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XMN → TYN
Which side of the plane to sit from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (Xiamen) to Taiyuan Wusu Airport (Taiyuan)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more diverse landscape, featuring the rugged peaks of the Wuyi Mountains, the expansive waters of Poyang Lake, and the distinct erosion patterns of the Loess Plateau as you enter North China.
Xiamen Island & Jimei
Aerial views of Xiamen's dense urban layout, the Gaoqi airport perimeter, and the bridges connecting the island to the mainland.
Wuyi Mountains
The flight passes over this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its dramatic karst peaks and winding river valleys.
Poyang Lake
China's largest freshwater lake is often visible to the west, appearing as a massive silver mirror depending on the water levels.
Yangtze River Crossing
A clear view of the winding Yangtze River as it cuts through the central plains near the Hubei/Jiangxi border.
The Yellow River
The distinct silt-heavy brown waters of the Huang He are visible as you cross from Henan into Shanxi province.
Choose a seat well ahead of the wing to capture the transition from the green mountains of Fujian to the yellow-brown Loess Plateau. For morning flights, the left side is the 'shadow side,' which provides better lighting for photography without glare. Look for the terraced hillsides near Taiyuan which are particularly striking in the late afternoon sun.
Kinmen Island
Immediately after takeoff, you can often see the outlying islands of Kinmen across the narrow strait.
Southeast China Hills
Continuous stretches of lush, forested rolling hills that characterize the interior of Fujian and Jiangxi.
Central Plains Heartland
A bird's eye view of the vast agricultural grid and rural settlements of Henan province, the cradle of Chinese civilization.
Taihang Mountains
As you approach Taiyuan, the massive Taihang range rises to the east, forming a natural wall between Shanxi and the North China Plain.
Fen River Valley
The final descent follows the industrial and residential corridor of the Fen River valley leading into Taiyuan.
The right side is ideal for seeing the sun rise over the Taiwan Strait if you are on an early morning departure. During the final 20 minutes of the flight, keep your eyes peeled for the steep eastern escarpments of the Taihang Mountains. Be aware that the right side can get very bright and hot during afternoon flights due to direct sunlight.
Distance: 1,558 km (968 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 5 min
Departure: XMN (24.54400062561035, 118.12799835205078)
Arrival: TYN (37.74689865112305, 112.62799835205078)
Route Type: Domestic
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