Shenzhen Airlines opened a direct flight to Diqing in Yunnan Province yesterday morning, freeing tourists from the fatigue of a long-distance journey by train.

The seats of the maiden direct flight from Shenzhen to Diqing, a Zang autonomous area which includes the scenic spot of Shangri-La, were all taken.

The flight ZH9711 leaves for Diqing at 8 a.m. daily and arrives two and a half hours later. The flight ZH9712 leaves 11:20 a.m. daily from Diqing and arrives in Shenzhen at 1:30 p.m.

The Shenzhen company introduced the flight to Diqing in May 2004, with a stopover at Guiyang City, Guizhou Province. But the flight was suspended in August that year due to thin profits.

Meanwhile, China Southern Airlines resumed the flight from Shenzhen to the Huangshan Mountain on Friday, to meet the demand during the upcoming peak summer holiday season. The Huangshan Mountain is a favorite destination of Shenzhen residents, according to local travel agencies.

The plane bound for the Huangshan Mountain leaves every Monday and Friday during the travel season through Oct. 28. The flight CZ3585 takes off at 8 p.m. from Shenzhen and arrives at the Hungshan airport at 9:15 p.m. The return flight CZ3586 leaves at 10:45 p.m. and arrives in Shenzhen at 0:15 a.m.

(Shenzhen Daily July 10, 2006)