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YIH → SYX
Which side of the plane to sit from Yichang Sanxia Airport (Yichang) to Sanya Phoenix International Airport (Sanya)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer scenic views of South China's topography, the Right Side is the clear winner for its unparalleled views of the karst mountain formations in Guangxi and the iconic Nanshan Guanyin statue during the final approach into Sanya.
Search flights from YIH to SYX
Karst Topography
Fly over the surreal 'sugarloaf' limestone mountains characteristic of western Hunan and eastern Guangxi.
Hunan Highlands
View the intricate patterns of terraced farming and misty mountain ridges in southern China.
Leizhou Peninsula
Trace the edge of the southernmost point of mainland China before heading over the South China Sea.
Nanshan Guanyin Statue
The absolute highlight: a massive 108-meter white statue standing in the sea, often visible during the western approach to SYX.
West Island
Enjoy views of the turquoise waters and coral reefs surrounding Xidao (West Island) just off the Sanya coast.
The right side is essential for the Guanyin statue view; most flights landing at SYX from the west or north will pass right by it. For sunset flights, this side offers spectacular views of the sun dipping into the South China Sea. Keep your camera ready as soon as the plane starts descending over the ocean.
Book Hotels in SanyaYangtze River Bend
Watch the winding curves of the Yangtze River shortly after departing Yichang Sanxia Airport.
Dongting Lake
Glimpse the vast expanse of China's second-largest freshwater lake as you fly over Hunan province.
Changsha Cityscape
On clear days, see the sprawling urban landscape of the capital of Hunan to the east.
Qiongzhou Strait
Observe the busy shipping lanes and ferries crossing the narrow gap between Guangdong and Hainan Island.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh afternoon sun. This side provides a better perspective of the eastern Hainan coastline as the aircraft begins its descent into the tropical south.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 1,378 km (856 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 50 min
Departure: YIH (30.55655, 111.479988)
Arrival: SYX (18.30290031433105, 109.41200256347656)
Route Type: Domestic
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