Loading map...
XMN → NKG
Which side of the plane to sit from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (Xiamen) to Nanjing Lukou Airport (Nanjing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior mix of coastal geography, including the Kinmen Islands right after takeoff, the dramatic river estuaries of Fujian, and the sprawling water networks of the Yangtze River Delta during descent.
Kinmen Islands
Clear views of the Kinmen archipelago located just off the coast of Xiamen immediately after departure.
Min River Estuary
The expansive delta where the Min River meets the East China Sea near the city of Fuzhou.
Wenzhou Archipelago
Clusters of small islands and coastal aquaculture farms scattered along the rugged Zhejiang coastline.
Taihu Lake
One of China's largest freshwater lakes, visible on the horizon to the east during the mid-to-late stage of the flight.
Nanjing Urban Skyline
Views of the sprawling Nanjing metropolitan area and the Purple Mountain as the flight aligns for landing at Lukou.
Sit on the right for the best coastal photography. Takeoff from XMN often provides an immediate view of Kinmen. For afternoon flights, this side offers the best lighting for the coast. During the final 10 minutes, look for the complex network of canals and lakes that define the region south of Nanjing.
Xiamen Mainland Coast
Bird's eye view of the Jimei and Haicang districts as the plane climbs out of Gaoqi Airport.
Fujian Mountain Ranges
Dense, rolling green peaks of the Daiyun and Wuyi foothills that dominate the central part of the route.
Fuchun River
The scenic, winding river system in Zhejiang province, famous for its historical and artistic significance.
Mogan Mountain Area
The lush bamboo forests and resort areas of northern Zhejiang visible before entering Jiangsu airspace.
Ma'anshan & Yangtze Bend
Industrial landscapes and the massive curve of the Yangtze River near the Anhui-Jiangsu border during descent.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct sun. It provides a more rugged, mountainous view. Keep your camera ready about 15 minutes before landing to see the industrial infrastructure and river traffic near the Yangtze.
Distance: 804 km (500 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 20 min
Departure: XMN (24.54400062561035, 118.12799835205078)
Arrival: NKG (31.742000579833984, 118.86199951171876)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.