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PVG → KMG
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Kunming Changshui International Airport (Kunming)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for viewing the varied topography of southern China, including the lush mountains of Hunan and the dramatic karst plateaus of Guizhou, often benefiting from better lighting during westbound flights.
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Hangzhou Bay
Marvel at the expansive coastal waters and the Qiantang River estuary shortly after takeoff from Shanghai.
Poyang Lake
See the vast southern reaches of China's largest freshwater lake and its surrounding wetlands in Jiangxi province.
Wuling Mountains
Observe the dense, jagged peaks of the Hunan mountain ranges stretching across the central-south horizon.
Guizhou Karst
Look for unique sinkholes and rounded, emerald-green hills characteristic of the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau.
Dianchi Lake
Catch a glimpse of the 'Sparkling Pearl' lake as the aircraft maneuvers for the final descent into Kunming.
Book a morning flight to have the sun behind the plane for the best clarity of the landscape. As the flight progresses west, the transition from the flat Yangtze Delta to the high plateau of Yunnan is visually striking. In early spring, look for the vibrant yellow rapeseed flower fields in the valleys below.
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Get eSIMs for ChinaShanghai Skyline
Catch a distant glimpse of the Lujiazui financial district and the massive urban sprawl of the Pudong area.
Taihu Lake
View the massive, circular lake near Suzhou, which is a focal point of the fertile Jiangnan region.
Yangtze River Valley
Spot the winding course of the Yangtze River to the north as it flows through the Hubei plains.
Dongting Lake
See the northern wetland habitats near Yueyang where the Yangtze meets its major tributaries.
Hengduan Foothills
Witness the beginning of the rugged mountain ranges as you cross into the high-altitude Yunnan province.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or sunset flights to avoid direct glare while watching the horizon turn gold. Keep an eye out for the massive bridges crossing the Yangtze River, which are often visible even from high cruising altitudes. During winter, look for snow-dusted peaks as you approach Kunming.
Book Hotels in KunmingDistance: 1,966 km (1,222 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 37 min
Departure: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Arrival: KMG (25.101944399999997, 102.9291667)
Route Type: Domestic
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