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ICN → DIG
Which side of the plane to sit from Incheon International Airport (Seoul) to Diqing Airport (Shangri-La)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic shift from the plains of Central China to the snow-capped giants of the Hengduan Mountains. Passengers will enjoy views of Gongga Shan and the iconic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain during the final approach into the high-altitude Shangri-La plateau.
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The Yellow Sea
Vast maritime views as the flight leaves Incheon and crosses the international waters toward the Chinese mainland.
Wuhan Megacity
A sprawling aerial view of the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers in Central China.
Gongga Shan
Visibility of the 'King of Sichuan Mountains,' the easternmost 7,000m peak in the world, standing tall above the clouds.
Jinsha River Canyons
The winding, deep-cut valleys of the upper Yangtze River carving through the rugged Yunnan terrain.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The magnificent glaciated peaks of Yulong Xueshan appearing as the aircraft descends into the Diqing region.
Book a window seat well away from the wing for unobstructed views of the Himalayas' eastern edge. Morning flights are ideal to avoid the afternoon convection clouds that often obscure the 7,000m peaks. Keep your camera ready about 40 minutes before landing for the most dramatic mountain vistas. In winter, the contrast between the brown plateau and white peaks is breathtaking.
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Shandong Coastline
Rugged coastal features and busy shipping lanes near the port city of Qingdao shortly after entering Chinese airspace.
Qinling Mountains
The massive natural mountain barrier that separates the northern and southern climatic zones of China.
Sichuan Basin Edge
The transition from the misty, green Chengdu plains to the steep, rising cliffs of the Tibetan Plateau.
Daxue Mountains
A series of high-altitude ridges and alpine lakes visible as the flight enters the Hengduan range.
Shangri-La Meadows
High-altitude pastureland and Tibetan-style hamlets with white-walled houses scattered across the valley during final descent.
The right side is excellent for seeing the sheer wall of mountains that rise from the Sichuan Basin. If flying in the late afternoon, this side will experience direct sunlight, which can be harsh for photography; use a polarized filter if possible. Watch for the change in architecture to the distinct Tibetan style as you approach Shangri-La Airport.
Book Hotels in Shangri-LaDistance: 2,716 km (1,688 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 37 min
Departure: ICN (37.46910095214844, 126.45099639892578)
Arrival: DIG (27.7936, 99.6772)
Route Type: International
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