the Tengger Desert drop directly into the river.
Loess Plateau Terraces
Intricate patterns of traditional terraced farming on the silt-covered hills typical of northern China.
Zhongwei Oasis
The sudden appearance of lush greenery and urban development amidst the surrounding desert landscape.
This is the superior side for the descent. Approximately 10-15 minutes before landing, look for the 'S' shape of the Yellow River. If flying in the late afternoon, the 'Golden Hour' lighting creates deep shadows on the sand dunes, making the desert topography look incredibly textured and three-dimensional.
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Qilian Mountain Range
Panoramic views of the snow-dusted eastern peaks of the Qilian mountains to the north.
Tengger Desert Edge
The transition from the rocky highlands of Qinghai to the soft orange sands of the southern Tengger.
High Altitude Plateaus
Dramatic view of the high-elevation terrain that separates the Xining Basin from the Gobi fringes.
Choose the left side for morning flights to see the Qilian peaks illuminated by the sun. Keep an eye out for the stark contrast between the green agricultural valleys near Xining and the barren, high-altitude desert landscapes as you cross the provincial border into Ningxia.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 300 km (186 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 30 min
Departure: XNN (36.5275, 102.042999)
Arrival: ZHY (37.573125, 105.154454)
Route Type: Domestic
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