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SYX → KWL
Which side of the plane to sit from Sanya Phoenix International Airport (Sanya) to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (Guilin)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic central highlands of Hainan, the urban landscape of Haikou, and the iconic winding Li River as you descend into Guilin.
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Sanya Bay
Panoramic views of the 'Oriental Hawaii' coastline and the artificial Phoenix Island immediately after takeoff.
Wuzhi Mountain
The central mountainous spine of Hainan, featuring lush tropical rainforests and jagged peaks.
Haikou Skyline
A clear view of the provincial capital and the impressive Haikou Century Bridge crossing the Haidian River.
Qiongzhou Strait
Watch the busy maritime traffic and train ferries connecting Hainan Island to the mainland.
Li River Valley
The highlight of the trip: the world-famous winding river surrounded by thousands of limestone karst peaks near Guilin.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to keep the sun behind the plane. For the best view of the Karst mountains, stay alert during the final 20 minutes of the flight; the descent into Guilin (KWL) often loops over the Li River valley, offering postcard-perfect photo opportunities.
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Nanshan Guanyin
If departing to the west, look down to see the massive 108-meter bronze statue standing in the sea.
Beibu Gulf
Expansive views of the Gulf of Tonkin as the flight leaves the northern coast of Hainan Island.
Leizhou Peninsula
The red soil and agricultural patterns of China's southernmost mainland peninsula.
Western Karst Range
The first glimpses of limestone peaks emerging from the clouds during the initial descent phase.
Choose the left side for sunset views on evening flights to avoid direct glare while still capturing the atmospheric silhouette of the Guangxi mountains. Keep an eye out for the Nanshan statue immediately after takeoff if the flight path heads westward over the sea.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 772 km (480 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 17 min
Departure: SYX (18.30290031433105, 109.41200256347656)
Arrival: KWL (25.21809959411621, 110.03900146484376)
Route Type: Domestic
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