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CAN → DIG
Which side of the plane to sit from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Guangzhou) to Diqing Airport (Shangri-La)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers unparalleled views of the iconic snow-capped peaks of the Hengduan Mountains, including Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountain, as the plane descends into the high-altitude plateau of Shangri-La.
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Northern Karst Formations
Aerial perspective of the unique cluster mountains of northern Guangxi and southern Guizhou.
Yulong Snow Mountain
The magnificent 5,596m Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, featuring permanent glaciers and 13 jagged peaks.
Haba Snow Mountain
A close-up view of the 5,396m summit, standing opposite Jade Dragon across the deep gorge.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
The deep, narrow canyon where the Jinsha River thunders between two massive mountain ranges.
Dukezong Ancient Town
Just before landing, spot the traditional Tibetan architecture and the world's largest prayer wheel on the hilltop.
This is the premier side for peak-bagging from your window. The best views occur 15-25 minutes before landing. Morning flights (departing 8:00-10:00 AM) are ideal for light hitting the eastern faces of the snow mountains. Be prepared for occasional turbulence as the aircraft flies over the high mountain passes.
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Guangzhou CBD
Aerial view of the Canton Tower and the dense skyline of the Pearl River Delta immediately after takeoff.
Guangxi Karst
The dramatic, conical limestone hills of Guangxi province stretching toward the horizon.
Dianchi Lake
Occasional distant views of the massive freshwater lake near Kunming as you cross into Yunnan.
Jinsha River Bends
Dramatic, serpentine loops of the upper Yangtze River carving through deep mountain valleys.
Balagezong Massif
Rugged, high-altitude ridges of the Shangri-La Grand Canyon area during the final approach.
The left side is best for morning flights to avoid harsh sunlight. It provides excellent views of the initial climb over Guangzhou. During descent, look for the 'First Bend of the Yangtze' if the flight path follows the southern arrival corridor. Seasonal tip: Summer provides lush green valleys, while winter reveals sharper, snow-dusted ridges.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,450 km (901 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 56 min
Departure: CAN (23.39240074157715, 113.29900360107422)
Arrival: DIG (27.7936, 99.6772)
Route Type: Domestic
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