Guilin to Lanzhou flight pathKWLLHW

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Flight time2h 15m
Distance868
Heading336° → 332°

Guilin to Lanzhou is 868 miles (1,397 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.

Best side
RightMostly right

Right-side seats provide superior views on both legs: dramatic karst peaks during Guilin departure and better perspective of the Yellow River gorge during Lanzhou approach. The flight path generally trends northwest, making right-side seats advantageous for the majority of the journey.

Takeoff · KWLRIGHTLi River winding through karst formations, Diecai Mountain and Elephant Trunk Hill to the north, Guilin city sprawl to the east
Landing · LHWLEFTYellow River with its characteristic muddy-brown color, Lanzhou city in the narrow river valley, Loess Plateau terrain with eroded gullies

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The flight path crosses from Guilin's karst landscape northwestward through Hunan and Sichuan provinces. Notable features include the Yangtze River valley (visible around 45 minutes into flight), the transition from karst to loess terrain around Chongqing area, and the increasingly arid Loess Plateau landscape as the aircraft approaches Lanzhou. The Qinling Mountains form a natural boundary visible in the distance during the mid-flight segment. Visibility of these features depends heavily on weather conditions, which can be hazy in this region.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from KWL

RIGHT

Guilin typically departs runway 02/20 (north-south orientation). Right-side seats facing northwest during initial climb offer views of the Li River valley and karst peaks immediately surrounding the airport. Left seats would face the industrial areas and less dramatic terrain.

Li River winding through karst formationsDiecai Mountain and Elephant Trunk Hill to the northGuilin city sprawl to the eastkarst limestone peaks dotting the valley floor

Landing at LHW

LEFT

Lanzhou Zhongchuan typically uses runway 06/24 (east-west orientation). Left-side seats during approach from the east offer views of the Yellow River (Huang He) gorge cutting through the Loess Plateau, with the river's distinctive muddy color and the city nestled in the narrow valley. Right seats would see less dramatic terrain.

Yellow River with its characteristic muddy-brown colorLanzhou city in the narrow river valleyLoess Plateau terrain with eroded gulliesQincheng Mountain overlooking the city

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Liangjiang (KWL) to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Guilin to Lanzhou. Right-side seats provide superior views on both legs: dramatic karst peaks during Guilin departure and better perspective of the Yellow River gorge during Lanzhou approach. The flight path generally trends northwest, making right-side seats advantageous for the majority of the journey.

What can I see during takeoff from Liangjiang in Guilin?

During takeoff from Liangjiang (KWL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Guilin typically departs runway 02/20 (north-south orientation). Right-side seats facing northwest during initial climb offer views of the Li River valley and karst peaks immediately surrounding the airport. Left seats would face the industrial areas and less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Li River (Lijiang) winding through karst formations, Diecai Mountain and Elephant Trunk Hill to the north, Guilin city sprawl to the east, karst limestone peaks dotting the valley floor.

What can I see when landing at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport in Lanzhou?

When landing at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Lanzhou Zhongchuan typically uses runway 06/24 (east-west orientation). Left-side seats during approach from the east offer views of the Yellow River (Huang He) gorge cutting through the Loess Plateau, with the river's distinctive muddy color and the city nestled in the narrow valley. Right seats would see less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Yellow River (Huang He) with its characteristic muddy-brown color, Lanzhou city in the narrow river valley, Loess Plateau terrain with eroded gullies, Qincheng Mountain overlooking the city.

How long is the flight from Guilin to Lanzhou?

The flight from Liangjiang (KWL) to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 868 miles (1,397 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Guilin to Lanzhou flight path pass over?

The flight path crosses from Guilin's karst landscape northwestward through Hunan and Sichuan provinces. Notable features include the Yangtze River valley (visible around 45 minutes into flight), the transition from karst to loess terrain around Chongqing area, and the increasingly arid Loess Plateau landscape as the aircraft approaches Lanzhou. The Qinling Mountains form a natural boundary visible in the distance during the mid-flight segment. Visibility of these features depends heavily on weather conditions, which can be hazy in this region.