Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Alma-ata to Xi'an. Right side provides superior scenery on both legs: the dramatic Tian Shan peaks during departure and the approach toward the Qinling Mountains during descent. The left side offers the Wei River detail, but the mountain views from the right are more visually striking and geographically significant.

During takeoff from Almaty (ALA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side seats capture the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southeast from Almaty, and the right wing points directly toward the dramatic peaks that dominate the landscape surrounding the city. Notable sights include: Tian Shan mountain range (snow-capped peaks), Almaty city grid below, Lake Balkhash (visible as you climb higher to the east), Ili River valley.

When landing at Xianyang (XIY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side seats offer views of the Wei River valley and the approach into Xi'an from the north. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the river's distinctive meanders and the surrounding agricultural plains that characterize this region of the North China Plain. Notable sights include: Wei River with visible meanders, North China Plain agricultural grid, Qinling Mountains (southern horizon), Xi'an urban sprawl.

The flight from Almaty (ALA) to Xianyang (XIY) takes Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

The flight path crosses the Junggar Basin and then transitions into the Tarim Basin region. Around the midpoint, you'll pass over the Tianshan Mountains' eastern extensions and the arid desert terrain of western China. The landscape transitions from the relatively green steppe near Almaty to increasingly arid and barren terrain—sparse vegetation, dried riverbeds, and vast open plains dominate the middle section. The Tian Shan's eastern ranges remain visible to the south for much of the journey. As you approach Xi'an, the terrain gradually becomes more vegetated again as you enter the Yellow River basin region, with the North China Plain becoming visible with its characteristic agricultural patchwork.