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XIY → KMG
Which side of the plane to sit from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (Xi'an) to Kunming Changshui International Airport (Kunming)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the rugged peaks of the Qinling Mountains and the dramatic canyons of the upper Yangtze River system as you enter the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.
Qinling Mountain Range
Soar over the massive granite peaks that form the primary geographic and climatic divide between North and South China.
Min Mountains Peaks
In exceptional visibility, look west to spot the shimmering snow-capped peaks on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
High-Altitude Engineering
Spot incredible engineering marvels including high-altitude bridges and expressway tunnels cutting through the mountain rock.
Jinsha River Gorges
View the upper reaches of the Yangtze River as it carves deep, dramatic canyons through the northern Yunnan terrain.
Dianchi Lake
Capture views of the 'Sparkling Pearl of the Plateau' near Kunming during the descent and landing pattern.
The right side is perfect for capturing the dramatic topography of the Qinling range roughly 15 to 20 minutes after departure. In winter or early spring, the snow line on these mountains is clearly visible. For the best lighting on the mountain faces, choose an afternoon flight when the sun is in the west.
Xi'an Urban Grid
View the organized layout of the historic capital and its modern expansion shortly after takeoff.
Han River Valley
Follow the emerald waters of the Han River as it winds between the Qinling and Daba mountain ranges.
Daba Mountains
Observe the dense, cloud-shrouded forests of the Daba mountain system in southern Shaanxi.
Sichuan Basin Edge
Glimpse the eastern edge of the fertile, often misty basin known as China's 'Land of Abundance'.
Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau
Witness the dramatic karst landscape and rolling hills as the flight enters the higher altitudes of the southwest.
Choosing the left side for morning departures avoids the glare of the eastern sun. On approach to Kunming, look for the unique red-soil terraces that are characteristic of the Yunnan landscape. This side is also generally calmer for photography during the early parts of the day.
Distance: 1,181 km (734 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 34 min
Departure: XIY (34.447102, 108.751999)
Arrival: KMG (25.101944399999997, 102.9291667)
Route Type: Domestic
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