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SYX → KMG
Which side of the plane to sit from Sanya Phoenix International Airport (Sanya) to Kunming Changshui International Airport (Kunming)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior visual experience, featuring the iconic 108-meter Nanshan Guan-yin statue shortly after takeoff and the breathtaking descent over Dianchi Lake and the Western Hills upon arrival in Kunming.
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Nanshan Guan-yin Statue
If taking off toward the west, look down to see the colossal three-sided bronze statue rising from the sea.
Gulf of Tonkin
Expansive turquoise waters of the South China Sea as the flight departs the coast of Hainan Island.
Shiwan Dashan Mountains
Dense, mist-covered mountain ranges in southern Guangxi province as you transition to the mainland.
Dianchi Lake
The massive 'Plateau Pearl' lake dominates the view during the final descent into Kunming.
Xishan (Western Hills)
Famous cliffs known as the 'Sleeping Beauty' that border the western edge of Dianchi Lake.
For the most dramatic view of the Nanshan statue, keep your camera ready within the first 5 minutes of takeoff. On the approach to Kunming, an afternoon flight provides spectacular light reflecting off Dianchi Lake. Choose a seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat blur distorting the lake views.
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Sanya Bay Skyline
A great view of the luxury resorts and the futuristic artificial Phoenix Island at the start of the trip.
Leizhou Peninsula
The southernmost tip of the Chinese mainland, visible as the flight crosses the Qiongzhou Strait.
Nanning Cityscape
Views of the capital of Guangxi, known as the 'Green City' due to its lush urban foliage.
Guangxi Karst Terrain
Distinctive pointed limestone hills and winding rivers typical of southern China's geology.
Yunnan Red Earth
As you enter Yunnan, watch for the striking high-iron red soil patterns in the agricultural fields.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It offers a better perspective of the dense urban development in Sanya and Nanning. Look for the distinct change in soil color to a deep red as the plane climbs onto the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.
Book Hotels in KunmingDistance: 1,010 km (628 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: SYX (18.30290031433105, 109.41200256347656)
Arrival: KMG (25.101944399999997, 102.9291667)
Route Type: Domestic
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