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KWE destination photo
XMN destination photo

KWEXMN

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side is preferred for the spectacular final approach into Xiamen, offering bird's-eye views of the coastal islands, the city skyline, and the unique geography of the Fujian-Taiwan Strait area.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏘️

Hakka Tulou Region

If the flight path is southerly, you may spot the circular earthen buildings characteristic of western Fujian.

🌲

Nanling Mountain Range

Dense, subtropical forests covering the boundary between the Yangtze and Pearl River watersheds.

🏖️

Xiamen Island Coastline

Dramatic views of the coastal roads, sandy beaches, and the urban density of Xiamen during the descent.

🏝️

Kinmen Island

On the final approach to Runway 05, you get a direct view of this island and its proximity to the mainland.

🌉

Haicang Bridge

One of the world's large suspension bridges connecting Xiamen island to the Haicang district.

The right side is essential for the iconic 'coastal approach' into XMN. For the best photography, choose an afternoon flight; the western sun illuminates Xiamen's skyline and the ocean beautifully. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing for the transition from the mountainous interior to the sea. Try to get a seat away from the wing to fully see the Kinmen islands and the Xiamen port.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
⛰️

Guizhou Karst Peaks

Unique limestone formations and tower karst landscapes visible immediately after departing Guiyang.

🌊

Gan River System

View of the major north-south waterway in Jiangxi province cutting through the mountainous terrain.

🏔️

Northern Wuyi Mountains

High-altitude views of the northern stretch of the Wuyi range, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for biodiversity.

🏙️

Quanzhou Outskirts

As the flight turns toward Xiamen, the industrial and urban sprawl of the greater Quanzhou area appears.

Sit on the left if you enjoy rugged mountain terrain and the deep river valleys of central China. Best viewed during morning flights when the sun is behind you, providing clear visibility of the karst shadows. During descent, look for the transition from deep forest greens to the industrial greys of the Fujian coast.

Top Activities in Xiamen
Route Information

Distance: 1,157 km (719 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min

Departure: KWE (26.53849983215332, 106.8010025024414)

Arrival: XMN (24.54400062561035, 118.12799835205078)

Route Type: Domestic

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