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LJG → CAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Lijiang Airport (Lijiang) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Guangzhou)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for its dramatic departure views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the higher density of karst mountain clusters throughout Guizhou and northern Guangxi.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Visible almost immediately after takeoff, this 5,596m peak provides a stunning backdrop to the Lijiang basin.
Jinsha River
Watch for the dramatic bends of the upper Yangtze River as it carves through deep canyons in northern Yunnan.
Guizhou Karst Landscapes
Dense clusters of conical limestone hills stretch across the horizon as you cross the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.
Guiyang Skyline
On clear days, the dense high-rise architecture of Guizhou's capital is visible to the north of the flight path.
Hezhou Karst Forest
Striking limestone formations similar to Yangshuo are visible as the flight enters the northern reaches of Guangxi.
Book a morning flight (before 10:00 AM) to catch the sunrise reflecting off the snow-capped peaks of Lijiang. Sit several rows behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the ground as the aircraft descends into the Pearl River Delta. In summer, morning flights also help avoid the heavy cloud cover that typically forms over the plateau by afternoon.
Wumeng Mountains
A massive mountain range along the border of Yunnan and Guizhou offering rugged, high-altitude terrain views.
Nanpan River Valley
The winding river marks the transition from the high plateau down toward the lower hills of southern China.
Dinghu Mountain
As you approach Guangzhou, look for this lush, green nature reserve known as the 'emerald on the Tropic of Cancer'.
West River (Xijiang)
The main artery of the Pearl River system becomes visible as you enter the outskirts of the Guangdong province.
Pearl River Delta Sprawl
The massive urban corridor of Foshan and Guangzhou creates an endless sea of lights and industry during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the southern sun. During the descent into CAN, this side often provides a broader view of the sprawling Foshan and Guangzhou metropolitan areas, which is especially spectacular at night. Keep an eye out for the vast network of bridges crossing the various branches of the Pearl River.
Distance: 1,364 km (848 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 49 min
Departure: LJG (26.6800003052, 100.246002197)
Arrival: CAN (23.39240074157715, 113.29900360107422)
Route Type: Domestic
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