Kuala Lumpur to Hangzhou is 2,260 miles (3,637 km), a flight of about 4 hours 55 minutes.
While takeoff favors the right, landing views on the left are significantly more dramatic and visually rewarding. West Lake and the Qiantang River estuary provide far more distinctive scenery than the palm plantations visible during departure. The landing approach captures Hangzhou's most iconic geographic features.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the South China Sea heading northeast, passing over the Strait of Taiwan's western approaches. Around the midpoint, you'll cross into mainland Chinese airspace over Fujian Province, with the Wuyi Mountains visible to the west (left side). The route then follows the eastern coast northward, with occasional glimpses of the Zhejiang coastline and inland river valleys. The Yangtze River Delta region becomes visible in the final approach phase, with its characteristic network of waterways and agricultural fields.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from KUL
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur city sprawl as the aircraft climbs northeastward. You'll see the urban grid and surrounding palm oil plantations that dominate the landscape immediately north of KUL.
Landing at HGH
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views during descent into Hangzhou. You'll see the West Lake (Xihu) and the city's distinctive water features, plus the Qiantang River estuary as you approach from the south. The lake's curved shoreline and surrounding hills are visually striking.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) to Xiaoshan (HGH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kuala Lumpur to Hangzhou. While takeoff favors the right, landing views on the left are significantly more dramatic and visually rewarding. West Lake and the Qiantang River estuary provide far more distinctive scenery than the palm plantations visible during departure. The landing approach captures Hangzhou's most iconic geographic features.
What can I see during takeoff from Kuala Lumpur International in Kuala Lumpur?
During takeoff from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur city sprawl as the aircraft climbs northeastward. You'll see the urban grid and surrounding palm oil plantations that dominate the landscape immediately north of KUL. Notable sights include: Klang Valley urban area, Petronas Twin Towers district, Selangor River valley, surrounding palm oil plantation grid.
What can I see when landing at Xiaoshan in Hangzhou?
When landing at Xiaoshan (HGH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views during descent into Hangzhou. You'll see the West Lake (Xihu) and the city's distinctive water features, plus the Qiantang River estuary as you approach from the south. The lake's curved shoreline and surrounding hills are visually striking. Notable sights include: West Lake (Xihu), Qiantang River estuary, Hangzhou city grid, Tianmu Mountain range to the northwest.
How long is the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Hangzhou?
The flight from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) to Xiaoshan (HGH) takes about 4 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,260 miles (3,637 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kuala Lumpur to Hangzhou flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the South China Sea heading northeast, passing over the Strait of Taiwan's western approaches. Around the midpoint, you'll cross into mainland Chinese airspace over Fujian Province, with the Wuyi Mountains visible to the west (left side). The route then follows the eastern coast northward, with occasional glimpses of the Zhejiang coastline and inland river valleys. The Yangtze River Delta region becomes visible in the final approach phase, with its characteristic network of waterways and agricultural fields.