Kunming to Shanghai is 1,195 miles (1,923 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
The right side offers Dianchi Lake and karst hills at departure plus a glimpse of the Huangpu River and Shanghai's skyline on arrival, giving it more visual variety than the flatter, less distinctive left-side views over most of the route.
Flight Path
Guizhou-Hunan karst plateau, low hill ranges of Jiangxi, transitioning into the flat Yangtze River delta plains approaching Shanghai
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KMG
RIGHTDeparting KMG toward the northeast, the initial turn onto the Shanghai heading brings Dianchi Lake and the karst hills south of Kunming into view on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter northern Yunnan plateau with less definition.
Landing at SHA
RIGHTOn approach into Hongqiao from the west, the final turn typically swings the aircraft so the right side faces south toward the Huangpu River and the denser high-rise clusters of central Shanghai, while the left side looks over flatter, less distinctive delta farmland.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) to Hongqiao International (SHA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kunming to Shanghai. The right side offers Dianchi Lake and karst hills at departure plus a glimpse of the Huangpu River and Shanghai's skyline on arrival, giving it more visual variety than the flatter, less distinctive left-side views over most of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming?
During takeoff from Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing KMG toward the northeast, the initial turn onto the Shanghai heading brings Dianchi Lake and the karst hills south of Kunming into view on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter northern Yunnan plateau with less definition. Notable sights include: Dianchi Lake, Kunming city outskirts, Yunnan karst hills.
What can I see when landing at Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
When landing at Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Hongqiao from the west, the final turn typically swings the aircraft so the right side faces south toward the Huangpu River and the denser high-rise clusters of central Shanghai, while the left side looks over flatter, less distinctive delta farmland. Notable sights include: Huangpu River, Shanghai skyline (Pudong towers in distance), Yangtze River delta farmland.
How long is the flight from Kunming to Shanghai?
The flight from Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,195 miles (1,923 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kunming to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Guizhou-Hunan karst plateau, low hill ranges of Jiangxi, transitioning into the flat Yangtze River delta plains approaching Shanghai