The left side benefits from the Qilian Shan foothills visible along the Hexi Corridor during cruise and the dramatic Tian Shan approach into Urumqi, giving it sustained mountain scenery absent from the right side's flatter desert and basin views.
Flown SZX to URC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shenzhen to Urumqi is 2,097 miles (3,375 km), a flight of about 5 hours 5 minutes.
Sichuan Basin, Qinling Mountains foothills, Hexi Corridor along the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and the western Gobi Desert approaching Xinjiang
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SZX
RIGHTDeparting SZX, the climb-out typically tracks north over the Pearl River Delta, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Shenzhen's dense skyline and Shenzhen Bay before the terrain flattens into Guangdong's hill country. The left side mostly shows undifferentiated green hills with little definition.
Landing at URC
LEFTArrivals into URC commonly approach from the east and land to the west, putting the jagged, snow-streaked Tian Shan range on the left side of the aircraft during final descent. The right side instead overlooks the flat, brown expanse of the Junggar Basin, which is far less visually striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baoan (SZX) to Diwopu (URC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shenzhen to Urumqi. The left side benefits from the Qilian Shan foothills visible along the Hexi Corridor during cruise and the dramatic Tian Shan approach into Urumqi, giving it sustained mountain scenery absent from the right side's flatter desert and basin views.
What can I see during takeoff from Baoan in Shenzhen?
During takeoff from Baoan (SZX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SZX, the climb-out typically tracks north over the Pearl River Delta, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Shenzhen's dense skyline and Shenzhen Bay before the terrain flattens into Guangdong's hill country. The left side mostly shows undifferentiated green hills with little definition. Notable sights include: Shenzhen Bay, Pearl River Delta urban sprawl, Shenzhen skyline, distant Dongguan hills.
What can I see when landing at Diwopu in Urumqi?
When landing at Diwopu (URC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into URC commonly approach from the east and land to the west, putting the jagged, snow-streaked Tian Shan range on the left side of the aircraft during final descent. The right side instead overlooks the flat, brown expanse of the Junggar Basin, which is far less visually striking. Notable sights include: Tian Shan range, Bogda Peak foothills, Urumqi city basin, Junggar Basin desert edge.
How long is the flight from Shenzhen to Urumqi?
The flight from Baoan (SZX) to Diwopu (URC) takes about 5 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,097 miles (3,375 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shenzhen to Urumqi flight path pass over?
Sichuan Basin, Qinling Mountains foothills, Hexi Corridor along the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and the western Gobi Desert approaching Xinjiang