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KHN destination photo
KMG destination photo

KHNKMG

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the vast Poyang Lake shortly after takeoff, followed by the dramatic karst topography and deep river canyons of the Guizhou plateau during the cruise phase.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
💧

Poyang Lake

Shortly after takeoff, view China's largest freshwater lake, particularly vibrant during the summer monsoon season.

🏙️

Changsha Skyline

On clear days, the urban sprawl and skyscrapers of Changsha are visible as the flight crosses the Xiang River.

🪨

Guizhou Karst Landform

A highlight of the trip, featuring thousands of limestone hills and 'forests' of peaks unique to southwest China.

🌉

Beipanjiang Valley

Look for the deep, sheer-sided river gorges that cut through the Guizhou plateau, home to some of the world's highest bridges.

🏜️

Red Earth of Yunnan

As the plane descends into Kunming, the soil transforms into a striking deep red color, characteristic of the local geology.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Guizhou mountains. High-altitude clouds often form over this region, creating a 'sea of clouds' effect—try to book a seat away from the wing for the best photography of the karst peaks poking through the mist.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
⛰️

Lu Mountain Range

View the southern foothills of the UNESCO-listed Lu Mountain shortly after departing Nanchang.

🏔️

Mount Heng (Heng Shan)

Catch a glimpse of one of China's Five Great Mountains as the flight passes through central Hunan province.

🌲

Nanling Mountains

Fly over the dense forest canopies and rugged ridges that form the natural border between Hunan and Guangdong.

🌊

Dianchi Lake

On the final approach into Kunming, look out for the expansive 'Sparkling Pearl of the Highland' to the southwest of the city.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and harsh glare. Watch for the dramatic shift in elevation as the plane crosses the border into the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. During landing at KMG, keep an eye out for the rapid urbanization of Kunming's outskirts.

Top Activities in Kunming
Route Information

Distance: 1,351 km (839 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 48 min

Departure: KHN (28.864999771118164, 115.9000015258789)

Arrival: KMG (25.101944399999997, 102.9291667)

Route Type: Domestic

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