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YZY → XIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (Zhangye) to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the majestic snow-capped Qilian Mountains and the dramatic transition into the Qinling range near Xi'an.
Qilian Mountains
Stunning views of perennial snow and high-altitude glaciers along the southern edge of the route.
Shandan Horse Ranch
View of one of the world's oldest and largest horse farms nestled at the base of the mountains.
Liupan Mountains
Dramatic green ridges and high peaks that stand out against the surrounding arid landscape.
Qinling Mountains
The massive natural boundary separating North and South China, clearly visible during the final descent into Xi'an.
The right side is superior for mountain enthusiasts. Early morning flights offer spectacular golden light hitting the glaciers of the Qilian range. As you descend toward Xi'an, look for the sharp, continuous ridge of the Qinling Mountains to the south, which marks the climatic divide of China.
Tengger Desert
Expansive views of golden dunes to the north as the flight departs the Hexi Corridor.
Yellow River
The iconic river's winding path becomes visible as you pass the Baiyin and Lanzhou regions.
Loess Plateau
Incredible aerial perspective of the world's most extensive silt plateau and its unique erosion patterns.
Wei River Plain
Lush agricultural fields and dense urban sprawl as the aircraft approaches the historic capital of Xi'an.
Sit on the left for a clear view of the sprawling Loess Plateau and the winding Yellow River. In winter, the contrasts of the desert sands against the blue sky are particularly vivid. Mid-afternoon flights provide the best shadows to emphasize the plateau's unique geological erosion and terracing.
Distance: 868 km (539 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min
Departure: YZY (38.8018989563, 100.675003052)
Arrival: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Route Type: Domestic
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