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SHA → KMG
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Shanghai) to Kunming Changshui International Airport (Kunming)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic transition from the Yangtze Delta plains to the spectacular karst mountain formations of Guizhou and the high-altitude landscapes of the Yunnan Plateau.
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Shanghai Urban Sprawl
Aerial views of the massive Shanghai metropolis and the Huangpu River shortly after takeoff.
Huangshan Range
Possible sightings of the iconic granite peaks of the Yellow Mountain in southern Anhui.
Poyang Lake
China's largest freshwater lake visible as a massive blue expanse in northern Jiangxi.
Guizhou Karst Topography
A breathtaking sea of limestone peaks and deep valleys as the flight crosses into Guizhou province.
Beipanjiang Bridge
Spotting some of the world's highest bridges spanning deep canyons in the final third of the flight.
Kunming Basin
The final descent offers views of Dianchi Lake and the 'City of Eternal Spring' surrounded by mountains.
For morning flights, the left side avoids direct southern sun glare. Keep your camera ready about 70-90 minutes into the flight as the terrain shifts from flat farmland to jagged mountain peaks. During spring, the yellow rapeseed fields in the valleys are particularly vibrant.
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Taihu Lake
A vast, shimmering lake near Suzhou visible shortly after leaving the Shanghai terminal area.
Yangtze River Meanders
Glimpses of the winding Yangtze River and its busy shipping lanes to the north.
Lushan Mountain
The famous mist-covered peaks in northern Jiangxi rising above the surrounding plains.
Dongting Lake
Views of the massive flood basin of the Yangtze in Hunan province.
Wuling Mountains
Rugged forested ridges and deep valleys marking the edge of the central Chinese highlands.
The right side is ideal for spotting large water bodies and river systems. For late afternoon flights, sit here to catch the sunset over the horizon, though be prepared for potential window glare. Look for the distinct silver ribbon of the Yangtze in the distance.
Book Hotels in KunmingDistance: 1,925 km (1,196 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 34 min
Departure: SHA (31.19790077209473, 121.33599853515624)
Arrival: KMG (25.101944399999997, 102.9291667)
Route Type: Domestic
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