Loading map...
HGH â JHG
Which side of the plane to sit from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (Hangzhou) to Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (Jinghonggasa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers the best chance to see Hangzhou's West Lake upon departure, provides a cooler perspective away from direct southern sun, and showcases the dramatic shift from the Yangtze plains to the jagged Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.
West Lake (Xi Hu)
Hangzhou's most iconic landmark is often visible shortly after departure, depending on the takeoff path.
Poyang and Dongting Lakes
Views of China's largest freshwater lakes appearing as vast silvery mirrors in the distance.
Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau
The dramatic rise in elevation as the terrain shifts from flat plains to high-altitude canyons.
Dongchuan Red Lands
Striking patches of iron-rich red soil that create a naturally colorful patchwork on the hillsides.
Distant Snow Peaks
On very clear days, the southeastern edges of the Himalayan foothills may be visible on the far horizon.
Tropical Rainforest Canopy
A dense, vibrant green carpet of Xishuangbanna's protected forests during the arrival phase.
Book an 'F' seat for the iconic West Lake view right after takeoff. This side is generally better for photography as it faces away from the sun for most of the flight duration. Look for the transition from the industrial Yangtze Delta to the untouched tropical wilderness of Yunnan; the color change in the earth from brown to deep red is a highlight.
Qiantang River
The massive river famous for its tidal bore is visible immediately after takeoff from HGH.
Wuyi Mountains
Distant views of the verdant UNESCO World Heritage peaks along the Jiangxi-Fujian border.
Guizhou Karst Landforms
A surreal landscape of thousands of conical limestone hills stretching across the horizon.
Kunming City
A clear view of the 'City of Eternal Spring' and the massive Dian Lake during the western transit.
Lancang (Mekong) River
The upper reaches of the Mekong snaking through deep tropical valleys as you approach JHG.
Pu'er Tea Plantations
Lush green terraced hills dedicated to tea cultivation visible during the final descent.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Mekong River and Dian Lake. Be aware that on morning flights, the sun will be on this side, which may cause glare; use the window shade periodically to manage heat and light. It is particularly scenic during the golden hour before sunset when the karst hills cast long, dramatic shadows.
Distance: 2,164 km (1,345 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 53 min
Departure: HGH (30.22949981689453, 120.43399810791016)
Arrival: JHG (21.973899841308594, 100.76000213623048)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.