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YIH → KMG
Which side of the plane to sit from Yichang Sanxia Airport (Yichang) to Kunming Changshui International Airport (Kunming)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the dramatic karst topography of the Wulong region and the deep river canyons of the Wujiang and Beipanjiang rivers.
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Three Gorges Hinterland
View the dramatic limestone cliffs and the beginning of the reservoir system west of Yichang.
Wulong Karst Landscape
Spectacular UNESCO-listed karst formations, including deep sinkholes and natural stone bridges.
Wujiang River Canyon
The plane crosses the deep, emerald-green waters of the Wujiang River cutting through vertical cliffs.
Daba Mountains
Distant views of the high mountain peaks that define the border between Sichuan and Hubei.
Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau
A stunning transition from the low-lying river basins to the high-altitude plateau of Yunnan.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to capture the golden hour light hitting the karst peaks. Be sure to look down approximately 30-40 minutes into the flight for the most dramatic canyon views. Cloud cover is common over Guizhou, so a clear day is essential for the best experience.
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Yangtze River Bends
Immediately after takeoff, witness the massive Yangtze River snaking through the Hubei hills.
Guizhou Highlands
Expansive views of the rolling green hills and stepped agricultural terraces characteristic of the region.
Maotai Region
Fly over the rugged valleys of northern Guizhou, home to famous distillery landscapes.
Qujing Urban Sprawl
The largest city in eastern Yunnan appears as a dense cluster amidst the high plateau.
Dianchi Lake
On the final descent into Kunming, look for the shimmering expanse of Yunnan's largest freshwater lake.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct western sun. This side is particularly scenic during the final 15 minutes of the flight when approaching Kunming from the south, offering views of the city's waterfront.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,036 km (644 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min
Departure: YIH (30.55655, 111.479988)
Arrival: KMG (25.101944399999997, 102.9291667)
Route Type: Domestic
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