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CGO destination photo
SWA destination photo

CGOSWA

Our Recommendation
7.8

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
💧

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.

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Route Information

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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