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CNX → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from Chiang Mai International Airport (Chiang Mai) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic karst peaks of Yunnan and Guizhou, and typically provides the best angle for viewing the Shanghai skyline (Lujiazui) and the Yangtze River mouth during the final approach.
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Yunnan Plateau
Witness the rugged, high-altitude terrain of Southwest China shortly after entering Chinese airspace.
Kunming Cityscape
A view of the 'City of Eternal Spring' nestled among the mountains and Dianchi Lake.
Guizhou Karst Topography
Incredible 'forest of peaks' limestone formations that dominate the landscape of Guizhou province.
Yangtze River Tributaries
Deeply carved river valleys and winding water systems as you move toward Central China.
Shanghai Skyline
On clear days during a southern approach, the iconic skyscrapers of Lujiazui are visible to the left.
Book a window seat in front of the wing for unobstructed views of the karst mountains. If the flight is in the morning, the sun will be on the right side, giving the left side better, shadow-defined views of the terrain. Look out for the Shanghai Tower during the descent.
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Mekong River
Early in the flight, see the mighty Mekong River snaking through the borders of Thailand and Laos.
Northern Laos Highlands
Dense, tropical forest canopies and steep ridges of the Luang Prabang Range.
Poyang Lake
As you enter Jiangxi, you may see the vast wetlands and water surface of China's largest freshwater lake.
Hangzhou Bay
During the descent, watch for the massive Hangzhou Bay Bridge, one of the longest trans-oceanic bridges in the world.
East China Sea Coast
View the busy shipping lanes and the complex coastline of the Zhejiang and Shanghai region.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the Chinese mainland. Keep a watch for the massive industrial ports and logistics hubs as the plane maneuvers for landing at Pudong. Visibility is often better in autumn and winter when humidity is lower.
Book Hotels in ShanghaiDistance: 2,674 km (1,662 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 34 min
Departure: CNX (18.7667999268, 98.962600708)
Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Route Type: International
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