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KMG → XIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Kunming Changshui International Airport (Kunming) to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the dramatic transition from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau into the high peaks of the Qinling Mountains, providing a clear look at the snowy ridges during winter and the vast Sichuan Basin.
Search flights from KMG to XIY
Dianchi Lake
Immediately after takeoff, catch views of China's sixth-largest freshwater lake bordering Kunming's southwest.
Eastern Hengduan Mountains
Distant views of the high-altitude rugged terrain that marks the edge of the Tibetan Plateau to the west.
Sichuan Basin Edge
As the flight heads north, the landscape transforms into a dense mosaic of agricultural terraces and misty valleys.
Qinling Mountain Range
The massive geographic divider between North and South China, featuring peaks that often reach over 3,500 meters.
Xi'an Urban Approach
Aerial perspectives of the ancient capital's sprawl and the Wei River valley during the final descent.
Book a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Morning flights (08:00–11:00) are best as the sun is behind the plane, perfectly illuminating the Qinling peaks. In winter, look for the 'Snowy Qinling' effect where the northern slopes are stark white while the southern valleys remain green.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaKunming Cityscape
A great view of the 'Spring City' skyline and its rapid urban development shortly after departure.
Karst Topography
Unique limestone formations and deep sinkholes characteristic of the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau region.
Jialing River Valleys
The winding path of the Jialing River as it carves through the mountains towards the Yangtze.
High-Speed Rail Viaducts
Spot the impressive engineering of the Xi'an-Chengdu high-speed rail line cutting through the mountains.
Han River Valley
The fertile basin of the Han River, providing a lush green contrast to the surrounding mountain peaks.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to enjoy the warm 'golden hour' glow on the karst hills. Watch for the dramatic bridge engineering projects visible in the deep valleys below. If the flight path takes an eastern corridor, you may catch glimpses of the outskirts of Chongqing.
Book Hotels in Xi'anDistance: 1,181 km (734 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 34 min
Departure: KMG (25.101944399999997, 102.9291667)
Arrival: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Route Type: Domestic
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