The left side consistently faces south along this route, capturing Hangzhou Bay at departure, the increasingly mountainous terrain of Jiangxi, Hunan, and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau during cruise, and Dianchi Lake with the Western Hills on final approach into Kunming.
Flown SHA to KMG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Kunming is 1,195 miles (1,923 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Crossing the Wuling and Xuefeng mountain ranges of Hunan into the karst uplands of Guizhou, then descending onto the high Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau near Kunming
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SHA
LEFTDeparting SHA toward the southwest, the left side faces south, giving a good look at Hangzhou Bay and the Qiantang River estuary as the aircraft climbs away from the Yangtze Delta. The right side only shows the flat, hazy delta plains stretching north toward Suzhou.
Landing at KMG
LEFTOn approach into Kunming from the east, the aircraft typically continues its descent toward the southwest runways, keeping Dianchi Lake and the Western Hills (Xishan) on the left side of the plane. The right side mostly shows the flatter northern edge of the Kunming basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Kunming. The left side consistently faces south along this route, capturing Hangzhou Bay at departure, the increasingly mountainous terrain of Jiangxi, Hunan, and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau during cruise, and Dianchi Lake with the Western Hills on final approach into Kunming.
What can I see during takeoff from Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SHA toward the southwest, the left side faces south, giving a good look at Hangzhou Bay and the Qiantang River estuary as the aircraft climbs away from the Yangtze Delta. The right side only shows the flat, hazy delta plains stretching north toward Suzhou. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay, Qiantang River estuary, East China Sea coastline, Shanghai's southwestern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming?
When landing at Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Kunming from the east, the aircraft typically continues its descent toward the southwest runways, keeping Dianchi Lake and the Western Hills (Xishan) on the left side of the plane. The right side mostly shows the flatter northern edge of the Kunming basin. Notable sights include: Dianchi Lake, Xishan (Western Hills), Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau karst ridges, Kunming city basin.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Kunming?
The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) takes about 3 hours 30 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 Shanghai to Kunming flight path pass over?
Crossing the Wuling and Xuefeng mountain ranges of Hunan into the karst uplands of Guizhou, then descending onto the high Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau near Kunming