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HGH → YIH
Which side of the plane to sit from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (Hangzhou) to Yichang Sanxia Airport (Yichang)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the dramatic Anhui mountain ranges and the winding Qiantang River early in the flight, followed by the lush topography of southern Hubei.
Qiantang River
Immediately after takeoff from HGH, view the massive winding silver ribbon of the Qiantang River as it heads toward the East China Sea.
Southern Anhui Mountains
Mid-flight views of the rugged, mist-covered peaks of the Huangshan and Jiuhua mountain regions as you traverse Anhui Province.
Dabie Mountains South Range
Rugged, densely forested ridges of the southern Dabie Mountains providing a textured green carpet beneath the wing.
Jingzhou City
View the historic city of Jingzhou and the complex network of canals and lakes surrounding the Yangtze River basin.
For the best experience, choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. An afternoon flight (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM) provides excellent side-lighting for the mountain ridges without the direct glare of the sun which will be further west. Watch for the dramatic change from the flat plains of Zhejiang to the jagged peaks of Anhui.
West Lake (Departure)
Depending on the takeoff direction, catch a glimpse of the iconic West Lake and Hangzhou's urban sprawl to the north.
Wuhan Urban Core
On clear days, see the massive metropolitan area of Wuhan and its numerous bridges crossing the wide Yangtze River.
Yangtze River Bends
Observe the dramatic 'S' curves and heavy barge traffic of the Yangtze as the flight follows the river's path westward.
Three Gorges Foothills
As you descend into Yichang, the terrain transitions into the steep, limestone karst-like foothills that lead into the Three Gorges.
The right side is ideal for spotting the industrial and urban landscape of the Yangtze corridor. In summer months, look for the 'sea of clouds' that often forms over the Hubei plains during morning flights. On arrival at YIH, look for the Xiling Bridge in the distance if the visibility is high.
Distance: 859 km (534 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: HGH (30.22949981689453, 120.43399810791016)
Arrival: YIH (30.55655, 111.479988)
Route Type: Domestic
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