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CGO → SWA
Which side of the plane to sit from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (Zhengzhou) to Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (Shantou)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the dramatic Wuyi Mountains and a clearer perspective of the coastal plain transition as you descend into the Chaoshan region.
Zhengzhou-Kaifeng Urban Area
Visible shortly after takeoff, showcasing the massive urban sprawl and industrial zones of eastern Henan.
Yangtze River Crossing
The flight path crosses the mighty Yangtze near the border of Hubei and Jiangxi, providing views of large-scale shipping traffic.
Wuyi Mountains
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its jagged peaks, deep canyons, and lush greenery along the Jiangxi-Fujian border.
Fujian Tea Terraces
As the flight nears Guangdong, the rolling hills are often covered in neatly organized tea plantations.
Chaoshan Architecture
During descent, look for the traditional 'Si Dian Jin' style residential clusters unique to the Teochew region.
For afternoon flights, the left side is ideal as it remains shaded from the harsh western sun. This side is particularly scenic during the golden hour when the shadows accentuate the jagged terrain of the Wuyi Mountains. Keep an eye out for the silver glint of the Gan River tributaries about halfway through the journey.
Gan River Valley
Follow the primary waterway of Jiangxi province as it meanders through the central plains.
Lushan National Park
To the west, the famous mists and peaks of Lushan may be visible depending on the specific flight corridor and weather.
Danxia Landforms
Look for the distinctive red sandstone cliffs and steep pillars as you cross into northern Guangdong province.
Nanling Mountains
Densely forested ridges that form the natural boundary between central and southern China.
Meizhou-Heyuan Uplands
High-altitude views of the mountainous interior of eastern Guangdong before the final descent.
The right side is best for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the east. It provides an excellent perspective of the interior mountainous 'spine' of Jiangxi. Photographers should look for the high-contrast red rock formations of the Danxia landforms approximately 20 minutes before landing.
Distance: 1,247 km (775 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 40 min
Departure: CGO (34.519699096699995, 113.841003418)
Arrival: SWA (23.552, 116.5033)
Route Type: Domestic
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